(Washington, D.C.) — Following the Texas GOP Senate Primary, where Ted Cruz secured a run-off against David Dewhurst, Independent Women's Voice President & CEO Heather R. Higgins released the following statement:

"Last night, Ted Cruz became just the most recent candidate who may not have been the establishment favorite, but who was a signer of the ObamaCare Repeal Pledge and did well in his primary. After last night’s returns, on July 31st, Cruz will face David Dewhurst in a runoff election for the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate. We offer our congratulations to him on securing a spot in the run-off contest.

"Of the four major contenders for this Texas U.S. Senate seat contested tonight, only David Dewhurst had not signed the ObamaCare Repeal Pledge. More than 51% of the votes cast in the primary were for candidates who had signed the Pledge.

"The last month has established the power of the Pledge. Signers Richard Mourdock of Indiana and Deb Fischer of Nebraska surged past heavily favored opposition to secure victories in those state's contests after signing the Pledge while their closest competitor's did not.

"In fact, recent polling data showed that the impact of having signed the Pledge weighed more heavily in Nebraska voters' minds than Sarah Palin's endorsement of Deb Fischer.

"We don’t presume to claim that the Repeal Pledge was responsible for these electoral victories, but we do note that voters are finding it an extremely useful marker and contrast point which helps them distinguish between the candidates who intend to walk the talk, versus those who seem likely full of hot air.

"If David Dewhurst is serious about ObamaCare repeal, he should sign the ObamaCare Repeal Pledge today."