After dropping out of the 2016 Republican presidential race last month, George Pataki officially endorsed Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., for president on Tuesday.

The former New York governor ended his own bid for the White House last December following a lackluster campaign, low polling numbers and a lack of fundraising support.

While speaking to Fox News anchor Martha MacCallum, Pataki announced that he is now backing the Florida senator and will do all in his power to help him get elected.

"I took a look at all the candidates, and in my mind one person who stands out, that's Senator Marco Rubio," said Pataki. "We need someone who is going to bring Americans together. Senator Rubio has the leadership. He has the vision. He has the intelligence from Congress to understand what it takes to defend us against radical Islam."

Pataki went on to slam both 2016 hopefuls Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, calling them divisive while blasting Trump for pushing bigoted policies.

"We have had a president who has divided us for political benefit. Hillary Clinton is always dividing us for her benefit. Donald Trump is dividing us so he gets the benefit. Marco Rubio is going to bring us together, and make us understand we are all Americans with a common future. I'm proud to endorse him. And I don't just intend to endorse him, I'm going to do everything I can to help Senator Rubio win this election," he said.

In a separate written statement, Pataki stated that Rubio has the best chance to defeat Clinton, the Democratic front-runner, in a general election.

"I fear if Donald Trump is our party's nominee, then Hillary Clinton will be President," he said. "Fortunately, Republicans who want to win have a conservative alternative in Marco Rubio - a person who will not only unite our party, but defeat Hillary Clinton in November."

Related