Clinton and Sanders during a campaign rally in Portsmouth, N.H., July 12

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — Senator Bernie Sanders endorsed former presidential rival Hillary Clinton as the Democratic nominee ahead of the party’s July convention.

“Secretary Clinton has won the Democratic nominating process,” Sanders said to cheers in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. “And I intend to do everything I can to make certain she will be the next president of the United States.”

“I have come here to make it as clear as possible why I am endorsing Hillary Clinton and why she must become our next president.”

Presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump issued a statement saying Sanders became part of a “rigged system” by endorsing Clinton.