Sarah Palin, Sen. John McCain's former running mate in his 2008 White House bid, has endorsed New York billionaire Donald Trump in the Republican presidential primary.

The former Alaska Governor is a favorite among evangelical Christians. Her endorsement is likely to nudge some members of New York's evangelical community towards considering a vote for Trump in New York's April primary.

One of those evangelicals is Nelson Montalvo, who lives in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. He started leaning toward Trump because of his concerns about U.S. security. After Texas Sen. Ted Cruz's attack on Trump and his so-called "New York values" during the Republican primary last week in South Carolina, he found himself an even stronger supporter of Trump.

"Trump defended New York, and rightly so, because of what we’ve been through," said Montalvo, who added that Cruz's follow up apology for the remark was "not something that we accepted."

Trump said Tuesday he expects the Palin endorsement will win him votes.

"I am greatly honored to receive Sarah's endorsement," Trump said in a statement. "She is a friend, and a high quality person whom I have great respect for. I am proud to have her support."