Former President Donald Trump has endorsed politician and veteran Neil Vance for Minnesota governor.
Trump’s endorsement came in the form of a written statement released on Tuesday. In the statement, Trump praised Vance as a strong supporter of law enforcement and a defender of the Second Amendment.
Vance, a Republican, is a military veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He currently serves in the Minnesota House of Representatives and previously worked as a sheriff’s deputy.
Trump’s endorsement of Vance is seen as a significant development in the race for Minnesota governor. Vance is one of several Republicans vying for the party’s nomination to challenge Democratic Governor Tim Walz in the 2022 election.
In recent years, Trump has emerged as a kingmaker within the Republican Party, with his endorsements carrying significant weight among conservative voters.
Vance is expected to face a tough primary battle against other Republican candidates, including Kendall Qualls, a businessman and former U.S. Army officer.
The Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, Minnesota’s affiliate of the Democratic Party, has not yet endorsed a candidate for governor. Governor Walz is seeking re-election to a second term.