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Former President Donald Trump on Sunday endorsed GOP former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin’s campaign for U.S. House.
Trump issued the endorsement late Sunday in a statement from his Save America PAC, calling Palin a “wonderful patriot.”
“Sarah Palin is tough and smart and will never back down,” the statement said. “And I am proud to give her my Complete and Total Endorsement, and encourage all Republicans to unite behind this wonderful person and her campaign to put America First!”
Trump’s statement referenced how Palin endorsed him in his first presidential campaign in 2016.
She is one of 17 people running as registered Republicans in the special election to replace the late U.S. Rep. Don Young, a Republican who died suddenly last month. There were 51 candidates that signed up by Friday’s deadline, though one has already said he will drop out.
[50 candidates: A wild U.S. House race takes shape in Alaska]
Palin spoke with Trump before filing to run Friday, Fox News reported Sunday; she is being advised on her campaign by a former Trump strategist, Michael Glassner, Politico reported Saturday.
Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor who served as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations under Trump, also tweeted support for Palin on Sunday.