Gov. Ron DeSantis endorsed Laurel Lee on Tuesday in her reelection bid for the state’s 15th Congressional District, bolstering the congresswoman’s political capital amid past difficulties with former President Donald Trump.

The governor, in his endorsement statement, noted Lee’s work during her tenure as Florida’s Secretary of State under his administration and lauded her “commitment to conservative values.”

“Congresswoman Lee was a valued member of my administration and worked tirelessly to advance election integrity in our great state,” DeSantis said. “We need Laurel Lee back in Congress so she can continue fighting for our conservative values and principles in the nation’s capital.”

Lee, whose district includes parts of western Polk County and Lakeland, won election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2022, obtaining 41.5 percent of the vote. Lee defeated former lawmakers Kelli Stargel and Jackie Toledo in the party primary, out-fundraising and outspending her opponents. Lee ultimately defeated journalist Alan Cohn to secure her place in Washington’s lower chamber.

DeSantis’ endorsement adds weight to Lee’s reelection campaign, reinforcing her standing within Florida’s Republican establishment. The support is noteworthy given the political dynamics surrounding Lee’s candidacy. Earlier this year, Trump publicly criticized Lee following her endorsement of DeSantis in the GOP presidential primary, urging Republicans to challenge her in the primary. After a candidate with a likely chance to oust Lee failed to come forward, however, Trump reneged and endorsed Lee in a post on Truth Social, praising her as an “incredible representative” who has his “Complete and Total Endorsement.”

Lee endorsed DeSantis last April, becoming the only lawmaker within Florida’s Congressional Delegation to do so. Her endorsement came shortly before the governor formalized his presidential campaign, but was made in the wake of Florida-based federal lawmakers backing Trump, including Representatives Cory Mills, Matt Gaetz, and Anna Paulina Luna. Once DeSantis suspended his campaign, Lee backed Trump, contending that she has “great faith in the leadership and proven track record” of the Former President.

Lee responded DeSantis’ endorsements with gratitude, stating her intent to continue working for her constituents.

“I am extremely grateful to have the endorsement of Florida’s governor, Ron DeSantis,” she said.“ He has been a true leader for the great state of Florida, championing the conservative policies and freedoms that have made us a model for the nation. It has been an honor to do the same for the people of Congressional District 15 in Congress. If reelected, I will continue to fight to restore our shared values that will again put our nation and hardworking Americans first.”

Lee also received endorsements from Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott earlier this year.

“Laurel Lee has been a great conservative partner in Washington as we fight to hold Congressional Democrats and the Biden administration accountable for their disastrous policies that continue to fail Florida families, whether it be their tax-and-spend agenda that has caused skyrocketing inflation or dangerously allowing open borders,” said Scott, as Rubio added that “Since being elected to Congress, Laurel Lee has shown that she is a powerful conservative voice and an effective advocate for families and the people of Florida.”