Former President Donald Trump endorsed David Shoar for Florida’s 7th State Senate District, praising him as a “tremendous America First Patriot” and aligning him with Trump’s MAGA movement in a highly contested Republican primary against Rep. Tom Leek.

Former President Donald Trump endorsed David Shoar on Sunday for the Florida State Senate’s 7th District seat, marking the latest pledge of support in a hotly contested Republican primary race.

In a statement released on social media, Trump praised Shoar, a Gulf War Army veteran and St. Johns County Sheriff, as a “tremendous America First Patriot” as Trump emphasized Shoar’s campaign commitments to issues including economic growth, inflation control, and border security.

“David Shoar is a tremendous America First Patriot who is running to represent the incredible people of Florida’s 7th State Senate District,” Trump said on. Truth Social. “As your next State Senator, David will bring that same fighting spirit to bring back the Great American Dream.”

Trump’s endorsement also noted Shoar’s alignment with the former president’s MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement, describing Shoar as “100% MAGA” and a long-standing supporter.

“David Shoar, who is 100% MAGA, and has been with us from the very beginning, has my complete and total endorsement – he will never let you down,” Trump said.

Trump is the latest high-profile official to back either Shoar or his GOP opponent, Rep. Tom Leek, who was initially elected to represent House District 25 in 2016 and re-elected in House District 28 in 2022 following redistricting. A third Republican, Gerry James, is also a qualified candidate for the August 20 primary.

The trio looks to succeed Sen. Travis Hutson in Senate District 7, as he faces term limits. Senate District 7 includes Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns, and parts of Volusia Counties.

Leek currently chairs the House Appropriations Committee and has previously chaired the Public Ethics and Integrity Committee, the Pandemics and Public Emergencies Committee, and the Redistricting Committee. He has received endorsements from Gov. Ron DeSantis, Attorney General Ashley Moody, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, U.S. Representatives Michael Waltz and Cory Mills, and Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. He has also been backed by various state senators, representatives, and organizations such as Americans for Prosperity-Florida and the Florida Chamber of Commerce.

Shoar, meanwhile, has received the support of Florida Congressmen John Rutherford and Greg Steube.