Former Massachusetts governor and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney formally endorsed incumbent Matt Mead in the Wyoming governor’s race on Tuesday, officials with the Mead campaign say.

“I’m honored to have Gov. Romney’s endorsement,” Mead, a Republican, said in a press release. “As a former governor, Mitt understands the importance of state leadership.”

“Wyoming has had to push back on federal government overreach and push forward sound economic policies,” Mead continued. “Wyoming continues to be one of the top states to do business and we are setting an example for the nation.”

“I’m proud to endorse Gov. Mead because of his tremendous leadership,” Romney said in a release. “Under Matt’s guidance, Wyoming has had one of the strongest economies in the country.”

“Matt has aggressively fought actions by the federal government and the EPA that would hurt Wyoming’s energy and agricultural industries," Romney continued. "He is a conservative Republican that Wyoming families can trust to continue moving Wyoming forward.”

Mead faces former state schools superintendent Cindy Hill and Taylor Haynes in the Republican primary on Aug. 19.

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