Former President Donald Trump has endorsed former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin in the special election to fill the seat previously held by the late Rep. Don Young.
On Sunday, Trump issued a statement saying that “wonderful patriot Sarah Palin of Alaska has just announced she is running for Congress, and that means there will be a true America first fighter on the ballot to replace the late and legendary Congressman Don Young.”
Trump added that Palin is “tough and smart and will never back down, and I am proud to give her my Complete and Total Endorsement,” and that he encourages “all Republicans to unite behind this wonderful person and her campaign to put America First.”
NEW!
President Donald J. Trump announces his endorsement of Sarah Palin pic.twitter.com/9y0a39htCj
— Liz Harrington (@realLizUSA) April 4, 2022
“Sarah shocked many when she endorsed me very early in 2016, and we won big,” the statement continued. “Now, it’s my turn!”
Trump also brought up Palin’s run for Vice President on a ticket with the late John McCain 14 years ago, writing that she “lifted the McCain presidential campaign out of the dumps despite the fact that she had to endure some very evil, stupid, and jealous people within the campaign herself.”
Palin announced her campaign in a Facebook post on Friday evening.
“Public service is a calling, and I would be honored to represent the men and women of Alaska in Congress, just as Rep. Young did for 49 years. I realize that I have very big shoes to fill, and I plan to honor Rep. Young’s legacy by offering myself up in the name of service to the state he loved and fought for, because I share that passion for Alaska and the United States of America,” Palin continued.
Palin served as Governor of Alaska from 2006 through 2009.
Rep. Young passed away in March. The 88-year-old was the longest-serving member of Congress.
The special election will take place on August 16.
