Former State Rep. David Swinford has announced his support for Josh Winegarner in the Republican runoff for Congress.

In a statement released by the Winegarner campaign, Swinford praised the congressional hopeful and offered his support for the campaign.

“Josh was born and raised in the Panhandle and knows firsthand the needs of our community,” Swinford said in the statement.

Swinford’s endorsement follows recent endorsements for Winegarner by several former elected officials and party heads. State Republican Executive Committeeman Tom Roller offered his backing to Winegarner’s campaign in a statement released last week.

Winegarner will face Dr. Ronny Jackson in the July 14 Republican runoff for the U.S. House District 13 seat. The winner of the runoff will advance to the November general election.