Republican U.S. House candidate Josh Winegarner is picking up the support of several agriculture-based organizations as the race to replace U.S. Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Clarendon) begins to heat up.

On Tuesday, Winegarner announced the endorsements in a press release, noting his ties to the agriculture community through his work with the Texas Cattle Feeders Association. The endorsements are notable, as they appear to be the first major endorsements by agriculture industry PACs and entities in the race. The endorsements named in the press release included support from the American Quarter Horse Association PAC, BEEF PAC, National Cattlemen's Beef Association PAC, National Sorghum Producers Association PAC, National Turkey Federation PAC, Texas Association of Dairymen, Texas Corn PAC, Texas Pork Producers Association, and theTexas Wheat Producers Association PAC.

Winegarner is not the only candidate to boast endorsements early in the race. Businessman Chris Ekstrom has received endorsements from a number of influential conservative lawmakers and railroad conductor Vance Snider has picked up the support of the SMART TD Transportation Union.

In addition to Winegarner, Ekstrom, and Snider, twelve other Republicans, two Democrats, and one Libertarian are also running to replace Thornberry.

The Republican primary will be held on March 3, 2020.