Former President Donald J. Trump/Screenshot from YouTube

Former President Donald Trump has thrown his weight behind the candidate challenging House Speaker Dade Phelan in the upcoming Republican primary election.

This week, Trump announced his endorsement of David Covey on Truth Social. Covey, a former county Republican chairman and State Republican Executive Committee member, is challenging Phelan for his seat in the Texas House of Representatives.

“David is an America First Conservative who will Secure the Border, Restore Election Integrity, Protect our Families and Military/Vets, and Defend our under siege Second Amendment,” Trump wrote.

The Phelan-Covey race has become one of most closely-watched Texas House primary races this cycle. Republican Alicia Davis is also running.

According to Transparency USA, Phelan has raised just over $3 million so far for the 2024 campaign cycle. Meanwhile, Covey, who announced his candidacy over the summer, has raised $100,268, as of the January reporting date.

This primary election will be decided on Tuesday, March 5.