Former President Donald Trump is throwing his weight behind former Alaska governor and Vice Presidential candidate, Sarah Palin for Congress.

Trump said in an endorsement statement that Palin is “tough and smart and will never back down.”

Calling her a “wonderful patriot,”  Trump said the former governor had been “a champion for Alaska values, Alaska energy, Alaska jobs, and the great people of Alaska.”

“I am proud to give her my Complete and Total Endorsement, and encourage all Republicans to unite behind the wonderful person and her campaign to put America First,” Trump added.

Palin is running to replace Alaska Representative Don Young who died in mid-March. Young was a member of Congress for nearly 50 years.

Some 51 candidates are presently running to replace Young in the special election, including several state lawmakers, and Palin is no shoo-in.