Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., right, who currently serves as the House majority whip, has announced he will support Derrick Anderson's bid to represent Virginia's 7th Congressional District. (Derrick Anderson, Getty Images)
Expressing his gratitude for the endorsement, Anderson, who launched his campaign last September, told Fox, "Whip Emmer’s conservative leadership has played a key role in electing Republicans to Congress and I appreciate his support and hard work."
"I look forward to working with him in Congress to help folks in Virginia’s 7th District improve their lives," he added. "I served as a Special Forces Green Beret to help keep America safe and prosperous, and I’m running to do the same in Congress."
Emmer's endorsement of Anderson comes after a handful of other GOP lawmakers who serve in leadership roles backed his candidacy.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and House Republican Conference chair Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., previously announced their support for Anderson in the race. Rep. Glenn "GT" Thompson, R-Pa., who serves as chair of the House Committee on Agriculture, is also supporting Anderson's bid.
Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., announced in November she would not be seeking re-election to her post in the House. (Getty Images)
Anderson is one of nine candidates vying for the Republican nomination for the district.
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Republicans currently hold a slim three-seat majority in the House of Representatives and are hoping to build on that next year, partly by capitalizing on the unpopularity of President Biden. The party gained control of the chamber following the 2022 midterm elections but performed below expectations.
Fox News' Brandon Gillespie contributed to this report.
Kyle Morris covers politics for Fox News. Story tips can be sent via email and on X: @RealKyleMorris.
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