Michigan Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey endorsed Tudor Dixon, a Republican, for governor on March 23.

Shirkey is a Republican who represents all of Hillsdale, Branch, and Jackson counties. He said he supports the conservative commentator and businesswoman from Norton Shores due to her leadership qualities and dedication to conservative causes. 

“I’m excited to endorse the person I think has the right values, the right temperament, and the right leadership qualities to turn Michigan around: Tudor Dixon,” Shirkey said in the statement. 

Dixon is one of 11 GOP candidates running for the party’s nomination in the Aug. 2 primary election. The winner will face Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat seeking a second term in the November election.

Shirkey contrasted Whitmer’s leadership to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’, noting the economic and population decline which occurred in her term.

“During the last two years, we learned that there are two kinds of states in America,” Shirkey said. “One kind of state grew like mad as people flocked there from all over America, while the other kind of state continued its long, disastrous decline.”

Shirkey likened Dixon to DeSantis, saying she would be “a governor who inspires and leads.”

Shirkey’s endorsement comes at an opportune time for Dixon, whose fundraising efforts have lagged behind those of her primary opponents, according to the Detroit News. The endorsement gives Dixon the support of a top Republican lawmaker with established fundraising networks.

Shirkey joins U.S. Reps. Bill Huizenga of Zeeland and Lisa McClain of Bruce Township, who have already endorsed Dixon’s campaign.