Former Rep. Shelley Sekula Gibbs and ex-Congressional aide Pete Olson, competing for the Republican nod in the 22nd district, announced endorsements last week.

Sekula Gibbs revealed the backing of one-time rival Dean Hrbacek, the former Sugar Land mayor who was a candidate in the March 4 GOP primary but failed to advance to the April 8 runoff.

“Shelley is one of the hardest-working people I know,” Hrbacek said in a statement. “She has the integrity and experience needed to represent us in Congress.”

Olson, meanwhile, has received the backing of the political action committees Eagle Forum and House Conservatives Fund, the latter which is funded by various GOP House Members.

“Of all the seats that were lost by Republicans in 2006, this is the one that we are most eager to regain,” said Rep. Tom Feeney (R-Fla.), chairman of the House Conservatives Fund. “I am confident that Pete Olson is the best possible candidate to take back this historically Republican seat.”

Olson also received a campaign contribution from House Minority Leader John Boehner’s (R-Ohio) political action committee.

The winner of the April 8 runoff will face Rep. Nick Lampson (D) in November.
— David M. Drucker