Retiring Rep. John Linder (R) is giving his “unconditional endorsement” to his former chief of staff, Rob Woodall, to succeed him in Congress.

In a written statement, Linder said having Woodall in the race put his mind at ease about bringing his own House career to an end.

“When deciding to retire from Congress, I had a fear that with all of the challenges facing our great nation, now would be the wrong time to change leadership in Washington. With Rob Woodall’s announcement that he would seek my current seat, that fear is gone,” he said.

State Rep. Clay Cox is the early frontrunner in the July 20 primary.

Army Col. Doug Heckman announced Tuesday that he will make a second run on the Democratic side, after losing to Linder in 2008.