Former Rep. Matt Salmon (R-Ariz.) was endorsed Tuesday by Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, the self-described “toughest sheriff in America.”

Salmon, a former three-term Congressman, is running for his old 6th district seat in the East Valley. He’s facing a competitive primary against former state Speaker Kirk Adams and former state Senate Majority Leader Chuck Gray.

“Having worked extensively with Matt in the past, I know I can count on him to protect the interests of our community and our state, especially when it deals with securing our borders,” said Arpaio, who is nationally known for his controversial tactics in enforcing illegal immigration laws.

Salmon raised $172,000 in the second quarter and has $155,000 on hand. That trails Adams, who raised $231,000 in the quarter and has $209,000 in the bank. Gray, the first candidate in the race, is well behind both.

After being elected in 1994, Salmon kept his pledge to serve just three terms and left Congress in 2000. His retirement opened the door for now-Rep. Jeff Flake (R), who is running for Senate. Salmon lost a gubernatorial bid in 2002.