Republican Rep. Virginia Foxx endorsed Congressional candidate Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) on Tuesday, giving a boost to his campaign.

With Foxx’s nod, Hudson, the frontrunner for the GOP nomination in the 8th district, solidifies his support from the Tar Heel State Republican establishment.

Hudson, a former Congressional aide, faces former Winston-Salem City Councilman and frequent candidate Vernon Robinson, neurosurgeon John Whitley, former Iredell County Commissioner Scott Keadle and state Rep. Fred Steen in the primary. The district, made drastically more Republican under the new map, is currently represented by vulnerable Democratic Rep. Larry Kissell. Roll Call rates the race Likely Republican.