Gov. Jan Brewer (R) on Tuesday backed former Rep. Matt Salmon in the 5th district GOP primary.

Salmon, who retired in 2001, is running against former state Speaker Kirk Adams.

“I had the pleasure of serving with Matt Salmon in the Arizona State Senate. Over the years, I have come to know him as an honest, hard-working, family man who is deeply committed to public service,” Brewer said in a statement.

The 5th district is a safe Republican seat and the GOP primary winner is likely to win easily in November.