LIVONIA, Mich. — Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) backed reindeer rancher Kerry Bentivolio’s (R) bid for the 11th district today.

Paul’s endorsement lends Bentivolio’s campaign additional credibility ahead of the Aug. 7 primary.

Bentivolio is the only Republican on primary ballot, but local GOP officials are supporting former state Sen. Nancy Cassis (R) as a write-in candidate because they view her as a more viable candidate.

Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R) resigned from the 11th district seat earlier this month after failing gather enough signatures to make the ballot.

This marks Bentivolio’s second Congressional endorsement. He already picked up the support of freshman Rep. Justin Amash (R-Mich.).

Michigan Republican Reps. Tim Walberg and Mike Rogers backed Cassis.

The district leans Republican, according to Roll Call’s race ratings. But that could change depending on the primary results.