The Madison Project PAC, a national group aligned with the tea party, announced Monday it endorsed former Maryland GOP Chairman Alex Mooney for West Virginia’s 2nd District.

“When we research candidates that have held prior elected office, we hold their voting record to the same level of scrutiny as we do the words they use in their campaign speeches and political rhetoric — few pass that scrutiny as well as Alex Mooney,” Madison Project political director Drew Ryun said in a news release.

Prior to running the state party, Mooney was a Maryland state legislator. He moved to West Virginia early last year and later declared his candidacy for the open seat race.

Mooney is in a crowded primary in the race to replace Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., who is running for  Senate. The race is rated Leans Republican by Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call.