Utah Sen. Mike Lee is backing Ben Sasse for Senate in Nebraska, adding another congressional endorsement for the Midland University president in his competitive GOP primary.  

Sasse is building a “diverse, conservative coalition,” his campaign said in a statement Tuesday. Along with Lee, Sasse has the support of House Budget Chairman Paul D. Ryan, R-Wis., and Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn, as well as outside groups like the Senate Conservatives Fund and Club for Growth. “Nebraskans need Ben Sasse to represent their values, reformers in the Senate need his conservative vote, our country needs his voice,” Lee said in a statement. “Ben Sasse is a strong constitutional conservative who understands the proper role of government, has great respect for our democratic institutions, and will fight to ensure that the people’s voice is heard in Washington.”  

Sasse faces former state Treasurer Shane Osborn, banker Sid Dinsdale and attorney Bart McLeay in the May 13 GOP primary. The winner will be the heavy favorite to replace retiring Republican Sen. Mike Johanns.  

The race is rated Safe Republican by Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call.