Republican House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy is backing the comeback bid of former Rep. Claudia Tenney.
McCarthy on Tuesday endorsed Tenney’s push for the Republican nomination in the 22nd congressional district, a seat she lost a year ago to Democratic Rep. Anthony Brindisi.
“I am proud to endorse Claudia Tenney for Congress,” McCarthy said. “As a small business owner and Marine mom, she has a unique perspective and insight into the needs of the people in her community. Last Congress, President Trump and I worked tirelessly alongside Claudia, who brought historic resources to Upstate New York. I am supporting Claudia Tenney so together we can get back to work and deliver real results for our country.”
The endorsement dovetails with the backing Tenney received earlier from House Minority Whip Steve Scalise.
The endorsements from the top two leaders in the House GOP stands in contrast to Tenney’s first bid for Congress when she challenged incumbent Rep. Richard Hanna. She faces Republicans Steve Cornwell, Franklin Sager and George Phillips.
“I am thankful for the support and endorsement of Rep. Kevin McCarthy,” Tenney said.
“I worked closely with Rep. McCarthy and President Trump last Congress to deliver historic results for Upstate New York, including vital funding for our Air Force Research Lab, record opioid funding, the largest pay raise for our troops in recent history and much more. We currently have a representative who is more focused on impeachment and obstruction rather than results for our community. It’s time we send a representative to Washington who will fight for you in Congress.”