Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore re-endorsed Donald Trump Friday evening, a move he made to help “clear up any confusion” that might exist about who he supports.
“While I hadn’t been formally asked to do so, today I wanted to make clear that I endorse the Republican nominee, Donald Trump, for the presidency and I urge every voter in the Commonwealth of Virginia to join me in doing so,” Gilmore said in a statement emailed to the media. “Whether or not we agree with Mr. Trump on every issue, it is clear that Hillary Clinton is unfit for the presidency in every way.”
Gilmore dropped out of the 17-person race in mid-February, shortly after the first primaries of the season. Gilmore then said in May he would support Trump for president.
The former Virginia governor is co-chair of Team Virginia, an organization focused on electing all Republican nominees for office. He has attended almost every district convention for Trump and his running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence. Gilmore will join Pence at the LIberty Farm Festival in Paris, Va., Saturday.
Virginia is a toss-up state, but Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton currently leads Trump 46-41 percent.
Trump later took to Twitter to thank the “popular & successful” former governor for the endorsement.
Great honor to be endorsed by popular & successful @gov_gilmore of VA. A state that I very much want to win-THX Jim! pic.twitter.com/x4Y1TAFHvn
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 9, 2016
