U.S. Sen. Jon Tester announced Friday he's endorsing fellow Democrat Mike Cooney for Montana governor.
Tester made his announcement with Cooney, the state's lieutenant governor, in Helena.
"I am proud to endorse my long-time friend Mike Cooney to be Montana's next governor," Tester said in a statement. "Cooney is a tireless public servant and continues to fight for hard working Montanans. I believe he would be a great leader and bring folks together to strengthen our state."
Cooney is facing two other Democrats, House Minority Leader Casey Schreiner of Great Falls and Missoula businesswoman Whitney Williams, in the primary.
Three Republicans are also in the race: Congressman Greg Gianforte, state Attorney General Tim Fox and state Sen. Al Olszewski of Kalispell.
