Gov. Tom Corbett officially threw his support behind Scott Perry to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Todd Platts. The state Rep. and combat veteran is among the top tier of seven Republicans vying to win the nomination.

“Scott Perry has been a key leader in our efforts to restore fiscal discipline to state government and put Pennsylvanians back to work. I know Scott will fight to make government live within its means in Washington, just as he has in Harrisburg. So, it is with great pleasure and pride that I endorse him for Congress,” Corbett said.

“For the first time in 40 years, state government is spending less than the year before. I am proud to have worked side-by-side with Governor Corbett to make this happen and honored to earn his endorsement as I seek to get these same results in Congress,” said Perry.

Perry has also been endorsed by the 13 Republican legislators within the Congressional District. He said the timing of the Corbett endorsement will help to build momentum in the final weeks of the campaign.

Corbett had quietly backed Perry for weeks. He, along with former Maryland Governor Bob Ehrlich, headlined an event for Perry Tuesday night.

The official announcement comes just a day after Sen. Pat Toomey’s leadership PAC began airing a television ad for Chris Reilly, the York County Commissioner who is competing for the 4th district seat.

It is the first time since taking office that Corbett and Toomey have publicly supported opposing candidates.

So far, the Toomey PAC ad is the only television spot to air in the race.