Jeff Coleman, the Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor, has received the endorsement of GOP U.S. Senator Pat Toomey.

Toomey, who has announced that he will not run for reelection, is the longest tenured Republican official in the Keystone State.

“Jeff Coleman’s message is right for this moment,” said Toomey in a statement. “He’s arguing that civil debate-rooted in conservative principles is the best way for Republicans to win elections and ultimately govern. He’s right. Jeff also knows that the lieutenant governor’s primary role is a limited one- maintaining decorum and delivering the policy agenda. On both fronts, Jeff has the experience and relationships to bring people together and make the next Republican governor successful. I’ve known Jeff for almost two decades. In a field of good people, he’s the best prepared for the challenges of this office. I enthusiastically endorse his candidacy for Lieutenant Governor.”

Coleman, who represented Western Pennsylvania in the State House for two terms (2001-04), supported Toomey in his unsuccessful senatorial campaign in 2004. 

“Eighteen Primaries ago I backed Senator Pat Toomey over Arlen Specter,” he said in a prepared statement. “That initial loss built an infrastructure that still wins elections to this day. That model puts principles first, which is always the right choice.”

Other leading candidates for the GOP nod for lieutenant governor include Clarice Schillinger, Carrie DelRosso, Rick Saccone and Russ Diamond.

The presumptive Democratic nominee for governor – Josh Shapiro – has endorsed Austin Davis as his running mate.