Senator Bill Cassidy endorses Republican Jeff Landry in Louisiana governor's race

Republican U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy is endorsing Jeff Landry in the Louisiana governor's race, giving the GOP frontrunner another boost before qualifying next week.

“There are good people in the race, and I am friends with most, but as I’ve traveled the state, Jeff has been the candidate connecting with the most people from all parts of the state,” Cassidy said in a statement.

“We’re both fighting to make flood insurance more affordable and to get resources to restore our coastline," Cassidy said. "He and I both strongly support Louisiana becoming the leader in the new energy economy, which will create thousands of new, high-paying jobs. And we both agree we must improve access to mental health services. These are the issues the next governor must address. Jeff plans to."

Landry, the current attorney general who has led the five-person GOP field in every published poll and is the leading fundraiser in the race, already has secured the endorsement of the Louisiana Republican Party and former President Donald Trump, among others.

Ironically, in the past Landry has been blisteringly critical of Cassidy after Cassidy voted to convict Trump during the former president's impeachment trial and the state GOP censured the senator.

But Monday all past slights seemed forgotten.

"I appreciate Bill Cassidy's support, and I look forward to working with him to pursue commonsense solutions to grow our economy, lower the price of flood insurance, and improve access to mental health services for every Louisianan," Landry tweeted.

Other Republicans who have announced for the governor's race include state Sen. Sharon Hewitt, state Rep. Richard Nelson, Treasurer John Schroder and former Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack.

Former Louisiana Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson appears to have consolidated Democratic support, including an endorsement from his former boss Edwards.

Conservative independent attorney Hunter Lundy is also in the mix.

Qualifying for the Oct. 14 primary election is Aug. 8-10. The top two in that election will face off in the Nov. 18 runoff election.

More: First look: Jeff Landry escalates media blitz in Louisiana governor's race TV ad wars

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1

This article originally appeared on Monroe News-Star: Senator Bill Cassidy endorses Jeff Landry in Louisiana governor's race