Former President Donald Trump has indicated his choice for the Arizona governorship. He has endorsed former television broadcaster Kari Lake in the Republican race for the state’s top job.

Due to Trump’s strong following among many Republicans, Lake may get a clear frontrunner status in the crowded GOP primary field.

Lake is a political newcomer who left her job in March and launched her bid for the Republican nomination for Arizona governor in June. She had been widely seen as a possible candidate and has criticized a media landscape that she contends needs more balance. The elections for the seat of Arizona governor will be held in 2022.

Trump announced his endorsement via email as his Twitter, Facebook, and other social media accounts remain banned in the aftermath of the January 6 US Capitol riots.

Trump said Lake is strong on crime, the border and supports gun rights. He also took a shot at Republican Governor Doug Ducey, who is term-limited. Using the expression for “Republican in name only,” Trump said, “she will do a far better job than RINO Governor Doug Ducey.”

Ducey certified President Joe Biden’s win in Arizona over Trump last year despite pressure from the then-president to overturn the actual election results.

“Kari will make her wonderful family, and the MAGA movement, very proud. Kari Lake has my Complete and Total Endorsement. She will be a great Governor for the incredible people of Arizona!,” Trump said.

Lake has publicly embraced conservative ideals, retweeting the account of the state Senate’s unprecedented audit of former President Donald Trump’s loss in Arizona and other border states and tweeting about the lack of border security and her opposition to mask mandates. She also consistently criticizes the media.

She thanked Trump for his endorsement via Twitter.

“This means so much to me because I know how much you love America and how much the people of this country love you!” she wrote.

Four other prominent Republicans seeking their party’s nomination for governor are state Treasurer Kimberly Yee, developer Karrin Taylor Robson, former Congressman Matt Salmon, and businessman Steve Gaynor.

Salmon said in a statement that while he respects Trump, Lake “isn’t a conservative or even a Republican, and she certainly isn’t the MAGA candidate in this race.” He also noted Lake is a former Democrat.

MAGA is short for Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan.