Former Republican gubernatorial candidate Jake Merrick has endorsed Mike Mazzei as his choice for governor in 2026.

Merrick, who finished fourth in the June Republican primary with 14.9 percent of the vote, made the announcement today. His backing adds momentum to Mazzei's campaign in the Aug. 25 runoff against Attorney General Gentner Drummond.

The endorsement comes as Mazzei seeks to consolidate support from the broader conservative field. Merrick, a former state senator and radio host, positioned himself as a strong conservative voice during the primary, advocating for the abolition of abortion, bans on vaccine mandates, and resistance to what he described as the "LGBUTQ+++ agenda" in favor of traditional family values.

Mazzei, a former state senator and financial adviser, advanced from the primary alongside Drummond after both cleared key polling thresholds. President Donald Trump has already endorsed Mazzei, praising him as a "MAGA warrior" and highlighting his positions on economic development and America First policies.

Merrick's decision follows his strong performance among certain voter blocs in the primary. Analysts have noted that the roughly 15 percent of Republican primary voters who backed Merrick could prove decisive in the runoff between the two remaining candidates.

The runoff will determine the Republican nominee for governor in November. Mazzei's campaign welcomed the support, with the candidate expressing gratitude for Merrick's backing in a statement posted on social media.