Several legislators from Canyon County, including some from each house of the Idaho Legislature, have endorsed Republican Vaughn Ward in his bid to become the man to face Democrat Walt Minnick in November for Idaho's 1st Congressional District.

At a press conference held at the Canyon County Courthouse in Caldwell Tuesday, senators and legislators made a show of support for the former Marine by throwing their support behind Ward in his upcoming battle with state Rep. Raul Labrador, R-Eagle, who is also in the running for the Republican primary election to be held May 25.

Sen. John McGee, R-Caldwell, provided the first message of support for Ward. McGee said that he believes Ward "is an experienced leader who will fight to return Washington to our party’s core conservative values.”  McGee was joined by fellow Sens. Patti Anne Lodge, who said she feels "Vaughn is a strong fiscal conservative we can trust and can count on to protect our family values," and Sen. Melinda Smyser, R-Parma, who believes Ward "is a strong fiscal conservative who will fight to cut spending."

Reps. Darrell Bolz, R-Caldwell, and Pat Takasugi, R-Wilder, also got in on the endorsement of Ward.

Bolz said that Ward is right man for the job because "he will stand up for our Idaho values and fight to end corruption.”

"I am very impressed with Vaughn’s clear understanding of the unique needs of rural Idahoans,” said Takasugi. “He has a strong commitment to helping our farmers and Idaho’s important agricultural industry.

Ward said that he is "very grateful" for the support of the lawmakers.