Gov. Rick Perry has delivered his first public endorsement in a statewide primary race this year. As expected, he is backing Sid Miller in the Republican runoff for Texas agriculture commissioner. 

“As a former Texas Agriculture Commissioner myself, I know how critical this position is for the hardworking farmers and ranchers across our state,” Perry said Friday in a statement circulated by Miller’s campaign. “I have worked closely with Sid for nearly 15 years and he is the real deal, a proven and trusted conservative leader who has fought hard to build the Texas economy, create jobs and opportunities for Texans, and defend our constitutional freedoms and personal liberties.”

Miller, the former state representative from Stephenville, will face former state Rep. Tommy Merritt of Longview in the runoff on May 27. Miller led Merritt by more than 13 percentage points during the first round of balloting in March. 

The only public endorsements Perry has doled out this year were for an unsuccessful candidate in House District 10, retired Navy pilot Jake Ellzey, and four incumbent Supreme Court justices whom Perry appointed.