Texas governor and former presidential candidate Rick Perry has endorsed Pete Hegseth in the fight for the Minnesota Republican U.S. Senate endorsement.

In a video released by the campaign, Perry called Hegseth “exactly the kind of patriot we need” and praised his conservative credentials and his work with veterans support organizations.

“He won’t be afraid to walk into hostile territory to take on President Obama and Sen. Amy Klobuchar,” Perry said.

The endorsement is the second in the race by a Texan who has sought (or still is seeking) the Republican presidential nomination — U.S. Rep. Ron Paul endorsed state Rep. Kurt Bills in March, and a surge of  Paul backers at the state Republican convention this weekend could end up helping Bills.

A third former presidential candidate, Herman Cain, backed former state Rep. Dan Severson’s candidacy a few weeks ago.

Republicans meet in St. Cloud on Friday and Saturday and will endorse a candidate to take on Klobuchar.

Devin Henry can be reached at dhenry@minnpost.com.