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Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., speaks about health insurance during a news conference at the River House Restaurant, Thursday, July 6, 2017, in Louisville, Ky. Paul has emerged as one of the biggest obstacles to passing the Republican answer to the Affordable Care Act, adding another wrinkle in his complex relationship with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)

(KUTV) With the 3rd Congressional District election fast approaching in August, a Utah senator got an endorsement from former presidential candidate on Tuesday.

The endorsement of Chris Herrod for Congress came from Rand Paul on Tuesday. He said Herrod has proven he "understands the principles of liberty and has shown that he is willing to fight for them.

Herrod, a former state representative from Provo, announced his candidacy in May to replace Rep. Jason Chaffetz, who is stepped down from Congress June 30.

Herrod tweeted Tuesday that he was "honored to have the endorsement of Senator Rand Paul."

There is no doubt that he has the convictions that will help to move this country in the right direction, Paul went on to say adding that Herrod knows the issues that are most important to Americans.

"Now more than ever, Obamacare is hurting citizens in Utah and across the country. We need more members of Congress like Chris in order to repeal this broken system, and I look forward to working with him in Washington to reduce the size of government and return liberty to all Americans.

Campaign fundraising reports show Herrod has raised about $79,000, while Republican mayor John Curtis raised the most with more than $232,000 from April through June. Fellow GOP contender Tanner Ainge, the son of Boston Celtics general manager Danny Ainge, raised about $131,000.

The special election for the 3rd District seat will be on Aug. 15.

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Utah 3rd District candidate Chris Herrod gets endorsement from Sen. Rand Paul - KUTV 2News