(CNN) – Former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin has thrown her support behind Steve Lonegan in New Jersey's special U.S. Senate race.
The former Alaska governor released a statement Wednesday promoting the Republican nominee's conservative principles while criticizing Democratic opponent Cory Booker’s “constant tweeting and trips to Hollywood” and leadership as mayor of Newark.
“Steve asked for my support, and today I officially endorse his candidacy. I encourage voters in New Jersey to give Steve a look and not believe those in the media who tell us conservatives can't win in certain areas! Steve's own electoral history proves that theory untrue,” Palin said.
Palin is the latest Republican heavyweight to endorse Lonegan, joining New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky and Texas Gov. Rick Perry.
With just two weeks to go until the special Senate election, recent polls show Booker with double-digit leads over Lonegan, the former mayor of Bogota, New Jersey. The Republican candidate, however, has pointed to momentum in the closing weeks of the campaign as the Newark mayor’s lead has narrowed in recent polls.
Booker’s campaign is also leading his Republican opponent financially, raising $2.85 million in the last two months to Lonegan’s over $1 million in that same period, and has benefitted from high-profile endorsements and Hollywood fundraisers.
Longean and Booker will face off on October 16 in an election to fill the remainder of the term left vacant after Sen. Frank Lautenberg's death.
CNN’s Paul Steinhauser, Gabe LaMonica and Martina Stewart contributed to this report.
