Calling him a “true champion for Colorado,” Senate President Leroy Garcia has endorsed former Gov. John Hickenlooper in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat held by Republican Cory Gardner.

Garcia, a Pueblo Democrat, noted that he considers Hickenlooper a friend after serving in the legislature while Hickenlooper was governor.

“On issues from health care to renewable energy and infrastructure, he has been a true champion for Colorado and Pueblo,” Garcia said in a statement. “I know he’ll be a U.S. senator who can bring people together to actually get things done.”

Hickenlooper is the front-runner in a field of 10 Democrats vying for spots on the ballot in Colorado’s June 30 primary.

He welcomed Garcia’s endorsement in a statement.

“Leroy exemplifies the Colorado spirit of public service and fights tirelessly for the people of Pueblo and Southern Colorado,” Hickenlooper said. “I’m thrilled to have him on my team as we campaign across the state to change Washington.”

On Tuesday, Hickenlooper tweeted a brief video depicting Garcia stating his endorsement in slightly different words than the statement released by his campaign.

Garcia was targeted with a failed attempt to recall him from office last summer over complaints he supported last year’s Senate Bill 181, which overhauled how the state regulates oil and gas production.

His critics needed to collect 13,506 valid signatures to force a recall but turned in only four signatures, citing fears they would harassed by recall opponents.

Garcia endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden in the presidential primary, which is under way. Ballots for that election are due to county clerks by March 3.

State Rep. Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo, is another Pueblo lawmaker who has endorsed Hickenlooper, his campaign said.