Treasurer of State Dennis Milligan, R-Ark., announced Tuesday he is endorsing State Sen. Mat Pitsch, R-Fort Smith, over Rep. Mark Lowery, R-Maumelle, in the Republican primary to succeed him.

Milligan is unopposed in the GOP primary for Auditor of State. The primary election is May 24.

“I have visited with both Republican candidates running for this office. Today, I am wholeheartedly and publicly endorsing Mat Pitsch for State Treasurer,” said Milligan.

“Mat is running for this office not for personal financial gains, but out of a sense of public duty. I feel confident that if the good people of Arkansas elect Mat Pitsch as the next Treasurer of State, he will continue to build upon the efforts I have made in keeping your public money safe and secure,” Milligan added.

“Many thanks to Treasurer Milligan for his endorsement and hard work,” said Pitsch. “The state has had a record of success under his leadership and I’m excited for the opportunity to continue that legacy with my trusted and recognized financial experience.”

Lowery responded to the endorsement saying he is the preferred anti-establishment candidate among Republican voters, and he accused of his primary opponent of being susceptible to corruption.

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