Former President Trump endorses Sarah Palin for Congress: 'Tough and smart'

Former President Donald Trump endorsed Sarah Palin for Congress on Sunday night, calling the former candidate for vice president "tough and smart," adding she will "never back down."

"Wonderful patriot Sarah Palin of Alaska just announced that she is running for Congress, and that means there will be a true America First fighter on the ballot to replace the late and legendary Congressman Don Young. Sarah shocked many when she endorsed me very early in 2016, and we won big. Now, it’s my turn! Sarah has been a champion for Alaska values, Alaska energy, Alaska jobs, and the great people of Alaska," Trump said in a statement.

Trump said that he gives his "Complete and Total Endorsement" to Palin, and encouraged Republicans to unite behind her.

"She was one of the most popular Governors because she stood up to corruption in both State Government and the Fake News Media. Sarah lifted the McCain presidential campaign out of the dumps despite the fact that she had to endure some very evil, stupid, and jealous people within the campaign itself. They were out to destroy her, but she didn’t let that happen. Sarah Palin is tough and smart and will never back down, and I am proud to give her my Complete and Total Endorsement, and encourage all Republicans to unite behind this wonderful person and her campaign to put America First!," Trump said.

SARAH PALIN ANNOUNCES RUN FOR CONGRESS IN ALASKA

Palin is running in a special election to replace former Alaska Republican Congressman Don Young, who died on March 18. He served in Congress for almost 50 years.

Announcing her run for Congress on Friday, Palin said that she plans "to honor Rep. Young's legacy."

"I realize that I have very big shoes to fill, and I plan to honor Rep. Young’s legacy by offering myself up in the name of service to the state he loved and fought for, because I share that passion for Alaska and the United States of America," Palin said.

ALASKA'S LEADERSHIP LAUDS DON YOUNG AT MEMORIAL

The former candidate for vice president joins a crowded field of candidates running for the seat, with more than 50 candidates already filing to run, according ti the Anchorage Daily News.

Palin was Alaska's ninth governor from 1996 to 2002, and was Republican presidential candidate John McCain's running mate when he ran in 2008.

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Results in the primary will be announced on June 26, and the four people receiving the highest amount of votes will advance to the special general election, which is on Aug. 16

Fox News' Andrew Mark Miller contributed to this report