President Donald Trump endorsed Republican U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan for reelection in next year’s congressional midterms, touting the first-term GOP congressman as a “terrific” representative for Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District.

Bresnahan, a Dallas Twp. resident and Luzerne County businessman who won the 8th District seat last year by narrowly defeating longtime Democratic incumbent Congressman Matt Cartwright, said he’s honored by the president’s endorsement.

“I am honored to have earned the support of President Trump and am proud to partner with him to advance an agenda that puts the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania first,” Bresnahan said in a news release. “I look forward to working with the President to continue fighting for a stronger economy, affordable energy, and a secure border with safer communities.”

Trump endorsed Bresnahan in a post Sunday on his Truth Social platform. It was among many endorsements the president has made on the platform in recent days.

“A Highly Successful Businessman, Rob is working hard to Create Jobs, Cut Taxes, Stop Wasteful Spending, and Unleash the American Dream,” Trump wrote. “In his next term, Rob will help us Secure the Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Military, Support our Veterans, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment. Rob Bresnahan has my Complete and Total Endorsement — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”

Voters in next year’s Democratic primary election will decide who ultimately challenges Bresnahan for the congressional seat, but Democratic Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti and retired state administrative officer Francis McHale have announced runs to this point.

Cognetti, who is running for reelection as Scranton’s mayor in Tuesday’s municipal election, declined to comment on Trump’s endorsement of Bresnahan.

McHale, a self-described “pro-life Democrat” who ran for Congress in 2000 but didn’t advance beyond the primary, dismissed it.

“His endorsement right now is meaningless because we’re a year out from the election,” said McHale, who criticized the president over his tariffs and other policies. “As far as I’m concerned that’s a plus for me for Trump to endorse him. That tells me they think … Bresnahan can’t stand up on his own two feet.”

Bresnahan’s news release criticized Cognetti as a “far-left” candidate. It didn’t mention McHale.

The 8th Congressional District includes all of Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike and parts of Monroe and Luzerne counties.