In this June 2011 file photo, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates takes questions from the media at the Pentagon. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
WASHINGTON — Former CIA director and Defense Secretary Robert Gates is backing Republican congressional candidate Will Hurd, Gates’ first endorsement this election cycle.
“Will [has served] our country on the front lines of the War on Terror, he knows the cost of freedom, and you can count on him to take care of our veterans here at home,” Gates said in a statement issued by the Hurd campaign. “[Will] is a man of courage, integrity, and ability, and I enthusiastically support [his] election to the United States Congress.”
Will Hurd, the Republican candidate in the 23rd District. (Hurd campaign)
Hurd, a former CIA operative, is running as a Republican against freshman Rep. Pete Gallego, D-Alpine, in a sprawling West Texas district. During his CIA tenure, Hurd collected intelligence in Pakistan, India and Afghanistan.
On Thursday, Hurd expressed gratitude for Gates’ support. Gates served as Secretary of Defense from 2006 to 2011, under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.
“It is a true honor to have the support of such a highly respected National Security expert,” Hurd said in a statement. “I hope to continue fighting to keep our country strong and to protect freedom and democracy, as Secretary Gates has done.”