SANTA CLARITA — President Donald Trump Monday night tweeted his endorsement of Mike Garcia, the Republican candidate in the special election to fill the congressional seat formerly held by Katie Hill, praising him for being “Strong on Crime, the Border, and Second Amendment.”

Trump tweeted that Garcia “will be a tremendous fighter for the U.S. and the State of California.”

“An Annapolis graduate, he served our Country as a highly decorated Navy Fighter Pilot and will be a great Congressman (#CA25),” Trump tweeted. “Loves our Military, and Vets…”

…He is Strong on Crime, the Border, and Second Amendment. Mike has my Complete and Total Endorsement! Turn your Ballots in now and track them, watching for dishonesty. Report to Law Enforcement. https://t.co/MEnGMv3wTT — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 21, 2020

Trump also tweeted, “Turn your Ballots in now and track them, watching for dishonesty. Report to Law Enforcement.”

Trump also tweeted a link to a website where donations to Garcia’s campaign can be made.

Less than an hour after the president’s tweets in support of Garcia, Santa Clarita Assemblywoman Christy Smith, the Democratic candidate in the race, sent a series of tweets seeking campaign contributions and sharing a video of comments by Trump from early in the coronavirus outbreak and of Garcia praising him.

I’m the Democratic nominee defending this seat. Please Follow, Retweet and Donate here: https://t.co/UD0qgxChjE https://t.co/wFvqevAqaj — Christy Smith (@ChristyforCA25) April 21, 2020

We have a May 12 special election and @realDonaldTrump just endorsed my opponent @MikeGarcia2020. pic.twitter.com/aEO1gM3K9u — Christy Smith (@ChristyforCA25) April 21, 2020

The Smith campaign also issued a news release touting her endorsements from various unions.

Sen. Kamala Harris, D-California, also tweeted in support of Smith and sought to raise funds on her behalf.

Donald Trump just endorsed @ChristyforCA25’s opponent, who wants to repeal the Affordable Care Act and fully supports his failing leadership. Donate now to make sure she wins May 12's special election and we keep #CA25 blue→https://t.co/yvUgDx3L1j — Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) April 21, 2020

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order March 20 requiring all voters in the 25th Congressional District to receive a vote-by-mail ballot for the May 12 special election in an effort to protect public health and safety during the coronavirus outbreak.

Smith finished first in the March 3 primary with 36.1% of the vote, while Garcia was second with 25.4%.

The 25th Congressional District includes the Santa Clarita Valley, and portions of the northern San Fernando Valley, Antelope Valley and eastern Ventura County.