Patrick Murphy endorses Lauren Baer for his former District 18 seat in Congress

Patrick Murphy has endorsed Lauren Baer in her bid for his former Treasure Coast congressional seat.

Murphy and Baer made the announcement at a joint press conference in Jupiter Monday.

Baer is one of two Democrats challenging U.S. Rep. Brian Mast, R-Palm City, for the District 18 seat that represents Martin, St. Lucie and northern Palm Beach counties.

Baer faces Navy veteran and attorney Pam Keith in the August primary.

Murphy applauded Baer for her "problem-solving skills," believing her experience working on foreign policy in the Obama administration would prepare her for Congress. He also applauded her stances on health care and tax reform.

"I really respect what Lauren stands for, what she's trying to accomplish with her campaign, and I believe in her message and what she can accomplish in Congress," Murphy told TCPalm.

Baer said she was proud to receive an endorsement for Murphy, calling it a "weighty responsibility."

"Patrick led in this community for over four years with great integrity," Baer said. "He set a great example of what a congressperson can do for each and every one of their constituents."

Critical of Mast

Murphy, a Democrat, represented the district from 2013 to 2017. He opted to not run for re-election in 2016, instead mounting an unsuccessful bid for U.S. Senate.

More: Patrick Murphy mulls 2018 run after Marco Rubio defeat; but for what?

Murphy has been critical of his successor's term in Congress, accusing Mast of spending more time toeing the party line than addressing issues in his district.

In the announcement, Murphy attacked Mast for his vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act, his silence on Scott Pruitt's embattled tenure as director of the Environmental Protection Agency and his support for a Republican-backed tax reform plan.

More: U.S. Rep. Brian Mast: GOP health care overhaul a 'good bill'

"He's had numerous opportunities with Republican leadership and President Trump, but continually he has stood by their side," Murphy said.

Murphy is the latest high-profile endorsement for Baer, who also has the backing of Rep. Lois Frankel, D-West Palm Beach, and Rep. Ted Deutch, D-Boca Raton.