Jan McDowell, who in 2018 came within striking distance of flipping Texas’ 24th Congressional District, endorsed Candace Valenzuela in the Democratic primary runoff Thursday.

McDowell had hoped to be the Democratic nominee again in 2020, however she came in a distant third in the March 3 primary.

Retired Air Force Col. Kim Olson led the six-person field with 40% of the vote. Valenzuela captured 30%. Olson and Valenzuela will face off in late May.

The congressional race in the Dallas-Fort Worth suburbs is among the most high-profile in the nation. Republicans are playing defense for the open seat, vacated by Rep. Kenny Marchant, who is retiring. Democrats hope to expand their majority capitalizing on changing demographics in the district.

Elections Why everyone is focused on this suburban Texas congressional race This Tuesday is the first battle in what is expected to be a protracted war between the two major parties for Texas' 24th Congressional District. The open seat, held by Republicans since 2004 is widely considered a toss-up by local and national political observers. By

McDowell, in a statement provided by Valenzuela’s campaign, said she was supporting the former school board member because of Valenzuela’s strong ties to the district and her ability to relate to the needs of working families.

“She’s an ethical woman who lives in the district and can relate to the struggles of suburban working families here face," McDowell said.

Jan McDowell at her campaign office on Jan. 28, 2020 in Carrollton. (Ashley Landis/The Dallas Morning News) (Ashley Landis / Staff Photographer)

McDowell’s endorsement is the latest in a long string of high profile endorsements for Valenzuela. She has previously been endorsed by EMILY’s List, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus’s BOLD PAC, and the Congressional Black Caucus PAC. She also received the endorsement of former Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren.

“I am so proud to have earned Jan’s endorsement,” Valenzuela said in a statement. “She has worked tirelessly in TX-24 for years to build out our Democratic infrastructure and put this seat on the map nationally. With her help, we will build on her past success, win the runoff and flip this district blue in November.”

The winner of the May runoff will face former Irving Mayor Beth Van Duyne who dominated in Tuesday’s Republican primary winning nearly 65% of the vote.