HELENA — Whitney Williams, a businesswoman from Missoula and one of two Democratic candidates to become Montana’s governor, received a high-profile endorsement Thursday morning from former Gov. Brian Schweitzer.

Williams’ campaign released a video message from Schweitzer on social media. In it, Schweitzer said Williams was ready to be governor, pointing to her experience in business and to her positions on issues like health care, education and public lands.

“Whitney Williams, you can count on,” he said. “She understands the business of Montana, and she’ll stand up for Montana families.”

Schweitzer is the most prominent endorsement so far for Williams, the daughter of former U.S. Rep. Pat Williams and former Montana Senate majority leader Carol Williams. She has also received support from former Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau and Missoula Mayor John Engen, as well as organizations like Emily’s List.

The other Democratic candidate, Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney, has received endorsements from Gov. Steve Bullock, U.S. Sen. Jon Tester and former U.S. Sen. Max Baucus.

