Steny Hoyer to campaign with Lauren Baer in her Treasure Coast congressional bid

U.S. House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer will campaign with District 18 congressional candidate Lauren Baer on the Treasure Coast Thursday.

Hoyer will be in Fort Pierce to participate in a roundtable on "quality, affordable healthcare access" at HANDS Clinic, according to a release from Baer's campaign.

Hoyer visited the Treasure Coast in 2013 to take an aerial tour of toxic algae blooms in the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon, sparked by Lake Okeechobee discharges.

Hoyer's visit is the latest sign of national-party support for Baer's campaign. Hoyer's PAC also donated $5,000 to Baer's campaign earlier this year.

Hoyer, of Maryland, came under fire last week after he was secretly recorded asking a Democratic candidate to drop out of a Colorado congressional district primary.

Other candidates

Navy veteran and attorney Pam Keith is challenging Baer in the Aug. 28 Democratic primary.

The winner will challenge incumbent Republican Brian Mast in the Nov. 8 general election.