Todd Prichard endorses Fred Hubbell for governor

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Fred Hubbell has won the backing of a former rival, state Rep. Todd Prichard.

The Hubbell campaign announced the endorsement in a news release.

'I'm endorsing Fred for two simple reasons: he would make an outstanding governor for all Iowans, rural and urban, and I know Fred can win in November and deliver the real results our state desperately needs,” Prichard said in a statement released by the Hubbell campaign.

Prichard, who is from Charles City, dropped out of the race in August, announcing he'd seek another term in the Legislature. He also cited the demands of fundraising for the campaign.

The endorsement could help Hubbell in Iowa's smaller towns and rural areas. Prichard was the only Democratic candidate from outside one of Iowa's urban centers to run for governor, which he emphasized during his bid.

In accepting the endorsement, Hubbell also noted Prichard's background as a member of the U.S. Army Reserve.

Hubbell said Prichard 'will be a vital resource advising on rural issues, agriculture, and veterans issues, given his wide expertise as a leader in the Legislature and service in the Army.”

There are seven Democrats seeking the party's nomination to run for governor next year. The filing deadline for the June 5, 2018, primary is March 16, 2018.