John Cannon

This afternoon, state Sen. Andy Harris picked up major endorsements from elected officials in Wicomico County in his bid to defeat incumbent Rep. Wayne Gilchrest and state Sen. E.J. Pipkin in the Feb. 12 Republican primary.

Sheriff Mike Lewis, Council President John Cannon, Councilwoman Gail Bartkovich and Councilman Joe Holloway all endorsed Harris in a press conference at the Salisbury Chamber of Commerce. Longtime state Secretary of Agriculture and Lower Shore resident Lew Riley also gave Harris the official stamp of approval.

The endorsements consolidate Harris' strength in the Lower Shore section of the First District, less than two weeks before the primary. Wicomico Senators Rich Colburn and Lowell Stoltzfus endorsed Harris last year.