The freshest blood in the Legislative District 16 gene pool has gotten a nod from a long-serving and widely liked state GOP leader.

Arizona Treasurer Kimberly Yee endorsed State House candidate Chris Lopez (R-Casa Grande) yesterday, according to a text message from his campaign to InMaricopa, a move that could put him a step ahead incumbent Keith Seaman (D-Casa Grande).

The endorsement was brief; a square graphic from the Arizonans Protecting Freedom committee announcing her endorsement with images of Yee and Lopez.

Yee was the only incumbent to win a statewide election in the 2022 midterm and one of two Republicans, the other Tom Horne, to win at all. Before that, she was a state legislator, as Lopez vies to become.

Yee as treasurer has consistently been the highest-approved state-level Republican.

APF spokesperson Daniel Scarpinato said Yee was “proud” to put her support behind Lopez and this is part of a strategic move by the treasurer to ensure conservative candidates are elected.

“Her PAC is making targeted investments in his and other legislative races, including for Teresa Martinez and T.J. Shope,” he told InMaricopa Friday afternoon. “This election is very important to the future of our state. Chris Lopez will provide a check and a balance in the legislature on Katie Hobbs’ liberal agenda.”

Lopez did not immediately respond to a request for comment.