The Polk County Democratic Committee says it is standing by its endorsement of Shawn Harris for U.S. Congress, even after two additional Polk County candidates qualified as Democrats to run for the open seat in Georgia’s 14th Congressional District.

In a statement, the committee said it has been made aware that Jim Davis and Jonathan Hobbs have qualified with the Georgia Secretary of State to run in the special election to fill the seat vacated by Marjorie Taylor Greene, who resigned earlier this week.

The committee noted that in a typical election cycle, local Democratic organizations often hold off on endorsements until after a primary. But the Polk committee said this race is different because the special election will be conducted as a “jungle” style contest, with all candidates—regardless of party—appearing on the same ballot.

Polk Democrats said they previously endorsed Harris when he was the only Democrat in the race and said they are continuing that support because they know him personally and describe him as active in the local party and visible throughout the district.

The committee’s statement describes Harris as a retired U.S. Army brigadier general with a 40-year military career who now lives in Polk County and raises cattle. The committee also noted that his wife, Dr. Karla Hemphill Harris, is a family practice physician.

According to the statement, the Polk County Democratic Committee said it has not had contact with Davis or Hobbs and said both candidates were “unknown” to the organization. The committee said Harris has been attending community events and holding town halls across the district for months and argued that he has earned the endorsement through direct voter outreach and engagement.

The committee concluded by reaffirming its support for Harris, saying it remains enthusiastic about his candidacy and believes he would effectively represent the interests of residents of Georgia’s 14th District.