FORT COLLINS, Colo. -- There is one less Republican in the race for 4th Congressional District nomination in northern Colorado. Former Fort Collins councilman Diggs Brown withdrew from the race and endorsed Rep. Cory Gardner (R-Yuma), a state representative also running for the nomination.

“There is one clear goal: defeat Betsy Markey in November,” said Brown, in a news release. “Betsy Markey has been wrong on Cap and Trade, wrong on card-check and wrong on the stimulus. She is wrong for Colorado. I am happy to unite with Cory Gardner to make our goal of beating Betsy Markey in November a reality."

Brown is a major in the Colorado National Guard and a 30-year military veteran. He will join Gardner's congressional campaign as co-chair.

“I am honored to have the endorsement of Diggs Brown,” said Gardner in a news release. “Nobody is more respected in their hometown than Diggs Brown is in Fort Collins. Diggs has devoted his career to public service, and is a distinguished military veteran. I am humbled to have his support, and honored to have him be an active part of our campaign team.”

Other 4th Congressional District Republican candidates include Dean Madere, a territory manager for a heating and air conditioning company, and Tom Lucero, a University of Colorado Regent.

Democratic Congresswoman Betsy Markey is the current representative of the 4th Congressional District.