A week after losing a close GOP special primary, Joe Budd said he’s supporting Republican nominee Ed Lynch in the April 13 special congressional election to replace Democrat Robert Wexler.

During the primary, Budd and a third GOP candidate, Curt Price, criticized Lynch’s business dealings and said they wouldn’t support him if he won the primary. But Budd changed his tune at tonight’s Palm Beach County Republican Party meeting.

“If I made a mistake along the way it was probably saying I wouldn’t support Ed Lynch had he won the primary,” Budd told the GOP crowd. “Ed Lynch is the best candidate in the race. So I have to support Ed….Good luck in this race, District 19. I hope you win.”

Democrat Ted Deutch and no-party candidate Jim McCormick are also on the ballot.

For whatever it’s worth, Budd didn’t use the word “endorse” or any of its variants in his announcement. When asked afterward if his announcement constituted an endorsement, Budd said “it was announcing support…I believe he’s the best candidate standing.”