Iowa Caucus: South Carolina's Tim Scott to Back Marco Rubio

February 1, 2016 9:41 PM EST

South Carolina Senator Tim Scott is set to endorse his fellow Senator Marco Rubio following the Iowa caucuses, a GOP source familiar with the situation said, giving Rubio the backing of a key Republican leader in the state as the race moves past Iowa.

As the only black Republican in the Senate and a popular Senator with high approval ratings, Scott’s endorsement has been widely coveted by Republican presidential contenders, especially in the weeks leading up to the South Carolina primary later this month. News of the endorsement was first reported by Politico.

The move, which broke during the Iowa caucuses, could help Rubio consolidate support from Establishment-friendly Republicans following a likely win in Iowa by either Ted Cruz or Donald Trump. Mainstream GOP leaders hope that the multiple candidates competing in the so-called Establishment late — including Rubio, Jeb Bush, Chris Christie and John Kasich — will winnow after the New Hampshire primary next week.

See Pictures From a Week of Campaigning in Iowa

Ted Cruz held a rally at the Elwell Family Food Centera in Des Moines, Iowa on Sunday Sunday night, January 31rst. The night before Caucuses he encouraged his supporters to Caucus for him and bring friends in a speech that focused heavily on his religious message. (Natalie Keyssar for TIME) — Ted Cruz greets supporters at his rally in Des Moines, Iowa on Jan. 31, 2016. Natalie Keyssar for TIME

Sen. Marco Rubio, r-Fla., walks from his campaign bus towards a campaign rally in Des Moines, Iowa on Jan. 27. — Natalie Keyssar for TIME

Hillary Clinton campaigns with Bill Clinton in Davenport, Iowa on Jan. 29, 2016. — Hillary Clinton campaigns with Bill Clinton in Davenport, Iowa, on Jan. 29, 2016. Natalie Keyssar for TIME

Students listen to Bernie Sanders during a stop at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa on Jan. 28, 2016. — Natalie Keyssar for TIME

Bernie Sanders speaks during a campaign rally and concert in Iowa City, Iowa on Jan. 30, 2016. Natalie Keyssar for TIME

Supporters attend a campaign rally in Des Moines, Iowa on Jan. 28, 2016. — Natalie Keyssar for TIME

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie speaks to supporters at a campaign town hall in Pella, Iowa, on Jan. 29.Natalie Keyssar for TIME

Ben Carson speaks to supporters in Iowa City, Iowa on Jan. 29. — Ben Carson speaks to supporters in Iowa City, Iowa, on Jan. 29.Natalie Keyssar for TIME

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and his wife Janet campaign at the Crossroads shooting range in Johnston, Iowa on Jan. 30, 2016. — Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and his wife, Janet, campaign at the Crossroads shooting range in Johnston, Iowa on Jan. 30, 2016. Natalie Keyssar for TIME

Martin O'Malley walks during a canvas launch at a supporter's home in Johnston, Iowa on Jan. 31.Natalie Keyssar for TIME

Hillary Clinton speaks during a campaign rally with husband Bill Clinton in Davenport, Iowa on Jan. 29, 2016. — Hillary Clinton speaks during a campaign rally in Davenport, Iowa, on Jan. 29, 2016. Natalie Keyssar for TIME

Republican presidential candidate, Marco Rubio, appeared at a caucus event with his family on Feb. 1, 2016, at the 7 Flags Event Center in Clive, Iowa. — Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio appeared at a caucus event with his family on Feb. 1, 2016, at the 7 Flags Event Center in Clive, Iowa.Natalie Keyssar for TIME

Donald Trump greets supporters at a rally in Des Moines, Iowa on Jan. 26. — Donald Trump greets supporters at a rally in Des Moines, Iowa, on Jan. 26, 2016.Natalie Keyssar for TIME

South Carolina Senator Tim Scott to Endorse Marco Rubio

See Pictures From a Week of Campaigning in Iowa

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