Reinforcing Jeb Bush's status as the Republican establishment candidate, former House Majority Leader Eric Cantor will endorse the former Florida governor, Politico reported Thursday.

Cantor was defeated in last year's Republican primary for his Virginia House seat in what was one of the biggest political upsets of the year.

 (AP Photo/Steve Helber) AP Photo/Steve Helber

According to Politico, Cantor will also be named Virginia state co-chair of Bush's campaign.

A Cantor source told Politico: “They have known each other for a long time, speak regularly and have great mutual respect for one another. Eric believes he is the only candidate with a real long-term vision for the country who can also actually implement it — not just talk about it.”

A representative for Bush's campaign did not immediately return a request for comment.