The Tea Party Express has endorsed state Sen. Julianne Ortman in Minnesota's U.S. Senate race, giving her a potential boost ahead of this weekend's GOP state convention.

"Julianne Ortman has continuously proven through her service in the Minnesota Senate she is a born leader, ready to take the reins and buck the D.C. status quo in the same manner as Senators Ted Cruz and Mike Lee. Her unapologetic and bold reform has successfully led to balanced budgets and no new taxes in her state," Tea Party Express Executive Director Taylor Budowich said in a statement.

"Like other Tea Party trail blazers, we expect Julianne will carry that same fight and spirit to the Senate and begin dismantling the years of intrusive big-government policies which have left our economy, and our country, weak and struggling."

Ortman is among several Republicans vying to unseat first-term Democratic Sen. Al Franken.

The Tea Party Express endorsement is the latest sign that Ortman is coalescing conservative support for her campaign. Former Alaska Gov. and vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin has also endorsed her.