President Barack Obama has endorsed Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s bid for re-election next year, the governor’s campaign said Friday.

The campaign said Obama is backing Abercrombie because of his handling of state finances and approach to making tough choices.

Obama said in a statement that he’s known Abercrombie for a long time and appreciates him as a friend and public servant who doesn’t let politics get in the way of serving the people.

"I’ve known Gov. Abercrombie for decades, and I’ve come to appreciate him not only as a friend, but as an extraordinary public servant who has never let politics get in the way of serving the people of Hawaii," Obama said in a statement. "Since taking office, Neil has brought a renewed sense of fiscal disci- pline to the state, cutting back on wasteful spending and making the investments necessary to grow the economy and expand opportunity. Neil has never hesitated to make tough choices, and the people of Hawaii are better off today because of his leadership."

Abercrombie, a Democrat, said he is honored by Obama’s endorsement. His work with the Obama administration includes an appointment to the Council of Governors and the Climate Change Task Force.

State Sen. David Ige, chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, has announced he will challenge Abercrombie in the Democratic primary.