WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who is actively exploring a run for the White House, has won the backing of the ranking Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, his campaign announced Wednesday.

Rep. Peter Hoekstra, R-Michigan, will serve as an advisor to the Massachusetts Republican on intelligence issues and will co-chair the Michigan chapter of his likely presidential campaign. Notably, Romney's father George served three terms as Michigan's governor before launching his own unsuccessful presidential bid.

"As a governor and as chief executive of the 2002 Winter Olympics, Governor Romney knows good intelligence is necessary for our security," Hoekstra said in a statement. Governor Romney will provide those on the frontlines of the war against radical militant Islam with the resources necessary to win."

The Hoekstra endorsement comes a day after Romney announced former House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Illinois, is officially backing his likely White House bid.