DOVER — Republican presidential candidate Sen. Marco Rubio has chosen state Sen. Greg Lavelle to lead his Delaware effort.

Sen. Lavelle, R-Sharpley, will serve as the chairman of Sen. Rubio’s campaign in the First State.

Sen. Lavelle, who serves as the state Senate’s minority whip, has pushed for fewer taxes and less regulation of business. He previously was Delaware chairman for 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney.

Gregory F. Lavelle

Sen. Rubio, of Florida, is one of 12 candidates vying for the GOP nomination. A Reuters poll from two weeks ago found he had about 9 percent of the vote for the nomination, fourth among Republicans.

“Marco Rubio is a tremendous leader who will unite the next generation of conservatives,” Sen. Lavelle said in a statement. “We cannot afford more of the same failed policies of (President Obama and Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton), and we need someone like Marco who understands the struggles we all face as Americans to bring us into the new American century.

“Marco knows how to help working families, keep us safe and make sure America’s best days lie ahead. He is a living example of the American Dream who will inspire the nation, and I am proud to offer him my full support.”

Although Delaware is one of many states with primaries that do not come until the spring, the Rubio campaign is currently focusing on all 50 states, according to a campaign spokeswoman.

Two Delaware lawmakers — Sen. Brian Pettyjohn, R-Georgetown, and Rep. Deborah Hudson, R-Hockessin — announced in June they would lead the Delaware campaign of former Hewlett Packard CEO Carly Fiorina.

The state’s primary is April 26.