Ms Jones, 45, announced her bid to become party leader on Thursday. Current leader Ieuan Wyn Jones will step down in the New Year.
Welcoming the announcement, Newbridge-based Jocelyn Davies said: “I am delighted that Elin Jones has announced her intention to stand for the leadership of Plaid Cymru.
“Having worked closely with Elin since the National Assembly’s inception in 1999 and recently as ministerial colleagues, I am in no doubt that Elin possesses the qualities to lead Plaid Cymru as it faces a new era.
“It is widely acknowledged that Elin is among the most capable ministers Wales has had and I am in no doubt that she is the obvious leadership choice for Plaid Cymru. We have important decisions to make as a party in the coming months and as Elin has demonstrated throughout her political career, she does not shy away from important decision.”
In a statement on her website, Ms Jones said: “Plaid Cymru has achieved a great deal for Wales over the past few years. This year saw the establishment of Wales’ first legislative Parliament and the completion of Plaid’s first-ever term in Government.
“Now a new chapter is opening for Plaid Cymru. Our task is to strengthen our country’s autonomy and economy, and to make the case to the people of Wales that our nation is better served by independence than dependence.
“Unlike the British parties, our job is never to manage Wales, but to build Wales. Sometimes Plaid will contribute to that work from within Government, sometimes from outside. However, our aims remain clear: that we build our country’s independence and that we work to achieve economic prosperity and social justice for our people.
“We need, as a Party, to reach out to a wider array of voters. We cannot just speak to ourselves, we need now to go out and talk to, and for, everyone in Wales. Over the coming months I will outline clearly how I believe we can reach out to people and build our support.”