Ted Budd is a Republican running for U.S. Senate. He has served as the U.S. representative for North Carolina’s 13th Congressional District since 2017, which covers the north-central part of the state including Alamance County.

Budd is running against Democrat Cheri Beasley, Libertarian Shannon Bray and Green Party member Matthew Hoh for a soon-to-be vacant Senate seat held by Republican Richard Burr, who is not running for reelection.

Budd faced solid competition in primary elections but received endorsements from former President Donald Trump, Senator Ted Cruz and the conservative super PAC Club for Growth.  

According to Budd’s website, he is running for Senate to represent everyday families. 

“I am gravely concerned about our country’s future, because North Carolina families, our values, and our jobs are under attack every day in Washington,” Budd wrote in a statement on his campaign website.

Budd was raised and currently lives on a farm in Davie County with his wife and three children. Budd is also a small business owner. Budd is the owner of ProShots gun store and shooting range.

In Budd and Beasley’s lone Oct. 7 debate, Budd emphasized his opposition to abortion —as a representative, he recently cosponsored a bill making abortion illegal after 15 weeks, except in cases of rape or incest — his support for securing the U.S.-Mexico border and defense of the Second Amendment. 

Budd did not respond to Elon News Network’s multiple requests for comment.