Former President Donald Trump is continuing his efforts to shape the Republican Party in his image, endorsing a primary challenger to North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis. Trump announced his support for Republican Rep. Ted Budd in the 2022 Senate race.
In a statement, Trump praised Budd as a strong conservative who will fight for the values important to the people of North Carolina. The endorsement is seen as a significant blow to Tillis, who has faced criticism from some conservatives for not being supportive enough of Trump’s agenda.
The announcement comes as Trump is increasingly flexing his political muscles in key races across the country. He has already endorsed candidates in Ohio, Alabama, and Pennsylvania, among other states. Trump’s support can be crucial in Republican primaries, where loyalty to the former president remains a key litmus test for many voters.
The North Carolina Senate race is expected to be closely watched as Republicans try to regain control of the Senate in the 2022 midterm elections. Tillis narrowly won his seat in 2014 and is likely to face a tough challenge from Democrats in the upcoming race.
In his statement endorsing Budd, Trump criticized Tillis for his vote to override the president’s veto of the National Defense Authorization Act in 2020. The move put Tillis at odds with Trump and many of his supporters.
Budd, who currently represents North Carolina’s 13th Congressional District, has been a strong supporter of Trump’s policies and is expected to run as a pro-Trump candidate in the Senate race. The endorsement from the former president could give Budd a significant boost in a crowded primary field that also includes former Gov. Pat McCrory.
Tillis responded to Trump’s endorsement by emphasizing his support for the former president’s agenda, highlighting his efforts to confirm conservative judges and cut taxes. He also noted that he has stood up to President Joe Biden and the Democrats on key issues.
The primary is still more than a year away, but Trump’s endorsement has already shifted the dynamics of the race in North Carolina. The former president’s continued influence within the Republican Party is likely to play a key role in shaping the outcome of the election and the future of the party itself.