RALEIGH, N.C. — U.S. Congressman (NC-13) Ted Budd announced Wednesday he's joining the race for North Carolina's open U.S. Senate seat. Senator Richard Burr will not seek reelection.
Budd is seeking the Republican nomination. Former North Carolina governor Pat McCrory and former Congressman Mark Walker have also thrown their names into the hat. He says he'll bring a new perspective to the Senate.
"I’ve got an agricultural background, I grew up on a family farm in Davie County, so I want to bring those values plus, being a small business person and a job creator, as somebody who’s made payroll week end and week out and understands how people suffer under an oppressive government, I want to be able to bring that perspective," Budd said.
Budd made his campaign announcement in a video that included monster trucks, marching bands and his dog.
On the other side, Democrat Cherie Beasley, former North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice, announced her run for Burr's seat on Tuesday. Other Democrats vying for the nomination include former state Sen. Erica Smith, Sen. Jeff Jackson, Beaufort Mayor Rett Newton and Greensboro scientist Richard Watkins.
