Ted Budd

Ted Budd was born on October 21, 1971, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Budd grew up in a family that owned a facility-services business and a farm. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Appalachian State University, later earned a Master of Business Administration from Wake Forest University, and a Master of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary.

Ted Budd was elected to the United States House of Representatives on November 8, 2016, for North Carolina's 13th congressional district. He was a businessman with no prior political experience before this election. Budd's campaign focused on conservative principles such as reducing government regulation and promoting a strong Second Amendment stance. His victory was significant as he won in a crowded Republican primary field before defeating his Democratic opponent in the general election.

On March 27, 2020, Ted Budd voted in favor of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. The CARES Act was a $2 trillion economic stimulus bill aimed at addressing the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This legislation provided direct financial assistance to Americans, expanded unemployment benefits, and supported businesses affected by the pandemic. Budd's vote supported significant government intervention to stabilize the economy during a global crisis.

On November 3, 2020, Ted Budd was re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing North Carolina's 13th congressional district. Budd secured his position by appealing to conservative voters and emphasizing his support for then-President Donald Trump's policies. He defeated Democratic candidate Scott Huffman in the general election with a comfortable margin, continuing his work on conservative issues and serving a third term in Congress.

On April 28, 2021, Ted Budd announced his candidacy for the United States Senate seat from North Carolina, to succeed retiring Senator Richard Burr. Budd's Senate campaign was notable for its emphasis on aligning closely with former President Donald Trump. Budd received an endorsement from Trump, which played a significant role in boosting his visibility among Republican voters in North Carolina. His campaign focused on conservative values, regulatory reforms, and economic growth.

Ted Budd won the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat in North Carolina on May 17, 2022. Budd's primary victory was influenced strongly by the endorsement from former President Donald Trump. He defeated former Governor Pat McCrory and former Representative Mark Walker by a significant margin. Budd's campaign focused on pro-business policies, tax cuts, and reducing government regulation. The endorsement and his policy positions resonated well with the conservative base.

Ted Budd was elected as the U.S. Senator from North Carolina on November 8, 2022. His victory marked a key Republican hold in a battleground state. Budd ran on a platform that included economic development, healthcare reform, and conservative social policies. His Senate campaign reflected national political trends, with a focus on the concerns of conservative voters. Budd won against Democratic candidate Cheri Beasley, securing a seat previously held by retiring Senator Richard Burr.

On January 3, 2023, Ted Budd was officially sworn in as a United States Senator representing North Carolina. Budd's tenure began with a commitment to prioritizing economic issues and national security. His seating in the Senate was part of the Republican efforts to maintain influence at a federal level following the 2022 midterm elections. During his initial days in the Senate, Budd pledged to work across the aisle while holding firm on conservative principles that defined his campaign.