RALEIGH — Former U.N. Ambassador and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley endorsed U.S. Rep. Ted Budd on Friday in North Carolina’s closely-watched U.S. Senate contest.
A campaign event featured Haley and the three-term Congressman is expected in the coming weeks.
“North Carolinians are sick of out-of-control spending, rising crime, and government that wants to control them. That’s why I’m supporting Ted Budd. He’s a pro-freedom, pro-law enforcement, pro-parent, small business owner who understands the best government is one that gets out of the way,” said Haley of the endorsement.
Haley has been active throughout the 2022 campaign cycle through her organizations Stand For America and Stand For America PAC.
SFA is an organization she established to promote public policies that strengthen America’s economy, culture, and national security. The group is active on social media and has developed a broad range of supporters.
Through her PAC, Haley has endorsed over 45 Republicans since its launch in 2021. She has traveled across the country in over six states backing candidates and state parties, including Iowa, Texas, New Hampshire, Georgia, Virginia, and California. She also recently boosted first-term U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace in South Carolina’s 1st Congressional district.
“It’s a true honor to receive Ambassador Nikki Haley’s endorsement for the U.S. Senate. Her strength and grace on the world stage is sorely missed after just 18 months of the Biden administration’s total weakness, which was put on full display in Afghanistan last year. Her term as Governor of South Carolina will serve as a role model in principled leadership. I look forward to working together to win this race and make life better for North Carolina families,” Budd said in a statement.
Budd won the Republican nomination for the seat in May with 58% of the vote. His opponent is former N.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Cheri Beasley, a Democrat, in one of several races critical to control of the 50-50 chamber this November. The seat this year is open following the retirement of current Republican Sen. Richard Burr.
Haley served as United States ambassador to the United Nations from 2017-2019 and before that, she was twice elected governor of South Carolina.
Haley’s most recent campaign stop in the Tar Heel State was in 2020, when she stumped for Sen. Thom Tillis.
