Freshman Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C., on Thursday endorsed former President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential race.
"Just a few years ago America was strong, but now under Joe Biden, we are a nation in decline," Budd said in a statement to Breitbart News. "Our economy is faltering, our wide-open southern border is tragically wrecking lives, and our country's power and influence in the world is diminished."
"Under President Trump, our economy saw record-setting growth, and families were starting to get ahead," he continued. "Neighborhoods were safer.
"Across the globe, we were achieving peace. We were respected by allies and feared by enemies. That's why I endorse Donald J. Trump for president. Hardworking, everyday families need a return of the America First agenda to restore prosperity and peace."
A former House member, The Hill reports Budd won North Carolina's 2022 Senate race over Democrat Cheri Beasley and replaced longtime former Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C. Trump endorsed Budd in the primary of that race, boosting him in a crowded Republican field.
Budd's backing of Trump comes after the former president was indicted in Manhattan last week on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. Trump became the first president, sitting or former, to face criminal charges and pleaded not guilty at his arraignment.
According to The Hill, a total of seven senators have formally endorsed Trump for president in 2024, including Sens. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio; Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla.; Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss.; Eric Schmitt, R-Mo.; Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala.; and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.
In addition to Budd, Vance, Mullin, and Schmitt all won their Senate seats in the 2022 midterm elections.
According to Breitbart, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has also formally endorsed Trump in his 2024 presidential bid.
In the House, 39 members have endorsed Trump so far, according to The Hill, including several from Florida's congressional delegation.
Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is widely expected to announce his candidacy in the coming months, is reportedly concerned about key endorsements from Reps. Byron Donalds, R-Fla.; Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla.; Matt Gaetz, R-Fla.; and Cory Mills, R-Fla.
According to NBC News, DeSantis, alarmed by the endorsements of Donalds and Mills for Trump, has activated his political operation to try to prevent more Florida Republicans from supporting the former president in 2024. DeSantis' team reportedly called Reps. Aaron Bean, R-Fla.; Vern Buchanan, R-Fla.; Kat Cammack, R-Fla.; Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla.; Laurel Lee, R-Fla.; and Greg Steube, R-Fla and requested they hold off on making endorsements.
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