Ted Budd

Ted Budd
Born	Theodore Paul Budd 21 10, 1971
Birthplace	Winston-Salem, North Carolina, U.S.
Nationality	American
Occupation	Politician, businessman
Known for	Junior U.S. Senator from North Carolina; U.S. Representative for North Carolina's 13th congressional district (2017–2023)
Children	3
Website	[https://www.budd.senate.gov Official site]

Theodore Paul Budd (born October 21, 1971) is an American businessman and politician serving as the junior United States senator from North Carolina since January 3, 2023. A member of the Republican Party, Budd previously represented North Carolina's 13th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 2017 to 2023. Before entering politics, Budd was a businessman with interests in the firearms industry. He entered the political arena as a newcomer in 2016, winning a crowded Republican primary for the newly redrawn 13th congressional district and going on to win the general election. After three terms in the House, Budd successfully ran for the U.S. Senate in 2022, defeating Democratic nominee Cheri Beasley to succeed retiring Republican senator Richard Burr. In the Senate, Budd has focused on issues including disaster relief for North Carolina, career and technical education, agricultural trade policy, immigration enforcement, and appropriations. He serves alongside North Carolina's senior senator, Thom Tillis.

Early Life

Theodore Paul Budd was born on October 21, 1971, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He grew up in the rural areas of North Carolina. Budd's background was rooted in a family with agricultural and business interests in the state. According to profiles published during his initial campaign for Congress, Budd was described as a personable and approachable individual with deep ties to the Davie County community where he later settled.

Before entering politics, Budd pursued a career in business. He became involved in the firearms retail industry, owning and operating a gun store and shooting range in North Carolina. This business background would later inform his political identity as a candidate who emphasized private-sector experience and Second Amendment advocacy. His entry into politics was notable for his status as a political newcomer who had not previously held elected office.

Career

2016 Congressional Campaign

In 2016, Budd entered the Republican primary for North Carolina's 13th congressional district, a newly redrawn seat created following redistricting. The race attracted a large field of Republican candidates, making it one of the more competitive primaries in the state that cycle. Despite his lack of prior political experience, Budd attracted significant financial support from outside donors and groups. Reports at the time noted that the political neophyte drew substantial big-dollar contributions in the district race, helping him stand out in the crowded field.

Budd won the Republican primary decisively, an outcome that was attributed in part to his outsider appeal and the financial resources at his disposal. His primary victory was covered as a notable upset given the number of more experienced candidates in the race. Some analysis suggested that Budd's status as a newcomer was itself an advantage in a political climate that favored outsider candidates.

In the general election, Budd faced a Democratic opponent in the heavily Republican-leaning district. He won the November 2016 election and was profiled as part of the incoming class of new members of the 115th United States Congress.

U.S. House of Representatives (2017–2023)

Budd took office as the U.S. representative for North Carolina's 13th congressional district on January 3, 2017, succeeding George Holding who had represented the prior configuration of the district. During his time in the House, Budd served on multiple congressional committees.

Early in his tenure, Budd attracted national attention for his positions on financial regulation. In 2017, Bloomberg News reported that Budd had sided with Wall Street interests on certain legislative matters, a stance that drew criticism from some of his political allies who had expected a more populist economic approach from the freshman congressman.

Budd was reelected to the House in subsequent cycles, serving three full terms representing the 13th district. Throughout his House tenure, he aligned himself with conservative positions on fiscal policy, gun rights, and regulatory reform. His voting record and legislative activity were tracked by congressional observers and media outlets throughout his time in office.

During his final term in the House, Budd became one of several Republican members who faced scrutiny over the practice of proxy voting. In February 2021, CNN reported that Budd was among a group of House Republicans who had attended the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) while using proxy voting to cast ballots in Congress in their absence, despite having previously criticized the practice when it was adopted by Democrats during the COVID-19 pandemic. The matter was subsequently referred to the Office of Congressional Ethics, which investigated the circumstances surrounding the proxy voting by several Republican members, including Budd.

2022 U.S. Senate Campaign

In 2022, Budd ran for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Republican senator Richard Burr. He secured the Republican nomination and faced Cheri Beasley, the Democratic nominee and former Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court, in the general election. The race was closely watched nationally as one of the competitive Senate contests that cycle. Budd won the general election, securing his place in the Senate.

U.S. Senate (2023–Present)

Budd was sworn in as the junior United States senator from North Carolina on January 3, 2023, succeeding Richard Burr. He serves alongside senior senator Thom Tillis.

Career and Technical Education

In the Senate, Budd has co-chaired the bipartisan Career and Technical Education (CTE) Caucus. In February 2026, he joined fellow co-chairs, including Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.), in leading a bipartisan resolution to recognize February as Career and Technical Education Month. The resolution highlighted the importance of CTE programs in preparing students for the workforce.

Disaster Relief for Western North Carolina

Budd has been involved in efforts to secure federal disaster aid for communities in western North Carolina. In November 2025, he released a statement following the announcement by the Department of Homeland Security, under Secretary Kristi Noem, of $155 million in disaster aid for the region. His engagement with disaster-affected areas has included visits to impacted communities. In early 2026, Bat Cave Fire Chief Steve Freeman, who had worked with Budd during disaster response efforts, was announced as a special guest at the State of the Union address.

Immigration Policy

On immigration, Budd has called for changes to how the federal government enforces immigration laws. In January 2026, he urged the Trump administration to rethink its immigration enforcement approach, arguing that the current system required reform. That same month, he voted against a Department of Homeland Security funding bill, citing concerns over immigration enforcement provisions within the legislation.

Appropriations and Government Funding

Budd has been involved in appropriations debates during his Senate tenure. In January 2026, he voted to pass a five-bill appropriations minibus, releasing a statement in support of the package. Previously, in November 2025, he released a statement after the Senate advanced a measure to end a government shutdown, voting on a funding measure that extended government operations through January 30.

Agricultural Trade Policy

Budd has advocated on behalf of North Carolina's agricultural sector. In October 2025, he led a bipartisan, bicameral letter with Representative David Rouzer (R-N.C.) advocating for U.S. tobacco farmers ahead of President Trump's trade meeting with China. The letter urged consideration of the interests of American tobacco growers in ongoing trade negotiations.

Drug Policy

In December 2025, Budd released a statement opposing the rescheduling of marijuana after President Trump signed an executive order that would reschedule the substance. Budd expressed opposition to the policy change, articulating a position against easing federal marijuana restrictions.

Personal Life

Ted Budd resides in North Carolina. He and his wife have three children. Budd has maintained ties to the Davie County area of North Carolina, where he was based prior to entering politics. Profiles published during his early political career described him as approachable and well-connected within his local community.

Before his political career, Budd was involved in the firearms retail business in North Carolina, owning a gun store and shooting range. His business background was a central part of his political identity during his initial campaigns for Congress.