EXCLUSIVE — North Dakota state Rep. Rick Becker is launching a primary challenge to incumbent Republican Sen. John Hoeven, who has represented the state in the Senate since 2011.
“Washington, D.C. is a cesspool of corrupt politicians. The only solution to fix this problem is to send passionate, strong conservatives who will not fail the people of North Dakota and America,” Becker said in a statement announcing his candidacy, first shared with the Washington Examiner.
MANCHIN AND MURKOWSKI CROSS AISLE TO ENDORSE EACH OTHER
Becker, a plastic surgeon and businessman in Bismarck, was first elected to the North Dakota state House in 2012.
In an announcement video, Becker did not mention Hoeven directly but touted being labeled in the media as “ultra-conservative or far-right, because all Republicans use the word ‘conservative’ when they campaign but few are principled and consistent once elected.”
He said that his legislative successes include constitutional carry, civil asset forfeiture reform, and the prohibition of vaccine passports. The plastic surgeon has faced criticism for his opinions on COVID-19, including calling ivermectin a “safe drug” and questioning the effectiveness of masks.
In the state Legislature, Becker founded the right-wing Bastiat Caucus, named after the French political philosopher Frederic Bastiat. He also hosts a talk television show called No Apologies with Becker.
“Inflation killing North Dakota’s middle class, trampling of our Bill of Rights, failure to secure our border, illegally changing election laws, and allowing Critical Race Theory in our schools,” Becker said in a statement. “Enough is enough. D.C. politicians love to talk the talk, but refuse to walk the walk. The people of North Dakota deserve more. When I’m elected to serve in the United States Senate, North Dakotans can count on one thing: I will fight for them.”
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Becker previously ran for governor of North Dakota in 2016 but did not win the Republican nomination at the convention. He is not seeking another term in the North Dakota House.
He faces an uphill battle in challenging Hoeven, who was governor of North Dakota from 2000 to 2010. Hoeven reported $3 million in cash-on-hand at the end of 2021. North Dakota’s primary election is on June 14.
