Jewish Voter Guide
Ted Budd
U.S. Senate · NC · Republican
Summary
Theodore Budd, born in 1971, is currently serving as the junior United States Senator for North Carolina since 2023. His seat will be up for election in 2028.
A member of the Republican Party, Budd served the as the U.S. representative for North Carolina’s 13th congressional district from 2017 to 2023.
Budd was the Republican nominee in the 2022 United States Senate election in North Carolina to replace retiring Republican senator Richard Burr. He defeated the Democratic nominee, Cheri Beasley, and subsequently took office on January 3, 2023.
Below is Senator Ted Budd’s voting record and public positions on issues important to the Jewish community.
Senator Ted Budd has delivered speeches on the Senate floor expressing unequivocal support for Israel, particularly in the context of conflicts involving Hamas. Senator Budd has condemned what he described as barbaric acts against civilians by Hamas, emphasizing the importance of standing with Israel in its defense and condemning antisemitic protests and bigotry.
Senator Budd cosponsored Se Res. 417, a Senate resolution that expressed support for Israel as it faced terrorist attacks from Hamas. The resolution emphasized Israel’s right to self-defense, called for the condemnation of Hamas’ actions by all countries, and highlighted the need for international efforts to deprive Hamas of funding and support. It also reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to Israel’s security.
Senator Budd’s engagement with the Middle East extends beyond statements and resolutions; he participated in a bipartisan congressional delegation to the Middle East, which included visits to Israel, Egypt, Qatar, and Bahrain. During this trip, he met with Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and visited Kibbutz Nir Oz, a community devastated by a Hamas attack. He emphasized the importance of securing the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas.
Additionally, Senator Budd participated in a Congressional Delegation to countries that signed the Abraham Accords, expressing support for the Accords as a historic breakthrough for peace and economic partnership in the Middle East.
Positions
Per-issue alignment with the American Jewish Congress’s positions. Every claim links to its source. No aggregate score or grade.
Combatting Antisemitism
Speaking out against antisemitism
AlignedSpoke Out Against Anti Semitism
U.S.–Israel Relationship
Iron Dome funding
AlignedSupported Funding Israels Iron Dome
U.S. security aid to Israel
AlignedOpposes Conditioning US Security Aid to Israel
BDS & Anti-Israel Sentiment
Anti-BDS measures
AlignedOpposes BDS
Sources
- Delivered speech supporting Israel after October 7 terror attack https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/10/18/this-is-good-versus-evil-budd-delivers-speech-supporting-israel/
- Cosponsored resolution supporting Israel https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/10/19/budd-supported-resolution-supporting-israel-passes-senate/
- Called for release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/01/10/budd-returns-from-middle-east-meets-with-nc-hostage-family-qatari-prime-minister-tours-oct-7-attack-site/
- Supports the Abraham Accords https://www.budd.senate.gov/press-releases/senator-ted-budd-returns-from-codel-to-abraham-accords-nations/
A note on methodology. This guide is published as an educational reference. The American Jewish Congress does not endorse candidates and does not publish aggregate scores. If you spot a position that needs an update or a better source, please reach the office.