Ted Budd rose from running his family's gun range and shooting supply business to become one of the Senate's most conservative voices on fiscal and social issues. A former member of the House Freedom Caucus, he built his political reputation as a staunch advocate for gun rights, limited government, and traditional conservative values during his three terms in the House before winning his Senate seat in 2022. His business background in the firearms industry and his alignment with Trump-era Republican policies have made him a reliable conservative vote who often emphasizes reducing federal spending and protecting Second Amendment rights.