Sen. Rand Paul endorses Dr. Kelli Ward’s Arizona run for Senate
Nov 1, 2017, 11:06 AM | Updated: 1:13 pm
PHOENIX — The upcoming Republican primary is still months away, but that didn’t stop Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) from endorsing Dr. Kelli Ward’s Senate run on Wednesday.
“As a fellow physician, Dr. Ward witnessed firsthand the damage Obamacare has inflicted on our nation’s healthcare system,” Paul said in a statement.
“As senator, she will bring a new voice and a fresh perspective to the Senate. Likewise, her record as state senator in Arizona shows that she served her constituents admirably and was not beholden to lobbyists or special interests. This is what we need more of in Washington, D.C. I support her candidacy for the U.S. Senate.”
Paul also endorsed the former state senator on an appearance on Fox News on Wednesday.
“Some people have dumped on her and I’m out there to let people know that conservatives are going to united behind Kelli Ward and I think she has a great chance of being the next senator from Arizona.”
Ward said she “could not be more pleased” to accept Paul’s endorsement and tweeted about the news.
Honored to have the support of Senator @RandPaul – AZ needs a US Senator who values #liberty, freedom, & the #Constitution #NewGOP pic.twitter.com/5YQLnlyasI
— Dr. Kelli Ward (@kelliwardaz) November 1, 2017
Ward had reportedly chased the endorsement for a short time and asked for Paul’s support during a phone call last week.
She had previously backed Paul’s presidential campaign and introduced him at a few rallies.
Ward is running for the seat held by incumbent Sen. Jeff Flake, who has said he would not seek re-election.