WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – Former President Donald Trump endorsed Ted Budd as the U.S. Congressman. He defeated Pat McCrory, the former North Carolina Governor, in the Republican primary for the election to replace retiring U.S. Senator. Edison Research forecast Senator Richard Burr on Tuesday.

Budd’s win – an indication of Trump’s continuing influence within the party — means that he will be facing a Democratic candidate during the Nov. 8, general election. This race will be crucial for Republican hope of winning control of the Senate, which is currently held only narrowly by Joe Biden and his fellow Democrats. Burr, a Republican.