Dave McCormick, a businessman and former Bush administration official, officially launched his campaign for the U.S. Senate.

In the Thursday announcement, McCormick entered the crowded GOP primary field that includes almost a dozen Republican candidates.

McCormick, in a 30-second ad, pledged to continue to “fight” for America, pointing to his previous experiences as qualifications.

“I fought for freedom in Iraq and American capitalism, not socialism. And now I’m running for U.S. Senate, to fight the woke mob hijacking America’s future,” the veteran said. “Saving the Pennsylvania we love means fighting for it.”

The former CEO of Bridgewater Associates began his campaign by advocating for policies that will take on China.

“If given the honor of representing Pennsylvania in the U.S. Senate, I will do everything in my power to end our dependence on China, protect our communities and our jobs, counter their attempts to reshape the world in their authoritarian image, and ensure America remains the world’s unrivaled military and economic superpower,” he wrote in an opinion piece for Fox Business.

“For years, China has oppressed its own people while getting rich through unfair trade deals with America and by stealing our technology, intellectual property, and personal information. They have directly threatened our nation’s health, prosperity, and security, and that of all Pennsylvanians.”

The candidate has close connections to former President Trump and his allies, like Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. According to a report from Politico, he also hired Hope Hicks and Stephen Miller—former aides to Trump.

McCormick will face a daunting primary in order to secure the Republican nomination. Former lieutenant governor contender Jeff Bartos, political commentator Kathy Barnette, former ambassador to Denmark Carla Sands, and cardiac surgeon Mehmet Oz have been building their campaigns and messages for weeks.

Each candidate will likely vie for the former president’s endorsement after Sean Parnell dropped out of the contest.

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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Star News Network. Follow Cooper on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Image “Dave McCormick” by Dave McCormick.