Sen. Rand Paul
Randal (Rand) Howard PaulWhite House open to reforming war powers amid bipartisan push House approves George Floyd Justice in Policing Act Bipartisan group of senators introduces bill to rein in Biden's war powers MORE (R-Ky.) is backing Republican Senate hopeful Kelli Ward's bid in Arizona, a decision that gives the campaign an important ally ahead of what will likely become a messy primary.
Paul made the announcement Wednesday morning during an interview on Fox News, citing Ward's support during his presidential campaign and their shared work as physicians.
"She's a thoughtful leader, somebody who is an outsider, not a career politician. I think she would make a great senator from Arizona," Paul said during an interview on "America's Newsroom."
"Some people in the establishment have dumped on her and I'm out there to let people know that conservatives will unite behind Kelli Ward and I think she will have a great chance of being the next senator from Arizona."
Ward responded to the endorsement with a tweet of her own.
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
Addison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellMcConnell makes failed bid to adjourn Senate after hours-long delay Paul Ryan to host fundraiser for Cheney amid GOP tensions Senate Democrats near deal to reduce jobless boost to 0 MORE, to step aside. 
Jeffrey (Jeff) Lane FlakeFormer GOP lawmaker: Republican Party 'engulfed in lies and fear' Grassley to vote against Tanden nomination Klain on Manchin's objection to Neera Tanden: He 'doesn't answer to us at the White House' MORE (R-Ariz.) announced that he would not run for reelection in 2018. But other Arizona Republicans are seriously considering the race, including Rep. Martha McSally (R-Ariz.), state Treasurer Jeff DeWitt and former state GOP chairman Robert Graham.