Marjorie K. Eastman, a combat veteran, former intelligence officer and mother of one, has made her entry into North Carolina’s Republican U.S. Senate primary battle. She seeks to distinguish herself from the three leading candidates by branding herself as a political outsider with a fresh perspective. Eastman said she decided to enter the race after the Biden administration's hasty withdrawal from Afghanistan. U.S. Rep. Ted Budd, former Gov. Pat McCrory and ex-Rep. Mark Walker are the top candidates vying for the GOP nomination. Eastman declined to say whether she accepts the fact that Democrat Joe Biden won the 2020 presidential election fair and square.