Retiring Rep. Mark Meadows Mark Randall MeadowsSunday shows preview: Lawmakers prepare for SCOTUS confirmation hearings before election White House chief of staff knocks FBI director over testimony on election fraud Anxious Democrats amp up pressure for vote on COVID-19 aid MORE’s (R-N.C.) deputy chief of staff, Wayne King, announced his bid for his boss’s seat on Friday.

The announcement comes one day after Meadows, one of President Trump Donald John TrumpBiden says voters should choose who nominates Supreme Court justice Trump, Biden will not shake hands at first debate due to COVID-19 Pelosi: Trump Supreme Court pick 'threatens' Affordable Care Act MORE’s closest allies in the House, said that he will not seek reelection. Meadows said that he would continue to work with the president and his administration upon his exit.

King, who was formerly the vice-chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party, said his decision comes after reaching out to North Carolina officials. He said he has a “unique understanding” of the district.

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“After much prayerful deliberation, discussion with my friends and family and reaching out to community leaders and elected officials across western North Carolina I decided to file for Congress today. Since 2013, I have proudly stood with Congressman Mark Meadows to represent the people of western North Carolina,” he said in a statement.

“I have a unique understanding of the needs of the entire district, the relationships necessary to hit the ground running on day one and love and appreciation for our mountain values,” he added.

King highlighted his work under Meadows and noted his support for Trump.

“As your next Congressman, I will work tirelessly every day for the people of the 11th District just as I’ve done for the last seven years. I am committed to defending and protecting our God-given rights and constitutional freedoms, securing the border, growing our economy and keeping the government out of our day-to-day-lives,” he said.

“I will stand on principle, I won’t back down, and I will fight for what is right for the future of our district and our nation. I look forward to defending my friend President Trump from the attacks of the liberal left and working with him to Keep America Great.”

North Carolina state Sen. Jim Davis and Haywood County Republican Party Chairwoman Lynda Bennett also filed to enter the race, according to the Asheville Citizen-Times.

The district was not heavily affected by North Carolina’s recent redistricting decision, and is likely to remain in Republican control.