Former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio is planning a run for the Senate in the upcoming 2018 midterms, ABC News reports.

Arpaio will compete for the seat being vacated by Republican Sen. Jeff Flake, who opted not to run due to sagging poll numbers. Arpaio will face a strong primary challenge from Dr. Kelli Ward who publicly campaigned against Flake for being weak on border security.

The 85-year-old, who was pardoned by President Donald Trump in August for criminal contempt, is known for having a tough stance on immigration. He defied a federal court order to stop detaining people suspected of being illegal immigrants.

“I’m happy the conviction was dismissed, especially since I am not guilty,” Arpaio said.

The Arizona sheriff was an early supporter of President Donald Trump during the Republican presidential primary. He said if he ends up running, he will be doing it for Trump.

“If I run, I’m running for him,” he told ABC News. “It took me 85 years to find my hero, and it’s the president of the United States,” he said.

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