A US congressional candidate has been criticised after he described Melania Trump as a “hoebag” on Twitter.

Mark Roberts, who is running in Oregon’s 2nd district was responding to a tweet from conservative activist Charlie Kirk about the First Lady.

“Did you know the First Lady works by the hour? #thinkdirty #hoebag," Mr Roberts wrote.

As fellow Twitter users began criticising his comment, the candidate doubled down, responding to one tweet by saying: “You start whipping out $100’s and see how #classy she gets #makeitrain!”

Eventually his comments came to the attention of Fox News host Laura Ingraham, who asked Twitter founder Jack Dorsey to remove the tweet and suspend Mr Roberts’ account. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy made a similar request, tweeting: “Comments like these have no business on any platform.”

Mr Robert’s account was still active as of Wednesday afternoon.

The 48-year-old – who has previously described himself as a conservative – is running as an independent in November’s midterms. To win, he will have to unseat nine-time incumbent Representative Greg Walden – something political experts believe it a long shot.

Melania Trump and Philip May play bowls during UK visit Show all 10 1 /10 Melania Trump and Philip May play bowls during UK visit Melania Trump and Philip May play bowls during UK visit First Lady, Melania Trump, tries her hand at bowls as she meets British Army veterans, known as Chelsea Pensioners, at Royal Hospital Chelsea Getty Images Melania Trump and Philip May play bowls during UK visit LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 13: First Lady, Melania Trump, tries her hand at bowls as she meets British Army veterans, known as Chelsea Pensioners, at Royal Hospital Chelsea on July 13, 2018 in London, England. First Lady, Melania Trump, visited the Chelsea Pensioners while her husband, President Donald Trump, held bi-lateral talks with Theresa May at the Prime Minister's Country Residence. The Chelsea Pensioners are British Army personnel who are cared for at the Services retirement home at The Royal Hospital in London. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) Leon Neal Getty Images Melania Trump and Philip May play bowls during UK visit Melania Trump gives a thumbs up AFP/Getty Images Melania Trump and Philip May play bowls during UK visit A school boy instructs Philip May during a game of bowls Getty Images Melania Trump and Philip May play bowls during UK visit Melania Trump reacts Getty Images Melania Trump and Philip May play bowls during UK visit Lady Melania Trumphigh-fives with a Chelsea pensioner AP Melania Trump and Philip May play bowls during UK visit U.S. First Lady Melania Trump and Philip May, the husband of Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May, take part in a game of bowls with veterans and schoolchildren during a visit to the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London, Britain, July 13, 2018. REUTERS/Yves Herman YVES HERMAN REUTERS Melania Trump and Philip May play bowls during UK visit Melania Trump is congratulated by Philip May and a Chelsea pensioner after taking part in a game of bowls REUTERS Melania Trump and Philip May play bowls during UK visit LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 13: A girl wears flags on her head as First Lady, Melania Trump, stands with school children after trying her hand at bowls as she meets British Army veteransat Royal Hospital Chelsea on July 13, 2018 in London, England. First Lady, Melania Trump, visited the Chelsea Pensioners while her husband, President Donald Trump, held bi-lateral talks with Theresa May at the Prime Minister's Country Residence. The Chelsea Pensioners are British Army personnel who are cared for at the Services retirement home at The Royal Hospital in London. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) Leon Neal Getty Images Melania Trump and Philip May play bowls during UK visit Lady Melania Trumphigh-fives with a Chelsea pensioner AFP/Getty Images

On his campaign website, Mr Roberts says he is “not a fan of the Trump administration” and lists Mr Trump as one of the top five people he would not take a selfie with. In previous tweets, he referred to US Senator Kamala Harris as “hot”, and said of the president: “Get that man a haircut and non-fat chocolate cake!”

In the “FAQ” section of his website, Mr Roberts says he would spend his first day in Washington viewing Nazi artwork in the Centre for Military History.

“Not to worry, I’m Jewish,” he adds.