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A three-term New Jersey state senator endorsed Donald Trump for president Wednesday, citing the Republican presidential front-runner's "foreign policy approach" as the kind America needs.

Despite supporting Ron Paul in 2008 and 2012, New Jersey State Sen. Mike Doherty opted not to support the former Texas Congressman's son, Kentucky senator and Republican hopeful Rand Paul, this election cycle. Instead, Doherty says he backs Trump.

"At a time marked by so much turmoil and unrest around the globe, we need [Trump's] foreign policy approach to ensure that America's interests come first," the Garden State lawmaker said in a statement released by Trump's campaign.

"I am grateful to have the endorsement of Senator Doherty who understands what is at stake in this election," Trump said in his response to the endorsement.

He added, "It will require leadership and a commitment to do what is right even when it may not be popular among the elites in Washington, D.C. who have created more problems than they have solved [but] with the support of Senator Doherty and so many other conservatives across the country, we will Make America Great Again."

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