It was reported on Monday that Corey Stewart, the former chairman of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors(BOCS), has been hired in a new high-level position in the United States Department of Commerce.

Stewart, an enthusiastic Trump supporter who marketed himself as “Trump before Trump” in his 2018 bid to unseat Senator Tim Kaine, was chosen by President Donald Trump to lead the charge on implementing strict trade policies against China in the Trump Administration’s final days according to Reuters. Stewart has a background as an international trade lawyer.

Stewart served just over three terms as chair of the Prince William Board BOCS from 2006 to 20019, deciding not to seek reelection in 2019 after losing Prince William County in the 2018 Senate election. Stewart became known for his hard-line and controversial conservative policies such as 287(g). During this time as chairman of the BOCS, he served as state chair for Trump’s presidential campaign in 2016. 

During his tenure as chairman, He also made three unsuccessful bids for statewide office during said period: for Lt. Governor in 2013; for Governor in 2017; and for Senator in 2018. These campaigns were considered controversial given Stewart’s far-right platform points and his habit of campaigning alongside the Confederate Flag, which Stewart has defended on multiple occasions. Stewart also closely associated himself with members and leaders of hate groups such as Richard Hines and Richard Kessler.

Stewart is likely to serve in his position until the Trump Administration transitions out of power on January 20, 2021.