Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.) will face a primary challenge in the upcoming elections after running unopposed in 2016. North Dakota Rep. Rick Becker, 57, said in the video announcing his bid that he’s a conservative Republican who has helped pass laws protecting unborn babies, lowering taxes, and reforming the criminal justice system. Without mentioning his opponent, Becker said he is “an outspoken critic of do-nothing politicians in the legislature and the Republican Party, especially over the runaway spending during the last decade both in North Dakota and in Washington.” The nation needs “principled conservatives who will do what’s right, regardless of whether it’s politically safe” in Washington, he added. Hoeven’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment and has not reacted to the challenge. Becker, a plastic surgeon, announced in January he was retiring from the state Senate. He was known in part for founding the Bastiat Caucus, members …