Interesting Names Set To Enter 2022 U.S. Senate Race

David Perdue is out but numerous other big-name Republicans are set to jump into the ring for the 2022 U.S. Senate race.

While Democrat Raphael Warnock was just elected in 2020, we should remember that he is actually completing the term of former U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson. After Isakson was re-elected in 2016, he later resigned for health reasons creating a vacancy.

Georgia governor Brian Kemp filled the position by appointing Republican Kelly Loeffler, a decision that ended up backfiring and may very well haunt the governor in his own re-election bid next year.

Loeffler, and a host of others, then tried to get elected to finish out Isakson’s term. The winner would complete the remainder of the six-year term and then face re-election in 2022. Whoever wins next year will then not be up for re-election until 2028.

In a true political upset, Warnock emerged the winner, defeated Loeffler in the runoff of the jungle primary. In many ways it was a stunning accomplishment, but Warnock really has to start looking ahead now, even with almost two years until his name appears again the ballot.

Perdue meanwhile lost his U.S. Senate seat to Democrat Jon Ossoff in another political upset in conservative Georgia. After one term in office, Perdue was shown the door by voters and quickly let it be known he was pondering a run against Warnock next year.

Ultimately, Perdue announced he would not run and in all likelihood is done with political office.

Other Republicans are primed to throw their hats into the proverbial ring. Several would-be candidates are already in elected office including state agriculture commissioner Gary Black, Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan and controversial first-term congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene.

Others said to be exploring the possibility of entering the race include former congressman Doug Collins (who lost in the jungle primary in 2020 to Loeffler), former state house minority whip Earl Ehrhart, former U.S. ambassador Randy Evans, former state representative and ex-DeKalb County CEO Vernon Jones (who is also a one-time Democrat) and former state supreme court chief justice Harold Melton.

Loeffler is also entertaining another run. Money is not an issue for Loeffler who has billions at her disposal.

One interesting name is that of a political outsider and it is a name that could quickly gain traction in a football-crazed state like Georgia. Former University of Georgia Heisman Trophy winner and pro football player Herschel Walker is said to be considering the race.

Walker’s name alone would make him a contender in the GOP primary and perhaps even the favorite. Just last year former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tuberville was elected to the U.S. Senate from Alabama, another football-loving state.

If Tuberville can get elected to the U.S. Senate then so can Walker.

A run by the most famous football player in our state would not be shocking. In recent years, number 34 has let his opinions be known about politics. He was a big supporter of Donald Trump (Walker played for Trump’s New Jersey Generals in the USFL) and he did commercials for Loeffler in her 2020 campaign.

Republicans would likely love to have someone with Walker’s name recognition in the race. He has always been well-spoken, respected figure in his native state.

Ironically, no Republican has yet to officially announce for the race. Look for that to change by this summer. Some may be waiting to see who enters the race before making their final decision.

Monticello native Chris Bridges has contributed to The Monticello News since 1988. You can email comments about this column to pchrisbridges@gmail.com.