Herschel Walker was surprisingly absent from Georgia’s Republican convention over the weekend. The former NFL star is reportedly considering running against Raphael Warnock in next year’s Senate race however his choice to skip the convention and the fundraising opportunity it presented has some wondering if he’s ultimately decided not to run.
According to The Hill:
Walker’s absence from the gathering, which was reported by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, is likely to raise some eyebrows. He’s already said publicly that he is considering a Senate run in 2022, when Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) will be back on the ballot. And Trump has already suggested that Walker would have his endorsement should he get into the race.
The Georgia Senate race, which is expected to be among the most competitive of the 2022 midterm cycle, has already drawn several candidates.
On Friday, state Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black (R) announced a run for the seat. And two other high-profile Republicans, former Sen. Kelly Loeffler and state House Speaker David Ralston, are also said to be eyeing campaigns regardless of whether Walker runs.
Still, some are waiting to see what Walker does before they make a decision. Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.), who has expressed interest in a Senate bid, has said that he won’t run for the seat if Walker enters the race.
Former President Trump and longtime friend to Walker has urged him to run but so far he’s yet to make any formal announcement.
In March Trump said, “Wouldn’t it be fantastic if the legendary Herschel Walker ran for the United States Senate in Georgia? He would be unstoppable, just like he was when he played for the Georgia Bulldogs, and in the NFL. He is also a GREAT person. Run Herschel, run!”