ATLANTA – The cousin and business partner of former Gov. Sonny Perdue, David Perdue, announced Wednesday morning by email that he’s running for the Republican Senate nomination.
The long-expected announcement comes after months of an exploratory process in which he traveled the state talking to potential supporters and raising money without having to formal declare his candidacy.
“Everywhere we went we were met by concerned Georgians who share my frustration with the lack of results in Washington, D.C. and the politicians who are responsible,” he said in his announcement email. “They’re ready to elect someone from outside the political establishment with a different skill set and a passion to make America stronger.”
David Perdue retired to Sea Island in 2007 after serving as chief executive officers of Dollar General. He heads a private investment firm and is partners with the former governor in a shipping company as well as sitting on the board of directors of three corporations.
He’ll have the usual challenges of any first-time candidate in assembling a staff, raising money and letting voters know who he is. The former governor’s name, connections and advice will certainly help.
Perdue joins a crowded race that already includes six others, including three congressmen and a former secretary of state. Plus, two of the congressmen, Jack Kingston and Phil Gingrey, have more than $2 million cash in their campaign accounts.