Topline
According to Tuesday's federal filing, Herschel Walker, a Heisman Trophy winner who was also a former NFL player, plans to run for U.S. Senate for Georgia. This is the controversial ex-running back's first formal foray in politics.
Herschel Walker watches from the sidelines as Murray State Racers face University of Georgia... Bulldogs in Athens, Georgia on Sept. 7, 2019. Getty Images
The Key Facts
Walker submitted a statement of candidacy to the Federal Elections Commission Tuesday. This allowed him to begin raising funds for a Senate bid. Walker spent months considering a run for Senate. He was buoyed by Trump's vocal support. At least three other Georgia Republicans are planning to run for Senate next year against incumbent Sen. Raphael Warnock, (D).
Big Number
72% According to a poll by Public Policy Polling, Georgia Republicans have a favorable rating of Thats Walkers. 23% of Republicans are favorable to Gary Black, the state Agriculture Commissioner and Senate candidate (roughly 67% of respondents did not specify an opinion), while 56% support former Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R.Ga.), who has not ruled out running in the 2020 election. Two other Republican Senate candidates were not included in the poll: Kelvin King or Latham Saddler.
Important Background
Walker, a Georgia native, won the Heisman Trophy college football's top honor while playing for the University of Georgia. Walker played 12 NFL seasons, and ended his career with Dallas Cowboys. Walker supported Trump's reelection campaign and supported his unproven claims about widespread voter fraud. He also endorsed former Georgia Republican Senators. Loeffler and David Perdue, both of whom lost the January runoff elections to Democrats. He could still be controversial as a Senate candidate. His ties to Texas have deteriorated. Walker has lived in Texas for at most a decade, and he reportedly registered to vote in Georgia last Wednesday, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. State officials are also investigating Walker's wife, who voted in Georgia last year, despite her being from Texas. The Associated Press reported last month that Walker, who had spoken out about his mental health issues, was accused of threatening to kill his ex-wife.
Tangent
Walker's son Christian, a Trump supporter like Walker, posts pro-Trump videos frequently on social media.
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Trump sees Walker as unstoppable candidate, but many in GOP are wary (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
