Gary Black welcomes Hershel Walker to Senate Race

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ELLIJAY, Ga – Gary Black, candidate for United States Senate, welcomes UGA legend and Heisman Trophy winner Hershel Walker to the race and to the state.

Walker officially entered the race on Tuesday, August 24, and Black presented Walker with a list of campaign stops to openly debate their ideas for the future of the country.

Black, who serves as Georgia’s Agriculture Commissioner, believes Georgians will ultimately vote for the candidate most equipped to handle the job.

“It’s also about being able to provide leadership. I think that’s a critical element. This is not a run for celebrity. It’s a run for Senate and that’s why I’m in it. I believe we got the skills, record, background, and commitment to conservative values,” Black commented.

Black and Walker have strong ties to former President Donald Trump (R). For months, Trump encouraged Walker to enter the U.S. Senate race, but he hasn’t endorsed anyone in the Senate race yet.

The former President and Black worked closely together on hurricane Michael relief for farmers in southwest Georgia. Black brought 15 farmers to Trump to discuss their needs following the hurricane. He commended Trump’s commitment to bringing aid to those farmers.

Additionally, Black formed a coalition for Trump in 2016 even before the Republican Convention.

“I think the President [Trump] is going to be very pleased when we win,” Black added.

Leadership in Congress

The Agricultural Commissioner commented on the necessity of strong leadership in the United States Senate.

“Should we express the views of Georgia? Absolutely. Sometimes does that mean bucking the system? Absolutely. Is there ever a perfect piece of legislation? That’s not true either,” Black stated. “Having a dose of spinal fluid is exactly what you need in your next United States Senator.”

He confirmed he would have voted no on the $3.5 trillion infrastructure bill.

“Businesses should be competing. Businesses should have oversight. How is it businesses are still competing with the federal government for employees?” Black commented. “We’re destroying the work ethic of this country.”

The Black campaign will soon release details on ideas for backing the blue, refunding the police, and addressing the increase in crime. 75 sheriffs in Georgia have endorsed him.

Moreover, Black viewed the situation in Afghanistan as an “abomination” and a national “embarrassment.”

He called for the firing of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley or resign if the Biden Administration won’t listen to his advice.

“Unveiling this right before our children saying, ‘This is the way this generation stands up.’ There’s nothing great about that,” Black said. “Not a single word from Senator Warnock as this was unfolding is shameful.”

Warnock did comment at an Atlanta Press Club event that endless wars haven’t served the country well, and the focus should be on getting Americans and allies out of the country.

Ag Commissioner Gary Black details why he entered Senate race

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Gary Black

ELLIJAY, Ga – Georgia Agricultural Commissioner Gary Black (R) spoke about the importance of the Republican party retaking Senator Raphael Warnock (D)’s seat in 2022.

“They (President Joe Biden and Warnock) said they want to fundamentally change America. I fundamentally object to that,” Black stated before listing the rising gas prices, Middle East conflict, and small business crisis erupting in the United States.

Black believes he can provide the leadership that Georgians need in the U.S. Senate and that people choose to vote for him, not against someone else.

He also believes the GOP is healthy in Georgia with approximately 60 percent new attendees turning out for the state’s Republican Convention over the weekend.

 “We’ve had the need for a cycle or two to get back to ownership of campaigns at the local level. Ownership of our values and a willingness to share them wherever we go particularly during campaign season. To put forth a positive message and a positive vision for the future of the state and the country,” Black commented.

The Agriculture Commissioner has worked closely with the Trump administration on Georgia’s farming issues. He would love to have the former President’s endorsement, but more importantly, Trump’s economic message doesn’t change. Black wants to keep Trump’s policies in place.

Black’s the first candidate to enter the U.S. Senate race with a statewide base in place. He’s served as the Agriculture Commissioner since 2011 and many across the state have already reached out to show their support for his candidacy.

Two Republicans Kelvin King and Latham Staddler entered the Senate race earlier in the year. Many wait to see if UGA great Herschel Walker will enter the race after Trump urged him to earlier in the year. However, Walker hasn’t taken any steps toward declaring his candidacy. Former U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler, who lost to Warnock in January, did recently meet with Trump and could be contemplating another run.

Former Senator David Perdue and Former Congressman Doug Collins have opted not to run for the Senate in 2022.

Georgia Ag Commissioner Gary Black launches Senate campaign

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Gary Black

JEKYLL ISLAND, GA – Gary Black, Georgia’s Agriculture Commissioner who received more votes than any candidate for U.S. Senate or Governor in 2018 and 2014, today launched his campaign for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Raphael Warnock.

“Warnock and Biden promised to ‘fundamentally change America,’” Black said. “They’re five months into it and job growth and opportunity are down, inflation, debt and gas prices are up, the Middle East is back at war. Satisfied? Or sickened? I fundamentally object. I’ll stand in the gap and say the wave comes this far, and no further.”

A longtime champion of agribusiness — Georgia’s largest economic driver — Black has made the “Georgia Grown” brand one of the most successful marketing efforts of its kind in the nation.

Black was a founding member of President Trump’s rural and agriculture advisory group started in June of 2016. He also hosted President Trump in a visit with Georgia farmers hit hard by Hurricane Michael and worked with the administration to utilize China tariff money on expanded marketing efforts in Taiwan. He was a vocal backer of Congressman Doug Collins’ Senate campaign last year.

He received more votes than any candidate for U.S. Senate or Governor of either party in Georgia in 2018 and 2014.

Biography of Gary Black

Gary W. Black has championed innovation, solutions, support, and growth in Georgia’s largest industry for over 40 years.

Gary grew up on his family’s beef cattle farm in Commerce, GA where he and his wife Lydia also raised their children, Ward and Caroline. He is a University of Georgia graduate, and a past president of the college’s alumni society.

Under Gary’s leadership, the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s divisions for information technology, animal health, homeland security and food safety have garnered national acclaim. Commissioner Black has led innovation in domestic and international promotion through the renowned Georgia Grown branding program, helping Georgians start businesses and expand markets. Since taking office in 2011, Gary has also improved the department’s fiscal responsibility and performance, as well as strengthened career paths for employees.

Gary Black is a Leadership Georgia Pattillo Award recipient and the 2017 Georgia Trend Magazine Georgian of the Year. He currently serves on advisory committees for the United States Department of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency and the Export Import Bank of the United States.

Gary and Lydia continue to raise commercial beef cattle at Harmony Grove Farms, and serve together in various ministries at Maysville Baptist Church.

Doug Collins officially bows out of 2022 election cycle

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Collins

GAINESVILLE, Ga – Former Ninth District Congressman Doug Collins (R) announced his intentions to not run in 2022 for either the governor or U.S. Senate.

Collins joined a law firm and started his own radio program following his loss in the 2020 primary for retiring Senator Johnny Isakson’s (R) seat. Raphael Warnock (D) went on to win the seat in the January run-off, but it will be up again in 2022 once the term officially expires.

In an online statement, Collins said, “this is goodbye for now, but probably not forever. I do plan on staying involved in shaping our conservative message to help Republicans win back the House and the Senate and help more strong conservative candidates get elected here in Georgia. I believe that we, as conservatives, must be able to clearly communicate our values and I will help keep that fight going.”

The former Representative served the Ninth District from 2013 to 2021 and became a strong supporter of President Donald Trump (R).

Now that Collin’s out of the race, it opens doors for Georgia Republicans who were possibly waiting in the wings for his decision.

Two Republicans have announced intentions to run against Senator Raphael Warnock: military veterans and businessmen Kelvin King and Latham Saddler. President Donald Trump has encouraged UGA hero Hershel Walker to enter the race.

Many speculate Congressman Buddy Carter (R), and Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr will enter the Senate race.

As for Governor, Brian Kemp’s up for reelection and many expect Stacey Abrams (D) to run again.

After Kemp denied Trump the opportunity to overturn Georgia’s election results, the former President actively pushed Collins to primary the governor. Trump’s vowed to campaign in Georgia and remove the elected officials who didn’t side with him.

So far, former Democrat Vernon Jones (R) has thrown his hat into the gubernatorial primary ring.

Kemp appeared to win some public support back by signing the election integrity act last month, but it’s unclear how many rural GOP voters will fall in line at the ballot box. According to Republican activist Debbie Dooley, 15 local GOPs “passed resolutions to essentially censure” the governor on April 10 and 17.

Kelvin King announces campaign for U.S. Senate in Georgia

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Kelvin King

Marietta, GA – Today, Kelvin King announced his campaign for the U.S. Senate in Georgia. King, a Georgia native, proud veteran, Republican activist, and successful business owner, had the following to say about his campaign.

“Republicans in our state are at a crossroads. We’ve seen what’s at stake in our country. The Biden Administration is currently wrecking our economy, creating a crisis at our border, and systematically dismantling every bit of the “America First” agenda implemented over the last four years. Career politicians, woke corporations, and the cancel culture are all empowered while our families and small businesses are left to pay the price. As the GOP, we have to decide right now if we are knocked down or knocked out. Personally, I am ready to take back our state and fight for the future of our country!

Many of you across Georgia know my wife, Janelle, and me. I am a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, a proud veteran, and the owner of a successful construction company. At the same time, my story includes being born to a teenage mother, raised in a single parent home, and overcoming the challenge of poverty. Statistically speaking, I shouldn’t have made it. I truly am a product of the American dream, which makes me the fiercest defender of freedom, opportunity, and American exceptionalism.

I believe our nation deserves better than President Biden and his weak leadership, just as I believe our state deserves better than Senator Warnock’s divisive far left representation. This election for the U.S. Senate is bigger than you and me. Georgia truly is ground zero for taking back our country. Let’s win for America.”

Kelvin King was born in Macon, GA and raised in Mableton, GA. His mom, Janet, was a teenager when she had Kelvin. His mother, at a young age, had the courage to leave an abusive marriage, becoming a single mother to two children, Kelvin and his younger sister Tameisha. Kelvin spent most of his childhood in a single parent home and they oftentimes struggled to make ends meet. Though he became the man of the family early, his mother and grandmother worked hard to instill in him the values needed to grow into a successful young adult. It was these values he credits with earning him an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy where he was an All-Conference football player.

Kelvin graduated from the Academy and served 5 years in the Air Force as a Contracting Officer. He made the rank of Captain before deciding to leave the military and transition to corporate America. Upon completion of his service, he returned to Georgia to begin building his life as a civilian. He worked in procurement, business development and eventually became the General Manager of an international construction firm where he achieved numerous honors including being named to the Top 20 Under 40 in ENR Magazine and Manager of the Year in his company. After several years in this role, he decided to save enough money to start his own construction firm, Osprey Management. Kelvin’s firm has twice been named the fastest-growing business by the Atlanta Business Chronicle.

Kelvin is married to Janelle who serves as a panelist and commentator on Fox 5 Atlanta’s “The Georgia Gang.” The two of them have been entrenched in Georgia politics as leading conservative activists and are passionate about spreading the Republican message throughout the minority community. They founded “Speak Georgia”, a 501c3 organization designed to educate and provide resources to the community directly from subject matter experts.

The Kings attend the Church of the Apostles and in their free time enjoy cooking out with friends. Kelvin is also the proud father of a fellow Air Force veteran Christian Ward – GO AIR FORCE!

David Perdue takes steps to run against Warnock in 2022

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David Perdue 2022 Senate

ATLANTA, Ga – The 2022 U.S. Senate race starts heating up with former U.S. Senator David Perdue (R – Ga) filing paperwork to potentially run against Senator Raphael Warnock (D – Ga).

The former senator, who lost his runoff against Jon Ossoff on January 5, established the “Perdue for Senate” campaign on Monday with the Federal Election Commission.

This move doesn’t necessarily mean Perdue will enter the race, and Fox News is reporting, he will decide in the coming weeks. However, the conservative news outlet also indicates Perdue is leaning toward running.

If Perdue runs against Warnock, it leaves another prominent Georgia Republican and former Ninth District Representative Doug Collins in an interesting position. Sources say Collins’ also considering another Senate bid in 2022. 

Taken from the FEC website on February 15, 2021.

In a jungle primary, Collins came in third against Warnock and former Senator Kelly Loeffler (R). Warnock later beat Loeffler in the runoff.

Related: Doug Collins will appear on BKP Politics on Tuesday, February 16 at 8 a.m.

Perdue won his Senate seat in 2014 and quickly aligned himself with President Trump in 2016. The President has strongly indicated that he would be involved in the Georgia 2022 elections following Governor Brian Kemp’s refusal to overturn the election.

Ossoff received 50.6 percent of the vote in the runoff to 49.4 percent for Perdue. On November 3, Perdue led Ossoff before dropping below 50 percent to push the race to a runoff.

Warnock and Ossoff’s wins handed the Senate control over to the Democrats, with 50 Senators and Vice President Kamala Harris (D) serving as the tie-breaking vote.

Senator Raphael Warnock

Senator Raphael Warnock

2022 will see Georgia become a political hotbed once again with Governor Brian Kemp (R), Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan (R), and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) up for reelection. Many in the Republican Party aren’t happy with the incumbents following the November 3 election. Trump’s stated he intends to find primary candidates against Kemp at least. Politicos look for Stacey Abrams (D) to run against Kemp in the general election as a 2018 rematch.

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