🎙️ Voice is AI-generated. Inconsistencies may occur.
Former NFL great Herschel Walker has filed paperwork to run for Georgia's seat in the United States Senate. He already has the endorsement of Republican former President Donald Trump.
On Tuesday, Walker filed the paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to establish his candidacy, Reuters reported. He registered to vote in Georgia just one day prior, making the previous Texas resident an official resident of the state. He has not yet announced his candidacy.
In March, Trump wrote in a statement, "Wouldn't it be fantastic if the legendary Herschel Walker ran for the United States Senate in Georgia? He would be unstoppable, just like when he played for the Georgia Bulldogs, and in the NFL. He is also a GREAT person. Run Herschel, run!"
The Senate seat that Walker seeks is currently held by Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock. Warnock narrowly won the seat against Republican former Senator Kelly Loeffler in a contentious 2020 election race.
Walker will face at least three Republicans in the GOP primary. His GOP competitors are: State Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black, military veteran Kelvin King, and Navy SEAL vet Latham Saddler. Black has already criticized Walker as out of touch with Georgia voters.
Walker's campaign may face challenges due to allegations of violence from his ex-wife, Cindy Grossman.
Grossman filed for divorce from Walker in 2001, citing Walker's "physically abusive and extremely threatening behavior," the Associated Press reported. Grossman has also said that Walker once threatened to kill her with a gun and issued death threats against her sister and her sister's boyfriend.
Trump and Walker met in the early 1980s and have been friends ever since. "I have known Donald Trump for 37 years," Walker said. "And I don't mean we just casually ran into each other from time to time. I'm talking about a deep personal friendship."
Walker supported Trump in his speech at the 2020 Republican National Convention. Walker also supported Loeffler in the 2020 Georgia Senate race.
Walker played as an All-American running back at the University of Georgia. There, he helped the school win a national title and won the Heisman in his junior year. He played for the now-defunct United States Football League and then joined the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys in 1986. He also played for the Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants before returning to the Cowboys and retiring in 1997.
