BREAKING: Trump says Herschel Walker will run for Senate, Loeffler “considering a rematch” while Georgia Republicans fret over “chaotic” race

The chaos continued yesterday in Georgia’s GOP Senate primary as Donald Trump became the second Republican to announce Herschel Walker will join a crowded field that could also include failed politician Kelly Loeffler, who is “considering a rematch” against Senator Reverend Warnock.

Earlier this week, State Sen. Brandon Beach said he is “99% sure” Walker is entering the race. This follows months of frustration over his slow decision-making and concern about the kind of campaign the Texas resident would run. 

Read more below:

Trump says Herschel Walker will run for Senate in Georgia
Greg Bluestein, Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Key highlights:

• Former President Donald Trump said Georgia Bulldog football great Herschel Walker told him he was going to run for U.S. Senate, a decision that would make him the front-runner in the chaotic race against Democratic incumbent Raphael Warnock.

• “He told me he’s going to, and I think he will,” Trump said Tuesday on the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show. 

• Trump has long encouraged Walker to run for the seat, triggering an awkward waiting game for Republicans that’s partially frozen the race for one of the top GOP targets in 2022. The most prominent Republican to enter the race so far is Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black; others have taken a pass or stayed on the sidelines.

• Enterprising Republicans aren’t usually so eager to step aside for an out-of-state political newcomer to decide — Walker has lived in Texas for years — but support from the former president could be enough to swing a GOP primary in Georgia.

• Still, even with Trump’s backing, Walker would have to clear a number of other obstacles, starting with a move to Georgia. He also must win over conservatives unfamiliar with his political leanings, hone policy stances, court donors… 

• Some influential activists have publicly encouraged him to pass, while others are growing antsy for him to make up his mind, noting that Warnock has already consolidated Democratic support… 

• Former U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler is also considering a rematch against Warnock, and she recently met with Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell.

• Earlier today, Republican state Sen. Brandon Beach of Alpharetta told The John Fredericks Show that he’s “99%” sure that Walker would enter the race after July 4, when he settles a string of business considerations.

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