Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black today launched his campaign for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Raphael Warnock.
In an interview with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Black said he planned to leverage his outspoken support for former President Donald Trump as he campaigns. He’s also counting on his high name recognition from more than a decade in statewide office and his background in agriculture, the state’s top industry, to emerge from what will be a crowded GOP primary.
“I’ve got the leadership experience, the track record, and the background handling a wide range of duties to be a United States senator,” Black told the AJC. “The people of Georgia have been kind enough to hire me before, and I believe they’ll hire me again for a different job.”
Black is in his third term as agriculture commissioner. He’s the highest-profile GOP member yet to enter the race. Many had expected former 9th District Congressman Doug Collins to run, but he bowed out early. Other potential candidates are waiting for former UGA football star Herschel Walker to decide on a possible bid, mindful Trump encouraged him to run.
Black, who lives in Commerce, is the second Northeast Georgia Republican to announce a bid for higher office in recent weeks. State Sen. Butch Miller of Gainesville is running for Lieutenant Governor.
