Herschel Walker is an ex-football player and businessman who has made a household name in Georgia. He is now leveraging that notoriety in a bid to become the state’s first black Republican Senator.
Walker is hoping to oust Democratic incumbent Senator Raphael Warnock in the deep south which could sway the balance of power in Washington.
“I’m sick and tired of people putting this country down,” Walker said in a campaign ad.
The Wrightsville, Georgia native is touting his homegrown appeal on the campaign trail – from winning a Heisman and national championship as a Georgia Bulldog to building a successful business and giving back to the community.
But how homegrown is he? Before he decided to run, there were questions about his residency because he’s lived in Dallas, Texas, for the last decade. However, he managed to meet state qualifications.
He also faced allegations he made several threats to kill his ex-wife, exaggerated his financial dealings, and lied about his education.
Despite those concerns, Walker earned former President Donald Trump’s coveted endorsement, which solidified him as the Republican frontrunner and helped him beat out five other GOP candidates in the primary.
Some of the issues of concern for Walker include preserving gun rights, addressing a spike in violent crime and rising inflation.
“We have gas prices the way they are right now,” Walker said during an interview with Fox 5 ATL. “People can’t afford to buy milk, can’t afford to buy eggs. You see the crime rate. What has happened to the crime?”
In the wake of the deadly school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, Walker offered this response to addressing gun violence.
“He [President Joe Biden] talked about doing a disinformation [board],” Walker said. “What about getting a department that can look at young men that’s looking at women that’s looking at their social media? What about doing that? Looking into things like that and we can stop that way. But yet they want to just continue to talk about taking away your constitutional rights.”
Mental health is an issue familiar to Walker. He struggled with a dissociative identity disorder.
It’s a topic he discussed in detail in a book he published in 2008 called “Breaking Free:”
When asked about his stance on abortion, Walker stood firm on his conservative and Christian values.
“I’m for life. I’m not going to apologize for it. I’m a Christian. I believe in life. From the womb to the tomb,” Walker said.
