Hershel Walker a “no show” at GA Republican Convention In Jekyll

Former Georgia University football great Hershel Walker was a “no show” at the Republican Convention held last week in Jekyll Island, but his name received star treatment as it was floated throughout the convention as the candidate to take the U.S. Senate seat held by Raphael Warnock, D-Ga.

Those voices joined former President Donald Trump, who earlier this year tossed Walker’s name in the air for the role, but the retired pro-football running back appears to have no interest in running. The former president believes Walker would be unstoppable, as he urged the Georgia native to enter the race. However, the only thing coming from Walker currently is silence. He has neither shown interest nor declared himself out of contention for the top spot the Republicans lost in the 2021 election to replace former Senator Johnny Isakson.

Democratic Rev. Raphael Warnock won the special election in January to fill out the remainder of retiring Isakson’s six-year term. Warnock has settled into his role and has been crisscrossing the state meeting with constituents and helping Georgians in Washington. Warnock is also building his war chest for what will be an epic battle as Republicans attempt to reclaim the seat they comfortably held for decades.

Like the former president, many in the GOP believe Walker would be an instant favorite for the Republican nomination. Walker, a 59-year-old Peach State native, is beloved and played his college football at the University of Georgia, where he set many records. There are very few people in Georgia, if any, who do not recognize his name.

In an emailed statement earlier this year from his Save America PAC, Trump wrote: “Wouldn’t it be fantastic if the legendary Herschel Walker ran for the United States Senate in Georgia? He would be unstoppable, just like he was when he played for the Georgia Bulldogs, and in the NFL. He is also a GREAT person. Run Herschel, run!” It would appear that Walker and Trump have a “bromance” going on, but many agree with the former president, saying they believe Walker would bring name recognition to the contest and boost GOP support among black voters. However, if the others in the race have anything to say about it, Walker may not be the instant candidate. If Walker’s personal issues come into play, that may cloud his chances of becoming the automatic GOP candidate.

The GOP field is already beginning to gather a crowd of candidates to take on Warnock. Announced contenders include Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black, businessman and Air Force veteran Kelvin King, and Latham Saddler, an Atlanta banking executive. Also in the backdrop is House Speaker David Ralston.

Many in Georgia are waiting and watching to see if Walker makes an appearance in the race.