Businessman David Perdue stunned Georgia’s Republican political establishment Tuesday by capturing the party’s U.S. Senate nomination in his first run for office.
The former CEO of Reebok and Dollar General toppled 11-term Rep. Jack Kingston by a narrow margin, setting up a battle of political newcomers with famous kin in the fall. Perdue’s cousin, Sonny, was a two-term governor and Nunn’s father, Sam, was a four-term U.S. Senator.
In addition to his famous last name and lingering political network from his cousin, Perdue deployed $3 million of his own money to back his bid. Still, he was outspent by Kingston and allied Super PACs – including the deep pocketed U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Kingston conceded the race as late-arriving metro Atlanta counties seemed to give Perdue a narrow win. Kingston hoped his south Georgia base would power him to victory, but lighter-than-expected turnout hobbled his chance.
Kingston immediately pledged his support in a concession call to Perdue and told him “once we combine our two camps we will absolutely be unstoppable.”
As for why he fell short, Kingston said he was unable to shake the Washington insider label.
“People are very frustrated with Washington, D.C., and I think that was a big hurdle,” Kingston said. “And my opponent capitalized on that — as he should.”
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