Herschel Walker has won Georgia's Republican Senate primary and will face incumbent Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock in November, the AP reported.
Why it matters: Republicans view Warnock's seat as a top pick-up opportunity to help take control of the upper chamber. Public polling has shown the November matchup to be extremely close.
The big picture: While Walker has received strong backing from former president Donald Trump, Walker also enjoys near-hero status among Georgia football fans for leading the University of Georgia to a national championship win in 1980.
The intrigue: He won the primary despite criticism from his Republican opponents about past domestic abuse allegations and a scrutinized business history.
- One opponent, state Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution he would not support Walker as the nominee.
Catch up quick: Walker has been able to float above the fray dividing Republican politics these days, earning the support of both Trump and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.)
What's next: Walker heads into the general election with more than $7 million cash on hand. But Warnock's campaign has reported a whopping $23 million.
