We are getting word this evening that former Governor Sonny Perdue has been tapped by President-elect Donald Trump to be the next Agriculture Secretary.
Breaking: Donald Trump taps Sonny Perdue as his agriculture chief https://t.co/i81TJRHtAo pic.twitter.com/rHBz0K7gMz
— AJC (@ajc) January 19, 2017
This will make the second Georgian who will have a cabinet-level position inside the Trump administration. Congressman Tom Price (R-GA-06) made his Senate confirmation hearing debut today.
UPDATE:
A statement from Senator David Perdue, cousin to the former governor:
“I could not be more proud of my cousin, Sonny, for being named the next Secretary of Agriculture. Sonny’s executive experience as a two-term Governor of Georgia, the first Republican in 135 years, as well as his veterinary background and agribusiness career, are a few of the many reasons he is the best person for the job. Sonny is a national leader having served as the Chairman of the Republican Governors Association, board member for the National Grain & Feed Association, President of the Georgia Feed and Grain Association, and President of the Southeastern Feed and Grain Association. I am confident Sonny will work hard to advance smart agriculture policies that will help our farmers, ranchers, and rural communities across the country.”