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Sonny PerdueAmerican politician, 81st Governor of Georgia
Date of Birth: 20.12.1946
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Sonny Perdue: Georgia's 81st Governor
- Early Life and Education
- Career and Military Service
- Political Beginnings
- Governorship
- Later Life
Sonny Perdue: Georgia's 81st Governor
Born on December 20, 1946, in Perry, Georgia, George Erwin "Sonny" Perdue III served as the 81st Governor of Georgia, becoming the first Republican governor since Benjamin Conley held office during Reconstruction (1871-1872).
Early Life and Education
The son of a farmer and schoolteacher, Perdue's nickname "Sonny" has accompanied him throughout his life and is his preferred form of address. He obtained a Juris Doctorate from Georgia State University in 1971 and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Georgia the same year.
Career and Military Service
After working as a veterinarian, Perdue transitioned to small business ownership. He served in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Captain.
Political Beginnings
In the 1980s, Perdue joined the Houston County Planning and Zoning Commission and later ran for the Georgia General Assembly. He was elected to the Senate in 1990 as a Democrat, serving as Minority Leader from 1994-1997. In 1998, he switched to the Republican Party and was re-elected in 2000.
Governorship
In 2002, Perdue was elected Governor of Georgia, defeating Democrat Roy Barnes. As governor, he focused on reforming the state budget, cutting government waste, and promoting economic growth. During his first term, over 200,000 new jobs were created. He was re-elected in 2006 with 58% of the vote.
Later Life
After his governorship, Perdue remained active in public life. He briefly worked as a consultant for President Donald Trump in 2017 and was appointed U.S. Secretary of Agriculture in 2017-2021. Perdue continues to reside in Georgia with his wife, Mary. They have four children and ten grandchildren.
