WASHINGTON, D.C. – President-elect Donald Trump has selected Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue as Secretary of Agriculture.
According to the National Governor’s Association, Perdue earned a doctorate in veterinary medicine from the University of Georgia. While still in school, Perdue volunteered to serve his country in the U.S. Air Force, receiving an honorable discharge in 1974 with the rank of captain. Following a brief tenure as a practicing veterinarian, Perdue started two businesses from the ground up, concentrating in agribusiness and transportation. His public service began in the 1980s when he served on the Houston County Planning and Zoning Board. He then successfully ran for the state senate, becoming majority leader in just four years, followed by his election as president pro tempore. In January 2003, Perdue became the first Republican to serve as Georgia’s governor since 1872. Governor Perdue won reelection by an overwhelming margin in November 2006. As governor, Perdue focused on improving education, providing better access to health care, creating quality jobs for Georgians, and increasing resources for stronger, safer communities.
U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, issued a statement today following President-elect Trump’s announcement that he has nominated Perdue to be Secretary of the Department of Agriculture:
“Throughout the last eight years, the picture painted of the state of our agriculture economy is far rosier than the realities on the ground,” said Ernst. “Iowans lead our nation in pork, soybean and corn production, and folks want strong leadership and forward thinking in the Department of Agriculture. Too often, agricultural priorities fall to the wayside, and we need to address head-on the many urgent issues that plague our farmers and producers.
“As a veterinarian, Mr. Perdue understands the agriculture industry, and has executive branch experience as a former governor. I look forward to thoroughly vetting him for this position before our committee.”
