30 Facts About David Perdue

Early Life and Education

David Perdue's journey began in Georgia, where he was born and raised. His early years were shaped by a strong emphasis on education and hard work.

1. David Alfred Perdue Jr. was born on December 10, 1949, in Macon, Georgia.
2. Raised in Warner Robins, he grew up in a family of educators, with both parents being the first in their families to attend college.
3. His father eventually became the superintendent of Houston County Schools, instilling a deep respect for education in David.
4. Perdue attended Georgia Tech, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering in 1972.
5. He also pursued a Master of Science degree in Operations Research, which he completed in 1976.

Early Career and International Experience

David Perdue's professional journey took him across the globe, providing him with a unique perspective on business and economics.

6. Perdue began his career at Kurt Salmon Associates, an international management consulting firm, where he worked for 12 years.
7. His career took him to various international locations, including Singapore, Hong Kong, and Paris, broadening his understanding of global economies.
8. In 1998, Perdue joined Reebok as a senior vice president and later became the president and CEO of the brand.
9. He revitalized Reebok through innovative marketing strategies and product lines.
10. From 2007 to 2009, Perdue served as the CEO of Dollar General, overseeing the company's expansion from 5,900 to 8,500 stores nationwide.

Business Acumen and Philanthropy

David Perdue's business acumen is well-regarded, though not without controversy. His philanthropic efforts reflect his commitment to education and workforce development.

11. Perdue is known for his ability to effect successful turnarounds for ailing companies, though some criticize his methods.
12. During his tenure at Dollar General, he became heavily involved in literacy initiatives.
13. He served as the Chairman of the National Commission on Literacy and Workforce Development.
14. In July 2010, Perdue was appointed to the Georgia Ports Authority by his cousin, then-Governor Sonny Perdue.
15. In April 2011, he co-founded Perdue Partners, an Atlanta-based global trading firm.

Political Career

David Perdue transitioned from business to politics, bringing his corporate experience to the U.S. Senate.

16. Perdue entered politics in 2014, running for the U.S. Senate as a Republican.
17. He won the Republican primary runoff and defeated Democratic nominee Michelle Nunn in the general election.
18. Perdue took office in 2015, representing Georgia in the U.S. Senate.
19. Known for his conservative views, he supported legislation to limit immigration and sought to ban same-sex marriage and abortion.
20. In the 2016 presidential election, Perdue backed Donald Trump and became one of his biggest allies in the Senate.

Controversies and Challenges

David Perdue's political career has not been without its share of controversies and challenges.

21. In 2017, Perdue applauded Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement.
22. He voted to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) in 2017, although the effort failed.
23. During Trump's impeachment in 2019, Perdue voted not to convict him, contributing to Trump's acquittal.
24. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Perdue faced criticism for his handling of the crisis.
25. In the 2020 Senate election, Perdue ran for reelection but lost to Democrat Jon Ossoff in a January 5, 2021, runoff election.

Recent Endeavors

David Perdue continues to be active in politics and business, despite recent setbacks.

26. In 2022, Perdue ran for Governor of Georgia but lost to incumbent Governor Brian Kemp in the Republican primary.
27. During his Senate tenure, Perdue was linked to the 2020 congressional insider trading scandal.
28. Perdue's business career is characterized by his ability to lead companies through challenging times.
29. David Perdue married Bonnie, whom he met in the first grade, and they have two sons and three grandsons.
30. Perdue has been involved in various community initiatives, including literacy programs and workforce development.

David Perdue's Multifaceted Legacy

David Perdue's journey from business executive to U.S. Senator showcases a life marked by significant achievements and controversies. Raised in Georgia by educators, he carried the values of hard work and education into his career. His tenure at companies like Reebok and Dollar General highlighted his knack for turning around struggling businesses, though not without criticism.

Perdue's political career, starting in 2014, saw him champion conservative causes and align closely with Donald Trump. His support for tax reform, immigration limits, and opposition to the Affordable Care Act defined his Senate term. Despite losing his 2020 Senate reelection and 2022 gubernatorial bid, Perdue remains a notable figure in American politics.

His legacy is a blend of business acumen, political influence, and dedication to education and workforce development. Whether admired or criticized, Perdue's impact on both corporate and political landscapes is undeniable.