Sen. David Perdue is quarantining after an unidentified
individual with whom the Republican had been “in close contact”
tested positive for the coronavirus, stepping back from the Georgia
campaign trail just days before a runoff election for his seat.
In an unsigned statement released to reporters on Thursday
afternoon, Perdue’s campaign said the first-term senator had been
notified earlier in the day “that he came into close contact with
someone on the campaign who tested positive for Covid-19.”
The statement continued that both Perdue and his wife, Bonnie,
tested negative for the virus on Thursday, “but following his
doctor’s recommendations and in accordance with [Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention] guidelines, they will
quarantine.”
Perdue is leaving the campaign trail with only five days until
Election Day, when Georgia voters will decide the fate of both of
the state’s Senate seats, which will in turn determine which
party controls the chamber after the Jan. 20 inauguration of
President-elect Joe Biden.
It’s unknown whether or when Perdue will return to campaigning
before the Tuesday runoff. In the statement, his campaign noted
that it has adhered to “CDC guidelines” but said additional
information “will be provided when available.”
Perdue is facing off against Democrat Jon Ossoff, whom he edged
in the November election, 49.7 percent to 47.9 percent. But because
Perdue did not win a majority of the vote, both are competing in
the runoff.
Also on the ballot Tuesday is a special election for the
state’s other seat. Democrat Raphael Warnock and appointed GOP
Sen. Kelly Loeffler were the top two finishers on the November
ballot.
