by Bert Brantley
Considering Sonny Perdue has been at the forefront of Georgia’s political leadership for more than three decades, it shouldn’t have come as a surprise when he announced his pending retirement this week. But it still felt like one.
Given the width and breadth of his influence on so many people, there will be countless social media posts, tributes, and remarks about Perdue’s legacy. Luckily for me, Georgia Insider saves some space for me to share thoughts each month, so I get to do it here.
My first introduction to then-Sen. Perdue was during the 2000 legislative session, when I had joined the Georgia Department of Transportation’s communications office. Because I had an interest (and a college minor) in political science, GDOT leadership allowed me to help during the session, watch Senate floor activity, and attend committee meetings.
It wasn’t long after that session that redistricting followed the 2000 census, and Sen. Perdue found himself without a district to run in. I think Senate leadership thought they had ended his political career — they were wrong. This would become a common theme.
Of course, history now notes that he ran an underfunded, unlikely-to-win campaign for governor and shocked the state with an upset victory over incumbent Gov. Roy Barnes. I vividly remember coming to the Capitol the morning after and seeing a man playing bocce ball alone on the southeast corner of the lawn. It felt like an appropriate metaphor, given that virtually no one at the Capitol had given Perdue much of a chance.
About midway through his first term, I moved from GDOT to the Georgia Department of Economic Development, where I found myself around Gov. Perdue frequently — at events, in meetings, and on trade missions abroad. I saw firsthand what made him such an effective leader: strong principles, a keen intellect, and a sly sense of humor. A powerful combination that is rarer than a two-dollar bill.
I joined the Perdue administration as press secretary just after his re-election in 2006 and stayed through his second term, ending as communications director. I traveled with him across the state, across the country, and to Europe, Asia, and South America.
He was frequently frustrated with the news media during that second term and often took that out on me. I never minded. That was my responsibility.
But we also effectively used the bully pulpit that the press offered to argue for water rights, consistent funding for children’s health care, and more efficient and effective state government as Georgia entered a recession at the end of his term. And yes, we even prayed for rain on the Capitol steps, right in front of a slew of cameras.
After his term ended, the media wanted to write stories about Perdue’s “legacy,” and he refused to acknowledge the term. Many assumed his political career was over — they were wrong.
He remained out of the public spotlight for a few years but was thrust back into national service as secretary of agriculture in the first Trump administration. He even served as the “designated survivor” during a State of the State address, as a television show of the same name aired. He served the entire term, a rare feat given the turnover typical in Trump cabinet positions.
Secretary Perdue’s accomplishments at USDA were too numerous to list here. But what stood out most to me was hearing the reaction of the department’s leadership team to what I can only describe as a more “mellow” version of the man I worked for. He loved the job and the opportunity to serve America’s farmers.
Trump’s loss in 2020 led many to assume his political career was over once again. Once again, they were wrong.
By that time, I was in Gov. Brian Kemp’s office, serving as deputy chief of staff, and upon the retirement of University System Chancellor Steve Wrigley, the next chapter was set. It took a little extra work to put him in place — that’s another column for another day. But even many of his detractors would likely say today that Chancellor Perdue was the right pick at the right time. The University System remains a bright spot for Georgia, a powerful economic development tool, and a life-changer for students across the state.
I was fortunate to spend the two days before he announced his retirement with Chancellor Perdue, who is still working and weaving to make Georgia better for those who come next. He has had as big an impact on my professional life as anyone, and I’m just one of many who can say that. Regardless of anyone’s political beliefs, we should be able to recognize and honor the public service of someone who has meant so much.
On that, there should be no quarrel.
