A veteran Navy SEAL and banking executive is seeking a possible challenge against Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock in next year’s midterm elections, citing concerns over China’s growing influence.
Latham Saddler, the current chief of staff of Georgia-based financial corporation Synovus, said he has been exploring campaign options and talking to voters about issues facing Georgia.
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“We face the greatest threat to our liberty since World War II. Communist China seeks to dominate the world in business, trade, science, technology and militarily — and they are emboldened by our current leadership in Washington,” Saddler said in a statement to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Saddler, a Republican, also cited his time serving as a former White House fellow for his knowledge of understanding how foreign adversaries function. His last active-duty assignment was as director of intelligence programs, where he helped develop special operations for the National Security Council at the White House.
While serving as a Navy SEAL, Saddler was deployed on several missions in the Middle East throughout a course of eight years. Before his military service, he served as the student body president at the University of Georgia, where he taught himself Farsi, prior to deployment.
Other Republicans considering a 2022 run in Georgia include former Sen. Kelly Loeffler, who was narrowly defeated by Warnock in this year’s runoff election. Former Rep. Doug Collins and Reps. Buddy Carter and Drew Ferguson are also weighing options on launching a potential campaign.
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Warnock will face reelection next year, where he will compete to serve a full six-year term.
Saddler did not immediately respond to the Washington Examiner’s request for comment.
