Former Georgia Sen. David Perdue has filed campaign paperwork, opening up the potential for the recently defeated Republican to run against Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock in 2022.

Sen. David Perdue speaks after qualifying to run for reelection.

Former Sen. David Perdue speaks after qualifying to run for reelection in 2020.

Credit: Stephen Fowler/GPB

The 71-year-old Perdue filed a statement of candidacy Monday with the Federal Election Commission. It's an early step toward a possible bid to return to Washington. Perdue lost his reelection bid during a closely watched runoff last month against now-Sen. Jon Ossoff.

Democrats' wins in Georgia's dual runoffs helped Democrats take control of the Senate for the first time since 2011. Ossoff will not be up for reelection until 2026, but Warnock’s term expires in two years.

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