What Happened to Herschel Walker
Herschel Walker, the former NFL star and 2022 Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate in Georgia, has recently been appointed by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as the U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas. This nomination, announced on December 18, 2024, comes two years after Walker's unsuccessful Senate campaign against Democratic incumbent Raphael Warnock. Trump's decision reflects his longstanding friendship with Walker, which dates back to the 1980s when Walker played for the New Jersey Generals, a team owned by Trump in the United States Football League.
Background on Walker's Senate Campaign
Walker gained significant media attention during his Senate run, leveraging his fame as a Heisman Trophy winner and NFL player. However, his campaign was marred by controversies, including allegations regarding his personal life and business dealings. Notably, he faced accusations of having paid for two former girlfriends' abortions while publicly advocating for a national ban on the procedure. Despite these challenges and a lack of political experience, Walker received strong support from Trump and other Republican figures.
Ultimately, Walker lost the election to Warnock in a runoff held in December 2022. His defeat was part of a broader trend that saw Democrats gaining ground in Georgia, culminating in a Democratic majority in the Senate.
Current Developments
As of January 2025, Walker's nomination as ambassador requires confirmation by the Republican-controlled Senate. In his announcement, Trump praised Walker for his dedication to youth sports and his previous role as co-chair of the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition during Trump's first term.
Walker’s appointment is seen as part of Trump's strategy to maintain influence within Republican circles and leverage relationships with prominent figures from his past. The ambassadorship to the Bahamas has not seen a confirmed nominee in over a decade, indicating that Walker's confirmation process may face scrutiny.
Herschel Walker's journey from NFL superstar to political candidate and now potential ambassador illustrates his ongoing influence in American sports and politics. As he prepares for this new role, his past experiences—both triumphant and controversial—will likely continue to shape public perception as he embarks on this next chapter in his career.
