Sen. David Perdue (R-Ga.) is in quarantine after coming into close contact with someone on his campaign who tested positive for COVID-19.
In a statement, the campaign noted that Perdue and his wife have so far both tested negative but are still quarantining in accordance with CDC guidelines and his doctor’s recommendations.
Perdue’s abrupt exit from the campaign trail comes at a particularly troublesome time: Georgia’s Senate runoffs are scheduled for next Tuesday, Jan. 5.
Notably, the campaign statement makes no mention of how long Perdue intends to quarantine. If he adheres to CDC rules, that means the senator has already attended his last in-person event.
The incumbent is defending his seat against Democrat Jon Ossoff in a tight contest that, along with Sen. Kelly Loeffler’s (R-Ga.) race against contender Rev. Raphael Warnock (D), will determine control of the Senate.
Both races have drawn intense national interest and money, with hundreds of millions of dollars contributed to advertising and get-out-the-vote efforts.
President Donald Trump has also used the runoffs to fundraise for his “Save America PAC,” though Federal Election Commission reports show he hasn’t actually spent any money on the races.