Georgia businessman David Perdue, cousin of former Gov. Sonny Perdue, says he's exploring a bid for U.S. Senate.

The Republican is the former CEO of Dollar General and Reebok. Perdue said Tuesday he has formed an exploratory committee and will be meeting with voters over the next few weeks as he makes a final decision.

The upcoming retirement of Republican U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss has set off a flurry of interest in the seat.

If he does run, Perdue would join an already crowded field as U.S. Reps. Paul Broun of Athens, Phil Gingrey of Marietta and Jack Kingston of Savannah, have all said they will compete in the 2014 Republican primary.

In his statement, Perdue emphasized his experiences in the private sector and outside of the political establishment.

Tags: politics, Sonny Perdue, Saxby Chambliss, U.S. Senate, David Perdue