Gov. Brian Kemp announces his decision to appoint businesswoman Kelly Loeffler (right) as Georgia’s next U.S. Senator during a press conference on December 4, 2019. (Mary Grace Heath, Governor’s Photographer)
Governor Brian Kemp on Wednesday formally named Atlanta businesswoman Kelly Loeffler as his choice to replace outgoing U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson.
“From the farm to the New York Stock Exchange, Kelly Loeffler has lived the American Dream,” Kemp said during a press conference Wednesday morning at the State Capitol. “We took an unconventional approach” to picking Loeffler, he said, adding that he was “excited” to appoint a lifelong Republican “who shares our conservative values.”
Loeffler will assume office on January 1, the day after Isakson steps down. In August, Isakson announced that he was retiring due to his health. There are still three years left on his term.
Loeffler is the wealthy CEO of the financial platform Bakkt, a subsidiary of Intercontinental Exchange. She’s also co-owner of the Atlanta Dream WNBA franchise.
“I haven’t spent my life trying to get to Washington,” said Loeffler, “but there are a few things folks are going to find out about me: I’m pro-Second Amendment, pro-military, pro-Wall, and pro-Trump.”
While that may be the case, President Trump reportedly wanted Kemp to appoint Rep. Doug Collins who has been a staunch ally of his as ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee.
Collins, whose ninth congressional district covers much of North Georgia, was the preferred choice among many Republicans and conservative news outlets. Still, the political novice and pro-life supporter didn’t take long to tow the party line on impeachment. Saying she is “disgusted by the impeachment circus,” Loeffler accused Democrats of “playing politics” and said she is “strongly opposed” to it.
When she takes office, Loeffler will become the first woman in nearly 100 years to represent Georgia in the U.S. Senate.
Sen. Isakson congratulated Loeffler on her “historic appointment” and touted her business credentials as an asset to the state and the Senate. “It has been the honor of a lifetime for me to serve this great state in the U.S. Senate, and my staff and I will work closely with Kelly to ensure a smooth transition,” he vowed.
Loeffler will serve at least until November of next year when a special election will be held to elect a permanent successor to fill out the remainder of Isakson’s unexpired term.
