Gov. Brian Kemp appointed Kelly Loeffler to the Georgia Senate seat that was vacated when Johnny Isakson retired in December. (Mary Grace Heath/Governor’s Photographer)
Today, former Speaker of the House and Georgia Congressman Newt Gingrich endorsed Kelly Loeffler for United States Senate.
“Kelly Loeffler is exactly the type of political outsider we need in Washington. As a conservative businesswoman and strong supporter of President Trump, Kelly has a proven record of creating jobs and opportunities for Georgians,” says Gingrich.
kloeffler is exactly the type of political outsider we need in Washington. As a conservative businesswoman and strong supporter of @realDonaldTrump, Kelly has a proven record of creating jobs and opportunities for Georgians. I’m proud to endorse Kelly Loeffler for U.S. Senate.
— Newt Gingrich (@newtgingrich) February 11, 2020
Loeffler responded to the endorsement by calling Gingrich a “trailblazer, historic leader, and bold voice for our Party and values.” She says she is honored to earn his endorsement and looks forward to working together to “shake up the status quo in Washington and deliver real results for the American people.”
Jungle primary
Loeffler is running to fill the unexpired term of former Georgia Senator Johnny Isakson who resigned in December because of poor health. Gov. Brian Kemp appointed Loeffler to serve as interim Senator ahead of November’s special election.
Gingrich’s endorsement is sure to upset some party faithful. Many in the GOP wanted Kemp to appoint 9th District Congressman Doug Collins to the seat. After the snub, Collins, a lawyer and preacher from Hall County, announced his own bid for the Senate.
The two will now face off against each other and other candidates – Republican and Democrat – in a jungle primary in November. Republicans fear that could leave an opening for a Democrat to win the seat.
The Georgia House has proposed a bill to force candidates into party primaries ahead of the November special election, but Gov. Kemp vowed to veto it.
