Gov. website application for Senate seat draws more than 100 applicants

Published 6:43 pm Wednesday, September 18, 2019

ATLANTA — Hopeful successors of retiring U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson’s seat in Congress can now fill out an application online.

Gov. Brian Kemp began the process of formally selecting a successor for the remainder of Isakson’s term by launching a website that applicants must use to apply for the position. By Wednesday afternoon, more than 100 applications had been submitted.

Kemp said the system is to ensure an “open and transparent appointment process.”

“I am encouraging all Georgians who want to serve in the U.S. Senate to submit their name and qualifications,” Kemp said in a statement. “We will carefully vet the applicants and choose a person who best rejects our tour state and our vision for the future.”

Applicants must submit a résumé and contact informations through the website.

Isakson announced his resignation effective at the end of 2019 late last month for health issues. He joins the ranks of a wave of GOP Congressmen to announce retirement this year.

There are three years left in the senator’s term, which expires in 2022. The decision will lead to a special election for Isakson’s seat on the ballot with Sen. Perdue’s seat — also up for grabs in November 2020.

The website is open to all candidates as long as they fit the requirements of being at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen for nine years and a Georgia resident.

Riley Bunch covers the Georgia Statehouse for CNHI’s newspapers and websites.