Georgia House speaker pro tem seeks US Senate seat

Associated Press

ATLANTA (AP) — The highest-ranking Republican woman in the Georgia legislature has thrown her name in the ring to replace retiring GOP U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson.

House Speaker Pro Tempore Rep. Jan Jones announced Monday that she's submitted an application to Gov. Brian Kemp to be appointed to Isakson's seat until a special election is held. The 74-year-old Isakson is retiring in December due to health issues.

Jones said in a statement that she'd be committed to defending the seat in the November 2020 special election and again in 2022.

The Republican governor has opened an unusual online application process to vet candidates for the appointment.

U.S. Rep. Doug Collins and former Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price are among other top Republicans who have submitted applications for Isakson's seat.