Georgia House leader throws name in hat for U.S. Senate seat
The Georgia House's second-highest ranking Republican announced Monday that she was adding her name to the growing list of people asking for a U.S. Senate appointment.
House Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones, a Milton Republican who is the highest-ranking female lawmaker in the history of the Georgia General Assembly, answered Gov. Brian Kemp's call for applicants to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson.
Kemp will be selecting a replacement for Isakson, who announced in August that he would retire at the end of the year for health reasons. His replacement will then have to run for re-election next year.
“If given the honor of serving our great state in the U.S. Senate, I will work tirelessly as your partner on behalf of all Georgians in support of conservative policies that will bring greater prosperity and opportunity,” Jones said in a letter to Kemp.
Jones is the latest high-profile figure to formally seek Isakson’s seat. Among the applicants are former U.S. Health Secretary Tom Price, U.S. Rep. Doug Collins and Public Service Commissioner Tim Echols.
Jones, who operated an energy consulting business with her husband from 2015-2019, has served in the Georgia House since 2003.
So far, more than 300 people have filled out a short questionnaire and submitted their resumes in hopes of replacing Isakson.
About the Author
Maya T. Prabhu covers the Georgia Senate and statewide issues as a government reporter for The AJC. Born in Queens, New York, and raised in northern Virginia, Maya attended Spelman College and then the University of Maryland for a master's degree. She writes about social issues, the criminal justice system and legislative politics.
