PODCAST
PODCAST

What does Johnny Isakson's retirement mean for Georgia in 2020?

U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson announced Wednesday that he will step down at the end of the year. That means that in 2020 Georgia voters will cast ballots in two U.S. Senate races. Curtis Compton /ccompton@ajc.com
U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson announced Wednesday that he will step down at the end of the year. That means that in 2020 Georgia voters will cast ballots in two U.S. Senate races. Curtis Compton /ccompton@ajc.com
By Bria Felicien
Aug 30, 2019

U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson announced earlier this week that he will step down from office at the end of 2019. In this episode, host Greg Bluestein and AJC editor Shannon McCaffrey share immediate reactions to Isakson's retirement and also dig into Isakson’s career to talk about why he is so well-respected in Georgia. The two also discuss how a second Georgia U.S. Senate seat on the ballot in 2020 impacts both state politics and Georgia's status as a battleground state ahead of the presidential election. Also, Gov. Brian Kemp will appoint a senator to Isakson’s seat, and Bluestein and McCaffrey discuss both the potential appointees and the potential impact of Kemp’s appointment.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. You can also download or stream the episode above.

» Related: Georgia's most enduring Republican sets an end date to a 45-year career

» Related: Isakson's retirement makes Georgia 'ground zero' for politics in 2020

» Related: Who could seek Johnny Isakson's seat in 2020

» Photos: Johnny Isakson through the years

» Timeline: Key moments in Johnny Isakson's public life

» Related: How will U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson's replacement be chosen?

If you liked this episode of the Politically Georgia podcast, you may also like:

About the Author

Bria Felicien is a published author and staff writer at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She produces podcasts for the AJC.

Follow Bria Felicien on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga. (second from right) and Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky. (right) react during a news conference on the Epstein Files Transparency Act, Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington. (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP)

Credit: Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP

Georgia lawmakers vote to release Epstein files

The tally marked a dramatic reversal for GOP lawmakers on Capitol Hill and a stinging rebuke for Trump, who had furiously tried to block the move.

2h ago

Feud between Raffensperger and the State Election Board heats up

Relations between the State Election Board and the secretary of state's office have frayed after law changes and infighting on the board.

Lawmakers debate eliminating Georgia’s income tax

Supporters and opponents of eliminating Georgia’s income tax on Monday aired competing visions of what would happen if the state gave up its largest source of revenue.

The Latest

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga. (second from right) and Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky. (right) react during a news conference on the Epstein Files Transparency Act, Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington. (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP)

Credit: Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP

Georgia lawmakers vote to release Epstein files

2h ago
LISTEN

The federal government shutdown ends, but new rifts start in Georgia

Feud between Raffensperger and the State Election Board heats up

Featured

Rose Scott signals as Closer Look goes on air in the WABE studio. An Atlanta resident left WABE a $3 million donation, a boost after WABE lost $1.9 million in annual funding from the Corporation of Public Broadcasting. (Ben Gray / AJC file)

Credit: Ben Gray

Donor leaves WABE $3 million, largest individual gift in station’s history

An Atlanta resident has bequeathed WABE a $3 million donation, the largest one-time individual donation in the nonprofit media operation’s 76-year history.

Usher sues business partners over failed Buckhead restaurant plan

Atlanta singer Usher wants his money back after loaning $1.7 million to music producer Bryan-Michael Cox and others to buy a Buckhead restaurant property for $6.3 million.

Braves’ original ‘Freeze’ is retired. But you probably still can’t catch him.

As the Atlanta Braves prepare to find their next sprinting mascot, Nigel Talton is enjoying his new career coaching high school athletes at McEachern High.