2020–21 United States Senate special election in Georgia
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The 2020 United States Senate special election in Georgia will be held on November 3, 2020, following the resignation of Johnny Isakson effective December 31, 2019. Governor Brian Kemp appointed Kelly Loeffler to serve as Isakson's replacement, effective January 6, 2020, until the special election.[1]
On November 3, 2020, per Georgia law, a special general election will take place on the same day as the regularly scheduled U.S. Senate election for the seat currently held by David Perdue. A primary election will not occur; instead, all candidates, regardless of party, will be placed on the same ballot. Party labels will be printed on the ballot and if no candidate receives a majority of the vote, the top two finishers will advance to a run-off election, to be held on January 5, 2021.[2]
Background
Senator Johnny Isakson announced on August 28, 2019, that he will be resigning his Senate seat effective December 31, 2019 due to his deteriorating health.[1] This triggered a special election to fill the remainder of the term. On September 17, 2019, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp launched a website inviting Georgia citizens to submit their resumes in order to be considered for appointment.[3] Kemp appointed Republican Kelly Loeffler to fill the seat until the 2020 special election; Loeffler took office on January 6, 2020.[4]
Candidates
Republican Party
Declared
- Doug Collins, incumbent U.S. Representative for Georgia's 9th congressional district[5]
- Wayne Johnson, former chief operating officer of the Office of Federal Student Aid[6]
- Kelly Loeffler, incumbent U.S. Senator
Potential
- Ashley Bell, regional administrator for the Small Business Administration[7]
- Paul Broun, former U.S. Representative for Georgia's 10th congressional district (2007–2015)[8]
- Buddy Carter, incumbent U.S. Representative for Georgia's 1st congressional district[9]
- Geoff Duncan, incumbent Lieutenant Governor of Georgia[10]
- Stuart Frohlinger, experienced leader and finance expert[11][12]
- Tom Graves, incumbent U.S. Representative for Georgia's 14th congressional district[10]
- Jan Jones, speaker pro tempore of the Georgia House of Representatives[13]
- Butch Miller, state senator[14]
- Sonny Perdue, United States Secretary of Agriculture and former Governor of Georgia[14]
- Tom Price, former United States Secretary of Health and Human Services and former U.S. Representative for Georgia's 6th congressional district[15]
Declined
- Nick Ayers, former chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence[16]
- Karen Handel, former U.S. Representative and former Georgia Secretary of State (running for Georgia 6th)[17]
- Scott Hilton, former state representative (endorsed Loeffler)
- Brian Kemp, incumbent Governor of Georgia[18] (endorsed Loeffler)
- B. J. Pak, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia and former state representative[8]
Endorsements
- Federal officials
- Marsha Blackburn, U.S. Senator from Tennessee[19]
- Tom Cotton, U.S. Senator from Arkansas[20]
- Joni Ernst, U.S. Senator from Iowa[21][22]
- Deb Fischer, U.S. Senator from Nebraska[23]
- Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, former U.S. Representative from Georgia[24]
- Mitch McConnell, U.S. Senator from Kentucky and U.S. Senate Majority Leader[25][26]
- Elise Stefanik, U.S. Representative from New York's 21st congressional district[27]
- Statewide officials
- Chris Carr, Attorney General of Georgia[28]
- Geoff Duncan, Lieutenant Governor of Georgia[29]
- Scott Hilton, Executive Director of the Georgia First Commission and former state representative[30]
- Brian Kemp, Governor of Georgia[31]
- Others
- Vince Dooley, former head football coach at University of Georgia[32]
- Sue Everhart, former Chairwoman of the Georgia Republican Party
- Ivanka Trump, American businesswoman, Senior Advisor to the President of the United States, daughter of President Trump[33]
- Herschel Walker, former professional football player[34]
- John Watson, former Chairman of the Georgia Republican Party[35]
- Martha Zoller, columnist, media personality, author, and former Republican candidate for GA-9 in 2010.[36]
- Organizations
- NRSC[37]
- Susan B. Anthony List[38]
- The Georgia Life Alliance[39]
- Club for Growth[40]
- Statewide officials
- Mike Huckabee, political commentator and former Governor of Arkansas from 1996 to 2007[41]
- David Ralston, current Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives [42]
- Local officials
- Rudy Giuliani, former Mayor of New York and advisor to Donald Trump[43]
Democratic Party
Declared
- Matt Lieberman, businessman and son of Joe Lieberman, former U.S. Senator from Connecticut[44]
- Ed Tarver, former United States Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia and former state senator[45][46]
- Raphael Warnock, reverend and pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church[47]
- Richard Dien Winfield, professor and candidate for Georgia's 10th congressional district in 2018[48]
Potential
- Mike Thurmond, DeKalb County chief executive, former Labor Commissioner of Georgia, and nominee for U.S. Senate in 2010[49]
- Nikema Williams, state senator and Chair of the Georgia Democratic Party[50]
Declined
- Stacey Abrams, nominee for Governor of Georgia in 2018 and former minority leader of the Georgia House of Representatives (endorsed Raphael Warnock)[51]
- Sherry Boston, DeKalb County District Attorney[51][52]
- Jason Carter, nominee for Governor of Georgia in 2014, former state senator, and grandson of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter (endorsed Raphael Warnock)[53]
- Stacey Evans, candidate for Governor of Georgia in 2018 and former state representative (running for state house)[54]
- Jen Jordan, state senator[49][55]
- Lucy McBath, incumbent U.S. Representative for Georgia's 6th congressional district (running for re-election)[56]
- Michelle Nunn, CEO of CARE USA and nominee for U.S. Senate in 2014[57]
- Jon Ossoff, documentary filmmaker and nominee for Georgia's 6th congressional district in 2017 (running for Class 2 seat)[58]
- Sally Yates, former United States Deputy Attorney General[59][60]
Endorsements
- U.S. Representatives and Senators
- Cory Booker, U.S. Senator [D-NJ][61]
- Sherrod Brown, U.S. Senator [D-OH][61]
- Hank Johnson, U.S. Representative from GA-04[62]
- Jeff Merkley, U.S. Senator [D-OR][63]
- Chris Murphy, U.S. Senator [D-CT][61]
- Brian Schatz, U.S. Senator [D-HI][64]
- Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Senator [D-NY][65]
- State officials
- Stacey Abrams, nominee for Governor of Georgia in 2018 and former minority leader of the Georgia House of Representatives[66][67]
- Jason Carter, nominee for Governor of Georgia in 2014, former State Senator, and grandson of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter[53]
- David Dreyer, State Representative[53]
- Jaime Harrison, former Chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party (2013–2017), candidate for US Senate in South Carolina in 2020[68]
- Bee Nguyen, State Representative[53]
- Elena Parent, State Senator[53]
- Renitta Shannon, State Representative[53]
- County Officials
- Mereda Davis Johnson, member of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners[69]
- Organizations
Independent
Declared
Polling
Poll source |
Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Doug Collins |
Kelly Loeffler |
Paul Broun |
Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Public Policy Polling (D) | December 12–13, 2019 | 711 LV | 56% | 16% | - | 27% |
Public Policy Polling (D) | December 12–13, 2019 | 711 LV | - | 27% | 14% | 59% |
General election
Predictions
Source | Ranking | As of |
---|---|---|
The Cook Political Report[75] | Lean R | February 5, 2020 |
Inside Elections[76] | Likely R | January 10, 2020 |
Sabato's Crystal Ball[77] | Lean R | January 16, 2020 |
Politico[78] | Lean R | January 6, 2020 |
Polling
Poll source |
Date(s) administered |
Sample size |
Doug Collins (R) |
Matt Lieberman (D) |
Kelly Loeffler (R) |
Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
McLaughlin & Associates (R) | December 16–18, 2019 | 600 LV | 32% | 42% | 11% | 16% |
Notes
References
- ^ a b Rogers, Alex; Bradner, Eric; Mattingly, Phil (August 28, 2019). "Georgia Republican Sen. Johnny Isakson to resign at end of year". CNN.com. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. Retrieved August 28, 2019.
- ^ Singer, Jeff (August 28, 2019). "Daily Kos Elections Live Digest: 8/28". Daily Kos. Retrieved August 28, 2019.
- ^ https://www.ajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/online-help-wanted-sign-sets-off-senate-scramble-georgia/kVkAITgYqm3iYoS0HNiwiJ/
- ^ Foran, Clare (January 6, 2020). "Republican Kelly Loeffler sworn in as Georgia's newest senator". CNN. Retrieved January 16, 2020.
- ^ James, Arkin (January 29, 2020). "Collins launches Georgia Senate bid, setting up GOP clash". Poltico.
- ^ Stratford, Michael. "Top DeVos aide quits for Senate bid, endorses canceling student loan debt". POLITICO.
- ^ Burnett, John (September 7, 2019). "Georgia Governor Could Make History With Upcoming Appointment Read Newsmax: Georgia Governor Could Make History With Upcoming Appointment". News Max. Retrieved September 7, 2019.
- ^ a b Galloway, Jim; Bluestein, Greg; Hallerman, Tamar (September 18, 2019). "The Jolt: The reality TV contest for U.S. Senate in Georgia". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
- ^ "How Isakson's retirement makes Georgia even more of a 2020 battleground". PBS NewsHour. August 28, 2019. Retrieved August 29, 2019.
- ^ a b Cochrane, Emily (August 28, 2019). "Isakson to Resign From Senate, Citing Health Reasons". The New York Times. Retrieved August 28, 2019.
- ^ "Want To Be The Next Georgia Senator? Apply Now!". NPR.org. Retrieved October 1, 2019.
- ^ "U.S. Senate Submissions". Governor Brian P. Kemp Office of the Governor. Retrieved October 1, 2019.
- ^ Bluestein, Greg. "An inside look: Who could seek Johnny Isakson's seat in 2020". ajc. Retrieved August 29, 2019.
- ^ a b Bluestein, Greg (August 28, 2019). "BREAKING: Georgia's Isakson to resign from Senate at end of 2019". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved August 28, 2019.
- ^ "Tom Price angling for Georgia Senate appointment". Politico. September 26, 2019. Retrieved September 26, 2019.
- ^ Isenstadt, Alex (August 28, 2019). "Former Pence Aide Ayers Removes Self From Georgia Senate Consideration". Politico. Retrieved August 28, 2019.
- ^ Handel, Karen [@karenhandel] (March 25, 2019). "It's official: Karen just announced her campaign for 2020. Join the team and help us take back Georgia 6th district now! https://youtu.be/S2UQwF-n3E4 #ga06 #gapol" (Tweet). Retrieved March 25, 2019 – via Twitter.
- ^ https://www.npr.org/sections/politicaljunkie/2009/09/when_governors_appoint_themsel.html
- ^ https://twitter.com/VoteMarsha/status/1222007692606214144?s=20
- ^ https://twitter.com/TomCottonAR/status/1222552999442165762?s=20
- ^ https://twitter.com/senjoniernst/status/1206995521153458187
- ^ https://www.politico.com/news/2020/01/28/gop-establishment-prepares-to-battle-doug-collins-108450
- ^ https://twitter.com/debfischerne/status/1222969300044124161?s=21
- ^ "Newt Gingrich weighs in on Loeffler/Collins Senate race". WSBTV.
- ^ Everett, Burgess. "McConnell backs Georgia governor's pick for Senate amid Trump skepticism". POLITICO.
- ^ "Georgia's new GOP senator sworn into office amid impeachment". AP NEWS. January 6, 2020.
- ^ https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/washington-secrets/conservatives-warn-of-setback-if-wnba-owner-put-in-georgia-senate-seat
- ^ "Kelly Loeffler To Be Georgia's Next Senator, Second Female Georgia Senator In History". 90.1 FM WABE. December 4, 2019.
- ^ Bluestein, Greg; Prabhu, Maya T. "Kemp's Senate pick sparks rift in lieutenant governor's office". ajc.
- ^ https://twitter.com/scotthiltonga/status/1222364044142792704?s=21
- ^ CNN, Michael Warren and Alex Rogers. "With Loeffler Senate pick, Georgia governor looks to win back suburbs for GOP". CNN.
{{cite web}}
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has generic name (help) - ^ https://twitter.com/kloeffler/status/1224301647603687428?s=20
- ^ https://www.11alive.com/article/news/politics/ivanka-trump-atlanta-anti-trafficking-efforts/85-cfd402fb-ecd5-4205-9f38-ec642f2dbbc5,
- ^ https://twitter.com/kloeffler/status/1224105254888845312?s=20
- ^ https://twitter.com/kloeffler/status/1224096390898470913?s=20
- ^ https://twitter.com/marthazoller/status/1222184916173185024?s=21
- ^ https://twitter.com/BresPolitico/status/1222507710236807168?s=20
- ^ https://www.sba-list.org/newsroom/press-releases/sba-list-candidate-fund-endorses-kelly-loeffler-u-s-senate-georgia
- ^ https://georgialifealliance.com/georgia-life-alliance-committee-launches-3-million-pro-life-education-campaign-around-2020-elections-largest-in-state-history/
- ^ https://www.ajc.com/blog/politics/huckabee-endorses-doug-collins-georgia-senate-race/YwRL3oK54hORCdN08JJFzO/
- ^ Bluestein, Gary (February 12, 2020). "Huckabee endorses Doug Collins in Georgia Senate race". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved February 12, 2020.
- ^ https://www.ajc.com/blog/politics/huckabee-endorses-doug-collins-georgia-senate-race/YwRL3oK54hORCdN08JJFzO/
- ^ https://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/ny-giuliani-collins-georgia-republican-senate-20200130-3fd7oihuunaqlfg26xm7jyozs4-story.html%7Ctitle=Rudy Giuliani backs Rep. Doug Collins in looming GOP Senate brawl in Georgia|last=Goldiner|first=Dave|date=2020-01-30|website=DailyNews|access-date=2020-01-30}}
- ^ Arkin, James. "Joe Lieberman's son running for Senate in Georgia". Politico.com. Politico. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
- ^ Bluestein, Greg; Hallerman, Tamar (September 23, 2019). "The Jolt: The movie version of Georgia's 2018 election has arrived". AJC. Retrieved September 23, 2019.
- ^ Bluestein, Greg (January 10, 2020). "Ex-US Attorney plans to enter Senate race against Loeffler". AJC. Retrieved January 10, 2020.
- ^ Bluestein, Greg (January 30, 2020). "Raphael Warnock, pastor of famed church, enters Georgia Senate race". Atlanta Journal Constitution. Retrieved January 30, 2020.
{{cite news}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Blake Aued (January 22, 2020). "UGA Prof Richard Dien Winfield Launches Senate Campaign". Flagpole Magazine. Retrieved January 25, 2020.
- ^ a b "Who's thinking of running for Sen. Johnny Isakson's seat? The list is already long". Gainesville Times. Associated Press. September 18, 2019. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
- ^ Bluestein, Greg; Hallerman, Tamar (September 19, 2019). "Lucy McBath passes on Johnny Isakson's Senate seat". AJC. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
- ^ a b Edelman, Adam; Seitz-Wald, Alex (August 28, 2019). "Stacey Abrams rules out Senate run in Georgia after Isakson announces resignation". NBC News. Retrieved August 28, 2019.
- ^ Bluestein, Greg (January 22, 2020). "DeKalb's top prosecutor will not run for US Senate in Georgia". AJC. Retrieved January 22, 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f Bluestein, Greg; Mitchell, Tia (February 7, 2020). "The Jolt: Tomlinson says of her Senate Democratic rivals — 'this isn't their race'". AJC. Retrieved February 7, 2020.
- ^ Bluestein, Greg. "Stacey Evans to mount a political comeback after gov run". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
- ^ Arkin, James (January 10, 2020). "Democratic state Sen. Jen Jordan won't run in Georgia Senate special". Politico Pro. Retrieved January 10, 2020.
- ^ Bluestein, Greg; Hallerman, Tamar (September 19, 2019). "Lucy McBath passes on Johnny Isakson's Senate seat". AJC. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
- ^ Nunn, Michelle (October 23, 2019). "Today I gathered with some of @CARE's most inspiring global leaders – from Syria to Somalia – working to end poverty and lift up women and girls everywhere. I shared that I am recommitting to #FightWithCARE and deferring any run for U.S. Senate. This chapter is for CARE!". @MichelleNunn. Retrieved October 24, 2019.
- ^ Bluestein, Greg (September 9, 2019). "Ossoff to run for US Senate in Georgia". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved September 9, 2019.
- ^ Wise, Lindsay (August 28, 2019). "Republican Sen. Isakson of Georgia to Leave Office". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved August 29, 2019.
- ^ Hallerman, Tamar (November 28, 2019). "Yates passes on run for Georgia office". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved September 9, 2019.
- ^ a b c Arkin, James (January 30, 2020). "Stacey Abrams, Dems rally around pastor in burgeoning Georgia Senate race". Retrieved January 30, 2020.
- ^ Hank Johnson. "I'm endorsing @ReverendWarnock.He has committed his entire career to the service of others & helping them reach their greatest potential. He'll continue that great work as our next US Senator". Twitter.
- ^ Jeff Merkley. "Imagine a world where government isn't broken. A world where we have 100 Senators that uphold their oaths of office and fight for the PEOPLE. If that's a world you believe in, then pick a challenger and help them flip the Senate. Welcome to the race, @ReverendWarnock". Twitter.
- ^ Brian Schatz. "If you are enraged as I am, here is an opportunity to change things. Raphael Warnock is running for the Senate in Georgia. He's excellent. We win this one, we probably take the Senate. I'm going to give 2k tomorrow. Who else wants to help?". Twitter.
- ^ Kirsten Gillibrand. "he call to public service is powerful—and @ReverendWarnock, a pastor, community leader, and civil rights advocate, tells his story beautifully. I'm excited that he's ready to take up the fight to flip a U.S. Senate seat in Georgia. Let's help him do it!". Twitter.
- ^ Stacey Abrams. ".ENDORSEMENT TWEET: Reverend Raphael Warnock is a true ally in our fight for justice. That's why I'm proud to endorse him for U.S. Senate here in GA. Take a moment to get to know him & if you can, chip in to support his campaign". Twitter.
- ^ "Atlanta pastor enters contentious Georgia Senate race, is endorsed by Stacey Abrams". January 30, 2020.
- ^ Harrison, Jaime [@harrisonjaime] (January 30, 2020). "The New South is rising! @ReverendWarnock will be a fantastic senator for the people of Georgia. Together, we can build a South that is bold, diverse, and inclusive. Excited to have you in the race, brother!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ Mereda Davis Johnson. "@ReverendWarnock knows what voter suppression looks like and will continue to fight it every step of the way as Senator. He's in step w/ us & I'm in step with him". Twitter.
- ^ Mitchell, Tia (February 12, 2020). "Tomlinson, Warnock bids for U.S. Senate endorsed by key progressive group". Retrieved February 12, 2020.
- ^ Demorcatic Senatorial Campaign Committee. "#GASen update: @ReverendWarnock is running for U.S. Senate. He's a pastor, community leader, and longtime advocate for health care and economic justice who will fight for all Georgians. That's why we're fighting alongside him to turn this seat blue!". Twitter.
- ^ Galloway, Jim; Bluestein, Greg; Hallerman, Tamar. "The Jolt: As impeachment looms, Nancy Pelosi knows she'll be a 2020 target". ajc. Retrieved October 30, 2019.
- ^ "Regardless of partisan conflict, I have the credibility over the past thirty years as a public policy leader with a balanced approach to situations and issues". www.bartellforsenate.com. Retrieved October 30, 2019.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Leon Stafford, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "Mitchell, Norwood to qualify for Atlanta mayor as Bartell drops out". ajc. Retrieved October 30, 2019.
- ^ "2020 Senate Race Ratings for January 31, 2020". The Cook Political Report. Retrieved August 31, 2019.
- ^ "2020 Senate Ratings". Inside Elections. The Rothenberg Political Report. Retrieved August 31, 2019.
- ^ "2020 Senate race ratings". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved August 31, 2019.
- ^ "2020 Election Forecast". Politico. November 19, 2019.
External links
- Official campaign websites