By Cameron McWhirter in Atlanta and
Lindsay Wise in Washington
Updated Dec. 2, 2019 3:57 pm ET
ATLANTA— Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has told GOP leaders in recent days that he will pick Atlanta businesswoman Kelly Loeffler to be interim U.S. senator, despite objections by President Trump, according to people familiar with the conversations.
Mr. Kemp, a Republican, notified Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Republican members of Georgia’s congressional delegation, the people said. Mr. McConnell told Mr. Kemp that Ms. Loeffler would be treated like any other incumbent Republican senator, and would have the full support of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, the Senate GOP’s campaign arm, one of the people said. Mr. Kemp’s office declined to comment.
The seat is opening up because Republican Sen. Johnny Isakson, 74 years old, is leaving at the end of the year because of health problems.
The appointment of Ms. Loeffler, 49, comes amid a rift between the governor and the president, who had recommend Rep. Doug Collins for the interim post. Mr. Collins has been a strong backer of Mr. Trump during the House’s impeachment inquiry.