[The Hill] Former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams on Wednesday ruled out running for the Senate next year following news that Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) would retire.Abrams won't run, but former Georgia, US Congressman Lynn Westmoreland (graphic) may.
"Our thoughts are with Senator Isakson and his family. Leader Abrams' focus will not change: she will lead voter protection efforts in key states across the country, and make sure Democrats are successful in Georgia in 2020," an Abrams spokesman said in a statement.
"While she will not be a candidate herself, she is committed to helping Democratic candidates win both Senate races next year."
A special election will be held next year to fill the seat being vacated by Isakson, 74, who said earlier Wednesday he would retire at the end of 2019, citing health issues.
Isakson's announcement sparked immediate talk that Democrats would try to get Abrams, who lost the state's 2018 gubernatorial race, to run for Isakson's seat in the special election.
The special election will be held to fill the remaining two years of Isakson’s term during the next regularly scheduled election, meaning Georgia voters will cast ballots for both of the state's Senate seats in 2020, when Sen. David Perdue (R-Ga.) is also up for reelection.
Related: The Hill - Georgia GOP abuzz about Senate vacancy.