As you’re probably aware, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp announced his pick to replace Johnny Isakson in the U.S. Senate last week.
While Kemp’s choice of Atlanta Dream Co-Owner Kelly Loeffler wasn’t a surprise, it did go against the grain. Hardline conservatives view Loeffler as a moderate and she wasn’t President Donald Trump’s pick for the job. Kemp’s choice to go against Trump’s recommendation ruffled feathers within his own party.
Despite having a high profile, Loeffler is a political unknown and even in Georgia, she isn’t a household name. Here are a few facts about Georgia’s next senator that you may not have known.
She’s not a Georgia native
While Loeffler isn’t a native of the Peach State, she does have an agricultural background, which could serve her well in representing Georgia’s rural counties. Loeffler was born in Illinois and was raised on a soybean farm.
She has donated to democrats
Despite being known as a mega-donor for republican campaigns and causes, Loeffler has made donations to democratic candidates as well. Among democrats she has supported financially are U.S. Rep. David Scott and former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed.
Loeffler identifies herself as a Pro-Trump Conservative
Georgia’s next senator has faced criticism from the right for being a moderate, but in her acceptance of Kemp’s appointment, she said she supports the president and is “pro-wall.” She has also recently donated to Trump’s campaign.
She is an active member of the Atlanta community
In addition to being highly visible in her work with Atlanta’s WNBA team, Loeffler also serves on several key boards. She is on the board of directors of Georgia Power and serves on boards for Grady Memorial Hospital Corporation, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Skyland Trail.
She knows more about basketball than team ownership
Not only does Georgia’s newest Senator own the Atlanta Dream, she also knows a thing or two about basketball. Loeffler played on the basketball team at Olympia High School in Illinois.
Her cat is named after a Supreme Court Justice
Loeffler’s cat Sandra is named after former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Conner. For those who may have forgotten, O’Conner was the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court and was appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1981.
