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Citing health, Georgia GOP Senator Isakson says he’ll retire

WASHINGTON — Facing health challenges, Republican Senator Johnny Isakson of Georgia said Wednesday that he will retire at year’s end, a departure that sets up a rare election in November 2020 when both of the state’s Senate seats will be on the ballot.

The 74-year-old lawmaker said he is leaving the job he loves because ‘‘mounting’’ health issues, including Parkinson’s disease, are ‘‘taking their toll’’ on his work, family, and staff.

He won a third term in 2016 .

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Isakson, who plans to return to Washington when the Senate resumes next month, was diagnosed in 2013 with Parkinson’s.

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The chronic and progressive movement disorder often left him walking through the corridors at the Capitol with a noticeably slower, shuffling gait.

He disclosed the diagnosis in 2015 while gearing up to seek a third term, but kept up a schedule in the Senate. He was often seen as a moderating influence, willing to reach across the aisle at a time of deep partisanship.

After winning reelection, he underwent a scheduled surgery in 2017 on his back to address spinal deterioration. At times, he has been in a wheelchair.

In July, Isakson was hospitalized after fracturing four ribs in a fall at his Washington apartment.

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He spent nearly a week recovering in a Georgia rehabilitation facility.

The ballot in November 2020 will now feature a special election for the remaining part of Isakson’s term as well as the regular election for the Senate seat now held by Republican David Perdue, who is seeking a second term.

Isakson will step down in December.

One prominent Democrat, Stacey Abrams, ‘‘will not be a candidate,’’ a spokesman said on Twitter.

Abrams, who was being wooed to run against Perdue, will continue to focus on voter access issues in Georgia and across the nation.