ATLANTA — President Donald Trump’s former Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price and Georgia House Speaker Pro-Tempore Jan Jones threw their hats in the ring in pursuit of the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Johnny Isakson.

Jones, who applied Monday, is the latest in the string of candidates applying to Gov. Brian Kemp’s online contest for the open senate seat.

Price, whose application was first reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and Jones, R-Milton, are among a few high-profile applicants among hundreds of other hopefuls — varying from average Georgia residents to politicians — vying for Sen. Johnny Isakson’s open seat.

Price served in the Trump administration from February to September in 2017 and resigned from the HHS following scrutiny over his travel expenses. Prior to that, he served in the House, representing Georgia’s 6th congressional district. 

Isakson announced his resignation effective end of 2019 for health issues. There are three years left in the senator’s term, which expires in 2022.

Kemp launched the website platform earlier in Sept., to encourage an “open and transparent appointment process.” Since, hundreds have applied, submitting a resume and contact information — which is available for view on the website by the general public.

Although rumors that Kemp already has his top choices in mind, applications continue to pour in.

U.S. Rep. Doug Collins, ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, and former U.S. Rep. Paul Broun are also contenders.

When asked about his application submission, Collins told CNHI — at an event hosted by the governor Tuesday — that his resume is on public record and the focus should be on Isakson’s retirement.

“Johnny Isakson is a legend in this community. I think we all need to be focused on what we’re losing,” he said. “That’s what I choose to focus on is the fact that Johnny Isakson is not going to be there anymore for us to look to for his leadership and determination. That’s what I choose to focus on.”

We’ll see what decision the governor makes, Collins said, “I respect the governor’s wishes.”

Public Service Commissioner Tim Echols, former U.S. Rep. Karen Handel, State Sen. Tyler Harper — who confirmed his application to CNHI — and Allen Buckley, former Libertarian candidate for Senate are included among the applications.

Angelic Moore, a former Kemp campaign staffer and Martha Zoller, a former aide to Kemp and to U.S. David Perdue have also applied.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has reported other politicians who have applied include: David Belle Isle, former Alpharetta mayor; former state Rep. Melvin Everson; and former State Sen. Judson Hill. 

However, CNHI is unable to confirm these applicants since submitted applications on the governor’s website have not been updated since Sept. 20 as of Tuesday afternoon.