Sen. Kelly Loeffler to return to campaign trail after 2nd negative test

Sen. Kelly Loeffler's (R-Ga.) campaign announced Monday that she "looks forward to getting back out on the campaign trail" after testing negative for COVID-19 for a second time, following earlier conflicting results.

Why it matters: Loeffler has been campaigning at events ahead of a Jan. 5 runoff in elections that'll decide which party holds the Senate majority. Vice President Mike Pence was with her on Friday.

Catch up quick: Loeffler's campaign said Saturday she would quarantine with no COVID-19 symptoms after testing positive and then later returning an inconclusive result for the virus.

• It said Sunday that test came back negative, but she would continue to follow CDC guidelines and self-isolate until she's able to get a more conclusive negative result.

Of note: Loeffler has faced criticism for not following CDC guidelines at campaign events, including holding rallies with most attendees not wearing masks, though the Atlanta Journal-Constitution notes she usually wears face coverings.

• The New York Times reports that Loeffler "was indoors and unmasked among unmasked crowds at an event last Thursday," though she wore one while meeting with voters lined up to see her.
• Loeffler traveled with Pence on a bus for much last Friday and stood near Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and her fellow Georgia Republican Sen. David Perdue, who also faces a runoff, per the Washington Post.

What they're saying: Loeffler campaign spokesperson Stephen Lawson said in a statement Monday after her second consecutive negative PCR test result that the senator "continues to feel great, and has no symptoms."

• A spokesperson for Pence did not immediately return Axios' request for comment.

Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details, including on the negative results Loeffler received on Sunday and again on Monday.