Google taps GOP Senate aide to lead lobbying

Google has tapped Sen. Rob Portman’s (R-Ohio) top aide to lead its U.S. lobbying efforts as the company faces mounting investigations into its market power.

Mark Isakowitz, who has served as Portman’s chief of staff for the past five years, will be Google’s vice president in charge of government affairs and public policy.

“Mark brings more than 30 years of experience in Washington, serious policy knowledge, and an impressive record of bridging divides and achieving results,” Karan Bhatia, who leads Google’s global government affairs office, said in a statement Friday. “He will help Google work with lawmakers to support policies that encourage growth and responsible innovation.”

Isakowitz will replace former Rep. Susan Molinari (R-N.Y.), who announced last year that she would be stepping down from the top lobbying role in D.C.

Last year, Portman’s office was the driving force behind the sex trafficking bill sometimes referred to as FOSTA-SESTA that panicked many in Silicon Valley. The measure, which was passed and signed into law in 2018, carves out exceptions to internet platforms’ legal liability protections over content posted by their users.