Republican members of the Tennessee General Assembly convened today for leadership elections within their respective House and Senate Caucuses.
Senator Randy McNally of Oak Ridge was unanimously elected as the GOP nominee for Lieutenant Governor. McNally is a retired pharmacist and a UT Health Science Center alumnus. He has served in the powerful role of Finance Committee Chairman for almost 10 years. Senator Mark Norris of Memphis was re-elected as Senate Majority Leader. In this role, Sen. Norris serves as the majority manager of all legislation moving through the Senate.
In the House Republican Caucus, current House Speaker Beth Harwell of Nashville was re-elected as the nominee, successfully fending off challenger Rep. Jimmy Matlock of Lenior City. Rep. Curtis Johnson of Clarksville was re-elected as the nominee for Speaker Pro Tempore, defeating challengers Rep. David Alexander of Winchester and Rep. John Ragan of Oak Ridge. In the highly publicized race for House Majority Leader, Rep. Glen Casada was elected to replace current Majority Leader Gerald McCormick, who is not seeking re-election to the post.
Lawmakers will officially vote on the Speaker nominees when they convene for the 110th General Assembly in January. Republicans hold large majorities in both Chambers, making their respective nominees the presumptive winners.
Tags: Leadership Elections, TN