The Tennessee Senate Republican Caucus on Thursday voted unanimously to renominate Lt. Governor Randy McNally to a third term, among other leadership votes.
The caucus also announced that Senator Jack Johnson (R-Franklin) and Senator Ken Yager (R-Kingston) will return to their top leadership roles as Majority Leader and Republican Caucus Chairman, respectively. Others elected to caucus leadership positions include Senator Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin) as Treasurer, Senator Dawn White (R-Murfreesboro) as Secretary and Senator Shane Reeves (R-Murfreesboro) as Chaplain.
The caucus tweeted, “Congratulations to this great group of leaders who received unanimous approval from their GOP colleagues today for their respective caucus leadership positions. We welcome @VoteDawn to her new leadership role as Caucus Secretary . . .”
Congratulations to this great group of leaders who received unanimous approval from their GOP colleagues today for their respective caucus leadership positions. We welcome @VoteDawn to her new leadership role as Caucus Secretary . . . https://t.co/LRnzGRwDbh pic.twitter.com/8gg3JlHtJX
— TN Senate GOP (@tnsenategop) November 19, 2020
The meeting was held as lawmakers prepare to open the first session of the 112th General Assembly on Jan. 12. Senate Republicans hold a 27-6 super majority.
McNally (R-Oak Ridge) said in a statement, “As I reflect back on over forty years in the General Assembly, I cannot think of a more dedicated group of public servants than we have in the Senate at this moment. An effective team not only has to have the right players, but those players’ talents also need to be deployed effectively. Our Senate team is an effective team. I am humbled once again to have been chosen to help lead this great group of leaders.”
Johnson tweeted, “I am humbled to have been re-elected Senate Republican Majority Leader by my @tnsenategop peers. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to serve our state and will always fight for the great people of Tennessee.”
I am humbled to have been re-elected Senate Republican Majority Leader by my @tnsenategop peers. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to serve our state and will always fight for the great people of Tennessee. pic.twitter.com/46plpt6836
— Jack Johnson (@SenJohnson) November 19, 2020
Yager tweeted, “@SenateGOP nominates Speaker McNally for another term and elects its officers for 112th general Assembly Honored to re reelected Caucus Chair @HaileforSenate @SenJohnson @VoteDawn @SenShaneReeves @tnsenate #winners“.
@SenateGOP nominates Speaker McNally for another term and elects its officers for 112th general Assembly Honored to re reelected Caucus Chair @HaileforSenate @SenJohnson @VoteDawn @SenShaneReeves @tnsenate #winners pic.twitter.com/7Mda4s9PmF
— Ken Yager (@YagerTweets) November 19, 2020
Tim Burchett, former Knox County mayor and a candidate for the U.S. House District 2, was one of those congratulating McNally. He tweeted, “I love@ltgovmcnally. Randy had surgery the night before my Dad died and he showed up 30 minutes after he passed. He had the guy mowing his yard drive him.”
I love @ltgovmcnally . Randy had surgery the night before my Dad died and he showed up 30 minutes after he passed. He had the guy mowing his yard drive him. https://t.co/2VOVtnXqnO
— Tim Burchett (@timburchett) November 20, 2020
The Tennessee Republican House Caucus will choose its leaders Tuesday, with only one position being contested, the Chattanooga Times Free Press reported.
State Rep. Robin Smith (R-Hixson) is running against incumbent Caucus Chairman Jeremy Faison (R-Cosby).
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Jason M. Reynolds has more than 20 years’ experience as a journalist at outlets of all sizes.
The big question is:
Will they start leading like conservatives or continue to act like Democrats?