State leaders react after U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander’s announcement to not seek re-election in 2020.
Sen. Lamar Alexander will not seek re-election in 2020
“It is almost impossible to measure the impact of Lamar Alexander’s commitment to Tennessee. His time as governor paved the way for the economic position we enjoy today as a leading state for business, and his educational reforms were ahead of his time. As a senator, he has distinguished himself as a national leader, while always reminding everyone that our founders designed our government for most of the power to be delegated to the states. No one has served our state longer as a governor and senator, and few, if any, have served it better than Lamar.” – Governor Bill Haslam
“Sen. Lamar Alexander has faithfully served Tennesseans at the state and federal level for decades. A seventh-generation Tennessean and principled conservative, our state benefited from his thoughtful leadership. I am thankful for Lamar’s friendship and wish him the best.” – Governor-elect Bill Lee
One of the highlights of my time in the Senate has been working with @SenAlexander. My full statement on his decision not to seek re-election in 2020: pic.twitter.com/xT4Kl8Gi6J
— Senator Bob Corker (@SenBobCorker) December 17, 2018
“Lamar Alexander is a Tennessee legend. The foundation of Tennessee's modern success as a state and a people was built upon his wise governance. All Tennesseans owe him a great debt. Lamar, along with Howard Baker and Winfield Dunn, was responsible for the modern rebirth of the Republican Party. But he always put principles over party, people over politics. Lamar always did what was best for Tennessee. As a young legislator, I was honored to work with then-Governor Alexander and was consistently impressed with his diligence and integrity. His mentorship of me and countless others has been invaluable. Though he may not be running for re-election, I have no doubt Lamar will continue to serve our state with distinction for the next two years as Senator and as elder statesmen beyond that. We will need him.” – Lt. Gov. Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge)
