Tennessee Senate Republicans have renominated Randy McNally as speaker and have chosen Jack Johnson as the new majority leader.
McNally won unopposed for another two-year speaker term during Senate caucus elections Monday. The Oak Ridge lawmaker first became speaker in 2017.
He released the following statement after his nomination:
"I am truly humbled to be nominated by my caucus for re-election as Speaker of the Senate. It has been the honor of my life to serve my Senate colleagues as speaker and the people of Tennessee as lieutenant governor. We have accomplished many things together but there is still much left to do. I am looking forward to getting to work as we usher in the 111th General Assembly.”
Johnson defeated Sen. Mike Bell of Riceville for majority leader. Former Majority Leader Mark Norris left to become a federal judge.
Senate Republicans selected Ken Yager of Kingston as caucus chairman. Ex-caucus chairman Bill Ketron left to take office as Rutherford County mayor.
Republican Gov.-elect Bill Lee spoke at the meeting's outset. He listed focuses on vocational, agricultural and technical education; sentencing reforms, re-entry programs and justice reform; and economic improvement in struggling rural counties.
McNally also commented on the Senate Republican Caucus elections:
"Jack Johnson will be an outstanding Senate Majority Leader. He has the experience, temperament and policy expertise to lead our caucus and the Senate to new heights. Jack has been intimately involved in the progress we have made as a state. Beginning with his transformation of the Government Operations Committee to his strong leadership on the Commerce Committee, Jack has put conservative ideas into action on behalf of the people of Tennessee. As we embark on a new era in Tennessee state government, Jack's leadership will be critical. Congratulations, Leader Johnson."
"Ken Yager has the depth of skill and breadth of experience to excel as chairman of our Senate Republican Caucus. As a county executive and chairman of the Senate State and Local Committee, he has demonstrated an ability to lead under pressure. Our caucus has achieved much success both in policy and in politics. I expect that success to continue under Ken Yager's leadership. Congratulations, Chairman Yager."
“The Senate is fortunate to have a membership full of capable and talented leaders. I am confident the team we have elected today will work together with Governor Lee and the state House to keep Tennessee the best state in the nation in which to live, work and raise a family."
The House and Senate will cast their official leadership votes in January.
