House Dems make change in No. 2 leadership position
House Democrats have voted to replace Rep. Vincent Dixie as caucus chair after an election cycle in which the minority’s numbers shrank. The caucus instead elected Rep. John Ray Clemmons for the No. 2 leadership post. Both are Nashville Democrats.
House Democrats lost one Memphis seat to redistricting and other when longtime Rep. John Mark Windle of Livingston decided to run for re-election as an independent. He lost to Republican Ed Butler.
Democrat Ronnie Glynn earlier this month narrowly held on to a Clarksville seat vacated by Jason Hodges and a Caleb Hemmer won an open race for a newly drawn district in southern Davidson County.
Here’s the release from House Democrats:
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee House Democratic Caucus today elected its leadership positions for the upcoming 113th General Assembly of the Tennessee House of Representatives. Rep. Karen Camper of Memphis remains House Minority Leader and Rep. John Ray Clemmons is the newly-elected Caucus Chair. Rep. Clemmons said that he’s “honored by the trust shown in him by the Caucus membership” and said he’s “ready to get to work on the challenges that lie ahead.” Other positions elected today were as follows:
— Assistant Minority Leader: Rep. Harold Love of Nashville
— House Floor Leader: Rep. Bill Beck of Nashville
— Minority Whip: Rep. Jason Powell of Nashville
— Caucus Vice-Chair: Rep. Bob Freeman of Nashville
— Caucus Treasurer: Rep. Gloria Johnson of Knoxville
— Caucus Secretary: Rep. Ronnie Glynn of Clarksville
— Leader Pro Tempore: Rep. Larry Miller of Memphis
In addition to the above, Rep. Dwayne Thompson of Memphis and Rep. Johnny Shaw of Bolivar were elected to fill the 2 House Democratic positions on the Joint Fiscal Review Committee.
McNally nominated to another two-year term as Senate speaker
The Senate Republican Caucus has nominated Randy McNally to another term as speaker.
McNally, a retired Oak Ridge pharmacist, first succeeded former Speaker Ron Ramsey in 2017. Some at the time saw him as a transitional figure, but he has since consolidated his leadership position in the upper chamber.
McNally served four terms in the state House before his first election to the Senate in 1986. He is a former chair of the Senate Finance Committee.
The full Senate will officially vote on the speaker in January. But with Republicans holding a 27-6 advantage, it’s largely considered a formality.
Lee named policy chairman of Republican Governors Association
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has been named policy chairman of the Republican Governors Association. Lee’s predecessor, Bill Haslam, served two stints as chair of the group.
Here’s the release from the RGA:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Republican Governors Association announced today that Arizona Governor Doug Ducey was elected to serve as RGA Chair and Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds was elected to serve as RGA Vice Chair for 2021. Both assume the positions immediately and will serve for a one-year duration.
“Governor Doug Ducey’s exemplary leadership in the great State of Arizona has prepared him well to assume the role of Chairman of the RGA, and I look forward to his accomplishments on behalf of our nation’s Republican Governors,” said outgoing RGA Chairman Governor Greg Abbott. “Following the RGA’s widespread success in the 2020 election, Republican Governors can count on Governor Ducey to maintain the organization’s effectiveness and help expand their majority even further.”
“I am honored to serve as the next Chairman of the RGA for this upcoming year. I look forward to building on the RGA’s momentum as we work to expand the Republican majority. In Arizona, we’ve put forward bold policy solutions and meaningful reforms that’s made our state one of the fastest-growing in the nation and we look forward to leading Republican Governors in bringing these reforms to the rest of our country,” said incoming RGA Chairman Governor Doug Ducey. “I want to congratulate my friend Governor Greg Abbott on his successful tenure, and I am excited to work with him and the Executive Committee to build a strong foundation for success in the 2021 and 2022 elections. I also am excited to serve with my good friend Governor Kim Reynolds, who has been a mentor for myself and my colleagues.”
“If the challenges of 2020 taught us anything, it’s that leadership matters. Republican Governors across our country stepped up during an unprecedented time and I am honored to be a part of this incredible team,” said incoming RGA Vice Chairwoman Governor Kim Reynolds. “Across the nation, Republican Governors are leading America’s economic comeback, working to grow jobs, expand opportunity, and keep our communities safe. I look forward to partnering with RGA Chairman Governor Ducey to grow our ranks and elect more Republican governors across the country.”
Joining Governor Ducey and Governor Reynolds on the RGA’s Executive Committee for 2021 are Governors Eric Holcomb of Indiana, Larry Hogan of Maryland, Charlie Baker of Massachusetts, Pete Ricketts of Nebraska, Doug Burgum of North Dakota, Henry McMaster of South Carolina, Kristi Noem of South Dakota, and Greg Abbott of Texas, who served as RGA Chair in 2020. Additionally, Governor Bill Lee of Tennessee was elected Policy Chairman, and Governor Tate Reeves of Mississippi was elected Policy Vice Chairman.
