NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee Senator Randy McNally, a Republican from Oak Ridge, said on social media Thursday his caucus nominated him to keep his role as Speaker. The announcement comes after an election that kept the state's Republican supermajority intact.
"I am truly honored and humbled to receive the nomination of my caucus to continue as Speaker of the Senate. Our conservative majority has transformed state government and delivered freedom and prosperity to the people of Tennessee," he said on social media.
During the last legislative session, McNally oversaw discussions within the Republican party about proposed universal school vouchers. The effort was championed by Governor Bill Lee, although lawmakers failed to pass any resolution establishing the program.
He also joined House of Representatives Speaker Cameron Sexton in an effort to withhold state tax revenue from Memphis over a ballot referendum that would have introduced gun control measures in the city. The referendums passed and were not challenged by the state.
Previously, he also called for legislation to improve school security across the state. He proposed installing bulletproof glass and hiring armed guards for schools in the wake of the deadly Covenant School shooting.
Senate Democratic leaders also elected the same leadership for the 114th Tennessee General Assembly as they had during the previous legislative session.
Senator Raumesh Akbari, from Memphis, was chosen to serve a second term as the Senate Minority Leader. Senator London Lamar, also from Memphis, will serve her second term as the Caucus Chairwoman alongside Vice-Chairwoman Charlane Oliver, from Nashville.
In a release, the Democratic party said it would aim to pass policies meant to cut costs for middle-class families and increase income for the state's workers. It also plans to push for investments in services like public schools healthcare and transportation.
The Tennessee General Assembly is expected to begin its legislative session on Jan. 14, 2025.
