Jack Johnson Elected Lieutenant Governor in Split Tennessee Republican Caucus

The Tennessee State Senate Republican Caucus selected Sen. Jack Johnson of Franklin as its new lieutenant governor and speaker of the Senate on Tuesday.

Johnson replaces Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, who steps down from the role in January. The selection process involved multiple contested votes for leadership positions. Caucus members repeatedly acknowledged a sense of tension in the room as they prepared for a new era following the nationwide rejection of Republicans in last week’s midterm elections.

Johnson, who currently serves as Senate majority leader, faced Sen. Paul Bailey of Sparta for the position. Johnson stated that the caucus needs to do a better job of communication, collaboration, and cooperation. Sen. John Stevens of Huntingdon urged members to support Johnson, citing his contributions to state elections through the group known as the Jack Pack.

Sen. Page Walley of Bolivar nominated Bailey, arguing that the Senate needed to take a different approach after the midterms. Walley said it is the Senate’s responsibility to protect and promote the people’s interests, even when those interests conflict with those of the president or other party leaders. He noted that the caucus is blessed to have not lost any members but warned that there are lessons to be learned.

Ballots were counted in a side room before the caucus announced that Johnson won the private vote. The margin was not disclosed. McNally shouted yay from the front of the room when Johnson was named his successor. Members made conclave jokes while waiting for the results.

In the race for caucus chair, current chairman Ken Yager of Kingston, Sen. Becky Massey of Knoxville, and Sen. Bill Powers of Clarksville all appeared on the ballot. No senator received a majority in the first round. Yager was removed as the lowest-performing candidate. Massey won on the second ballot, with vote counts kept private. Yager was the only person unseated from a leadership position during the meeting.

After the meeting, Massey said Republicans need to focus on kitchen table issues like public safety and transportation to inspire voters in 2028. She did not mention affordability, despite its prominence among voters in all parties. Johnson said affordability would be a factor in the upcoming legislative session. He stated that if a bill to reduce sales tax is not already filed, one will be coming, but he offered few specific details.

Sen. Dawn White of Murfreesboro was unopposed for majority leader and will replace Johnson. With Massey, White, and Gov.-elect Marsha Blackburn in leadership roles, the state party has increased its representation of women. Johnson congratulated both women, and they joked that he is the token male in the group.

The caucus delayed electing a treasurer, secretary, and chaplain until after the new speaker makes committee appointments. Johnson declined to discuss who will chair the education and transportation committees, which were previously chaired by White and Massey. Walley told reporters that his comments on unity were aimed at both the party and the caucus. He noted that supermajorities can lead to cliques and division, which he observed over the last year.

Walley emphasized the need to listen to constituents regarding kitchen table issues, including affordability, groceries, property taxes, and road improvements. He also noted his support for legalized cannabis. McNally closed the meeting by attributing the tough election results to the war in Iran and the economy. He urged members to stay united and committed to helping them maintain their supermajority after his retirement.