Image Credit: Senator Ferrell Haile / Facebook
Tennessee Conservative News [By Olivia Lupia] –
Sen. Ferrell Haile announced he is dropping his bid for Tennessee Senate Speaker and Lt. Governor, leaving Republican Sens. Jack Johnson and Paul Bailey in the running to lead the legislature’s upper chamber and become the state’s second in command.
With the retirement of Randy McNally, who was a fixture in the Tennessee legislature for nearly 50 years, the last nine as Lt. Governor and Senate Speaker, members of the Republican Caucus will choose his replacement as the party holds a supermajority, and a three-candidate field has now narrowed to two with Haile’s withdrawal.
Haile, who currently serves as the Senate’s Speaker Pro Tem, threw his hat in the ring at the end of March after reportedly being asked by individuals who didn’t believe Johnson or Bailey were “lighting anyone’s fire” and thought he could bring a steadying hand to the position.
“The reason I’m in the Senate to begin with is I had people come to me and ask me to run. I felt I had an opportunity to use my Christian walk in a positive way, and within me there was [a sense of], ‘If I don’t do this, I’m going to wish I had tried,’” Haile said at the time. “You had three things come together: one, folks coming and asking me to run, second, where is the Lord in this conversation and third was thinking this was an opportunity that I need to pursue.”
Then at the end of last week, Haile texted some colleagues regarding the contest, writing, “Thank you for your time and consideration as I spoke with you concerning Lt. Gov/Speaker position. Today I am withdrawing my name for consideration. I appreciate your friendship.”
A look at Haile’s voting record indicates conservatives may be relieved Haile will not be seeking the Senate’s highest leadership position as he was named as a Top Senate RINO in several editions of The Tennessee Conservative’s RINO Report for standing against conservative principles like medical freedom, free speech, parental rights, and voting in favor of corporate welfare, illegal immigration, and defending puberty blockers.
The remaining candidates, Johnson and Bailey, will have to whip votes from a majority of the 27 members of the Senate Republican Caucus to secure the speakership. Both have sponsored and voted for a mix of legislation both backed and opposed by conservatives throughout their tenures in the statehouse.
Johnson and Bailey will probably have until November or December to make their case to their fellow Senators as the Republican Caucus will likely nominate a candidate in advance of the first organizational session of the 2027 General Assembly. The Senate will then formally elect the Speaker by majority vote on the floor, ushering in new leadership for the first time in nearly a decade.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
2 Responses
Jack Johnson should have been voted out years ago. If Gary Humble would have stayed in the race Johnson would have found himself sitting on a bench somewhere after the primary wiped him out. I have very little faith that our legislators will chose the right person (Sen. Bailey) instead of Johnson but most of them are more interested in licking the boot straps of Johnson than doing what is right for Tennessee. I cannot understand how the people of his district keep voting him back in to office? Voter complacency is the only reason that makes any sense.
GOOD NEWS. Vote PAUL BAILEY.