NASHVILLE -- State House Republicans on Wednesday elected Chattanooga Rep. Gerald McCormick as House Republican majority leader in the 107th General Assembly.
Two other Chattanooga-area lawmakers also won top GOP caucus slots.
The majority leader is the chamber's No. 3 elected position after House speaker and speaker pro tempore.
McCormick beat Rep. Jon Lundberg, R-Bristol, among the 59 Republican House members at the meeting. Caucus members cast secret ballots, and no vote totals were provided.
As leader, McCormick will be Republicans' chief spokesman on the House floor and become heavily involved in political strategy and the timing of legislation coming to the floor.
He also will work closely with party leaders and committee chairmen and be involved in promoting the legislative package for Republican Gov.-elect Bill Haslam's administration.
McCormick, a 48-year-old businessman, said he is "pretty excited" about his new position. He said he wants to help Republican nominee Beth Harwell, R-Nashville, "be the best speaker that we've ever had in the state of Tennessee, help Gov. [Bill] Haslam move his agenda forward and represent the feelings of our Republican Caucus."
He said his top priority will be to get together with Harwell, Haslam and Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey, R-Blountville, and "make sure we're all on the same page."
Harwell became the GOP's nominee for speaker last month. She is expected to become speaker when the General Assembly convenes Jan. 11 since there are only 34 Democrats and one independent in the 99-member chamber.
Also Wednesday, Rep. Vince Dean, R-East Ridge, was elected Republican floor leader, the No. 6 elected slot, after his rival, Rep. Matthew Hill, R-Jonesborough, withdrew from the contest.
Rep. Kevin Brooks, R-Cleveland, was elected assistant majority leader, the No. 7 position, without opposition.
Caucus members also selected Rep. Judd Matheny, R-Tullahoma, as the GOP's nominee for speaker pro tempore. He beat Rep. Harry Brooks, R-Knoxville, and Rep. Jimmy Eldridge, R-Jackson. The post is the No. 2 slot in the House.
Rep. Jim Cobb, R-Spring City, dropped out of the race for Republican Caucus chairman and Rep. Debra Maggart, R-Hendersonville, won the slot, the No. 4 elected House position.
Rep. Eric Watson, R-Cleveland, said he feels "pretty good" about Southeast Tennesseans moving into positions of power.
"It's very important to have people from our region serving in higher leadership positions," he said.
Contact staff writer Andy Sher at asher@timesfreepress.com or 615-255-0550.