NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – The Tennessee Supreme Court on Wednesday announced that Jonathan Skrmetti has been selected to be the state’s next attorney general.
Skrmetti replaces Attorney General Herbert Slatery, a Republican who announced in May that he wouldn’t seek another eight-year term. Skrmetti currently serves as Republican Gov. Bill Lee’s top legal counsel and previously worked as the attorney general’s chief deputy from 2018 to late 2021.
“Mr. Skrmetti has dedicated the majority of his career to public service and has the breadth of experience and vision necessary to lead the attorney general’s office for the next eight years,” Chief Justice Roger A. Page said in a statement.
Four out of the five justices – who were all appointed by Republicans – approved Skrmetti’s selection. Justice Sharon Lee, who was appointed by former Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen, dissented without offering an explanation.
Tennessee is the only state in the U.S. where its Supreme Court appoints the attorney general. Skrmetti’s term starts on Sept. 1.