McNally to seek Senate speakership

Sen. Randy McNally

State Sen. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge, announced today his intention to become Tennessee's next Speaker of the Senate.

The announcement follows Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey’s decision not to seek re-election. 

“I want to thank Ron Ramsey for his tremendous leadership over these last ten years,” McNally said in a released statement. “If elected Speaker I will continue to support an independent State Senate and I will remain committed to keeping taxes low, while maintaining the financial integrity of our state that benefits all Tennesseans.”

McNally, who is also the chairman of the Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee, added: “Tennessee’s Senators are among the most dedicated public servants in our nation,” continued McNally. “It is an honor to represent my district among a group that so strongly reflects Tennessee values and principles. It would be a great privilege to lead this esteemed body in the 110th General Assembly.”

McNally plans to spend his summer and fall working with Ramsey to help state Republicans maintain and grow their strong majority in the state Senate, he said.

McNally has served in both the House and Senate. He played a key role in helping to uncover political corruption in Tennessee during the Operation Rocky Top investigation.

McNally lives in Oak Ridge with Jan, his wife of 48 years. He is the parent of two adult daughters, Melissa and Maggie, three grandchildren and a dog. He has also worked as a hospital pharmacist at Methodist Medical Center.