POLITICAL NOTEBOOK: Ferrell Haile-Mary Bid For Lt. Governor?

With Lt. Governor Randy McNally’s decision to not seek reelection this year, thereby vacating his position as Senate Speaker/Lt Governor, the political maneuvering to replace him has begun in earnest. Senator Paul Bailey and Majority Leader Jack Johnson are making moves to secure the top spot in the Senate; and Senator Bo Watson also seems to be interested. Sumner County Senator Ferrell Haile is also reportedly preparing his own shot. Republicans have a 27-6 majority in the state Senate and whoever wins the Republican caucus vote will become the Lt Governor. Candidates for the position will see names fall off the list with successive votes narrowing those remaining in contention until a one on one face off determines the final winner. Senators will vote by secret ballot, so anything can happen. At this point, it seemed likely that a Bailey versus Johnson runoff will occur sometime after the November elections and before the Senate convenes in January 2027.

RILEY ENDORSES GARRETT IN 6TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. Riley Gaines, a former collegiate swimmer, Sumner County library board member and conservative activist focused on keeping men out of women’s sports and locker rooms, has endorsed State Representative Johnny Garrett, in the Republican primary for Tennessee’s 6th District, the seat being vacated by congressman John Rose. 

Gaines’ father Brad had previously announced his intention to run for the seat but never filed to do so. Garrett is facing former Congressman Van Hilleary and Jon Henry in the August primary. Henry was endorsed this week by former General Mike Flynn.

Steve Gill is editor and Publisher of TriStar Daily. Be skeptical of social media posts, particularly tomorrow!