Ahead of race for Senate Speaker, three Republicans hold almost $1 million each in campaign cash

By: Adam Friedman

Outlets: Tennessee Lookout

Published: March 5, 2026

Words: 565

Last Updated: 5 days, 5 hours ago

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After Lt. Gov. Randy McNally announced his retirement Thursday, the race to replace him as Tennessee’s next Senate Speaker and second in line of succession for the state’s top office began to take shape.

No Senate Republican has officially announced his candidacy for the top job, but Majority Leader Jack Johnson of Franklin, finance committee chair Bo Watson of Hixson, and commerce committee chair Paul Bailey of Sparta are among the potential candidates.

Johnson, …

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