TN House Dems elect first black party leader
NASHVILLE — Tennessee House Democrats have selected leadership for the upcoming legislative session, choosing Rep. Karen Camper in a historic election for House minority leader. Camper, D-Memphis, becomes the first African-American to serve as Democratic Party leader in the House. She replaces House Minority Leader Craig Fitzhugh, D-Ripley, who did not seek re-election to his West Tennessee seat.
Fitzhugh ran unsuccessfully in this year’s Democratic gubernatorial primary after serving more than two decades in the Tennessee General Assembly.
“I am honored by the faith the Caucus has shown in me and I pledge to bring the type of aggressive leadership needed to advance legislation that promotes the Democratic agenda,” Camper said in a statement.
She highlighted “quality health care and economic opportunities for all Tennesseans” as legislative priorities.
Camper, a retired U.S. Army chief warrant officer, was first elected to the legislature in 2008.
The House Democratic Caucus voted on its new leadership in a meeting Sunday, days after House Republicans on Tuesday nominated Rep. Glen Casada, R-Franklin, to become the next Speaker of the House.
While the Democrats haven’t always done so, the caucus also selected its own nominees for speaker — Camper — as well as speaker pro tempore — Rep. Bo Mitchell, D-Nashville.
Mitchell and Rep. Johnnie Shaw, DBolivar, ran against Camper for the minority leader position.
All members of the House of Representatives must vote on the speaker position when the 111th General Assembly convenes Jan. 8.
Since Republicans hold a 73-26 supermajority, Casada’s election as speaker is all but certain.
Rep. Mike Stewart, D-Nashville, will continue in his position as Democratic Caucus chairman.
Others selected to Democratic House leadership include:
❚ Rep. John DeBerry, Memphis: Minority Leader Pro Tempore
❚ Rep. Rick Staples, Knoxville: Assistant Minority Leader
❚ Rep. Jason Powell, Nashville: Minority Whip
❚ Rep. Harold Love Jr., Nashville: Minority Floor Leader
❚ Rep. Antonio Parkinson, Memphis: Caucus Vice-Chair
❚ Rep. London Lamar, Memphis: Caucus Secretary
❚ Rep. Vincent Dixie, Nashville: Caucus Treasurer
Reach Natalie Allison at nallison@tennessean.com. Follow her on Twitter at @natalie_allison.