Gerald McCormick won’t run for Tennessee House Majority Leader next year

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Tennessee House Majority Leader Gerald McCormick has told colleagues that he is stepping down from the role in the coming legislative session.

But he still intends on representing Chattanooga in the state house.

McCormick is up for re-election in November.

“I intend to maintain a strong and intensified commitment to the issues affecting us locally and statewide.”

He has held the second most powerful office in the state house since 2011.

Republicans have held a super-majority during those years, but things have not gone smoothly for the leadership.

Speaker Beth Harwell has battled conservatives in her own delegation and the Senate leadership, with more potential conflict coming next year.

On Tuesday, Tennessee Republican Party Chair Ryan Haynes issued this statement on the Majority Leader.

“Gerald McCormick has been a leader for Tennessee in every sense of the word since Republicans took the Majority. His service has been an invaluable part of our success. I look forward to continuing to work with him on the priorities of Hamilton County and growing the Republican Party.”