Democrats Keep Top Leaders in Place

Rep. Johnny Shaw of Bolivar makes his case for caucus chairman to House Democrats as Rep. Mike Turner waits his turn. Photo credit Blake Farmer/WPLN

Democrats in the Tennessee House will stick with the status quo when it comes to their leaders.

Caucus chairman Mike Turner of Old Hickory fended off a challenge from Rep. Johnny Shaw of West Tennessee, who said he would bring a more cooperative spirit to the job.

With reelection, Turner says he expects to be as fiery as ever.

“Now is not the time to be shy. Now is not the time to shrink. Now is the time to be bold.”

Democrats in both chambers return to the upcoming session with their numbers at historic lows. Republicans now have two-thirds majorities and the ability to pass legislation even if Democrats don’t show up.