The Tri-Star State: GOP Lawmakers Weigh Their Confidence In House Speaker Glen Casada

Republican lawmakers in the Tennessee House of Representatives will soon decide the fate of Speaker Glen Casada.

The embattled lawmaker has faced backlash after racist and sexist text messages between him and his former chief of staff were leaked to the media.

Casada’s speakership might be in jeopardy after a key Republican — Mike Carter of Ooltewah — joined the call for his resignation.

A special caucus meeting has been called for Monday. It will take place in a hotel downtown, and it is closed to the press and the public. No staffer will be allowed in the room. 

GOP members are expected to vote on whether the have confidence in Casada’s ability to continue as speaker. But the vote is non-binding. 

Mostly, the meeting will give members the opportunity to talk about their concerns, and Casada will have the opportunity to respond to them. 

But it’s not clear what would happen if the majority of the Republican Caucus says it has not confidence in Casada. 

Gov. Bill Lee could call for a special session, but the procedure is a bit murky since the House Speaker does not need to be an elected member. 

So, even if representatives vote kick Casada out of the House, he could still be the chamber’s leader. That means Casada may ultimately be the one to decide if he stays as Speaker or not.

Casada has said he has no plans on stepping down. 

Our ongoing conversations about Tennessee politics are available in The Tri-Star State podcast. You can listen by visiting wpln.org/tristar or subscribe using your favorite podcasting app.