Beth Harwell Wins Republican Caucus Nomination For Speaker

NASHVILLE, TN — Tennessee House Speaker Rep. Beth Harwell looks likely to retain her position when the General Assembly convenes in January.

The Belle Meade Republican held off a challenge from Jimmy Matlock of Lenoir City to retain the Republican caucus nomination in a 40-30 vote. With Republicans holding a 74-25 margin in the House, the Republican nomination virtually assures Harwell will be re-elected, although speaker elections are not always without shenanigans, such as when Republican Kent Williams was nominated by Democrats and voted for himself instead of Republican nominee Jason Mumpower and won the speaker's spot in a 50-49 vote in what was then a much more evenly matched House of Representatives in 2009.

Harwell, considered to be potential gubernatorial candidate in 2018, has held the gavel since 2011.

Matlock's candidacy was supported by members troubled by Harwell's handling of the Jeremy Durham sexual harassment allegations and by others who feel she too often allows the legislature to be dictated to by Gov. Bill Haslam.

Image via State of Tennessee