On Friday, Nov. 11, at the State Capitol in Atlanta, the Senate Republicans elected new leadership, nominating Sen. John Kennedy (R-Macon) to serve as President Pro Tem, the second highest ranking official in the chamber behind Lt. Governor Burt Jones. Kennedy is expected to take the position in January after a vote from the full Senate on the first day of the Legislative Session.
- New Leadership: The election also included nominations for Senate Majority Caucus leadership, including:
- Sen. Steve Gooch (R-Dahlonega) as Majority Leader;
- Sen. Randy Robertson (R-Cataula) as Majority Whip;
- Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R-Dallas) Caucus Chairman;
- Sen. Matt Brass (R-Newnan) as Caucus Vice Chairman; and,
- Sen. Dean Burke (R-Bainbridge) as Caucus Secretary.
- Building on strong relationships: Similar to the leadership of the House, nominees for Senate Leadership include a strong list of forestry friends, who have sponsored forestry-related legislation and cultivated relationships with GFA members through attendance Association-sponsored events such as the Freshman Legislator Orientation, Forestry Day at the Capitol, and the GFA Annual Conference.
Read more from the Atlanta Journal Constitution: Georgia Senate Republicans elect new leadership.