Tennessee Turns a Deeper Shade of Red

NASHVILLE, TN – Tennessee turned a deeper shade of red Tuesday as Republican victories in state legislative races increased the party’s majority in the state Senate and gave Republicans a majority in the state House for the first time since 1968.

For the first time since Reconstruction, Republicans hold a majority in both houses of the Tennessee General Assembly.

“The election of a Republican majority in the General Assembly is historic in its own right, and even more so given the strong Democratic tide across much of the country,” said Robin Smith, Chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party. “Our victories send a national message that Republican values still resonate with mainstream America. The power of a consistent conservative Republican message – low taxes, small government and respect for life – once again demonstrated its power to attract a majority.”

Republicans last held the Speaker’s chair for two years after the 1968 election that resulted in the House being split 49-49 with one Independent who voted for the Republican Speaker. The Republican Party had not controlled the state Senate since Reconstruction until after the 2006 election.

After the new General Assembly is sworn into office in January, the state Senate will be divided 19-14 and the state House 50-49, both with a Republican majority.

“We are indebted to our great volunteers across Tennessee and to the people of Tennessee for this historic achievement,” Smith said.