Rep. Gerald McCormick was chosen Wednesday as the Republican Majority Leader in the state House of Representatives.

He defeated Rep. Jon Lundberg, R-Bristol, in a vote by members of the GOP Caucus. There were 59 House members taking part in the voting. The totals were not announced by the CPA firm that handled the tabulation.

Kevin Brooks of Bradley County was chosen assistant majority leader

Rep. Vince Dean of East Ridge was chosen Republican floor leader.

Rep. McCormick, who is a commercial realtor from Hixson, initially had sought to be chose Speaker of the House.

He eventually threw his support to Rep. Glen Casada, who was defeated for the position by Rep. Beth Harwell.

Rep. McCormick will be working closely with Claude Ramsey. Rep. McCormick said, "I'm looking forward to that." The longtime county mayor will be chief of staff for Bill Haslam, the new governor.

In addition to working with the administration, the majority leader also works with the Democratic leadership and the Senate leaders.

Rep. McCormick said, "It's an honor to be chosen by your fellow House members. It's exciting and I will try to do the best job I can."

The caucus elected Rep. Debra Maggart (R-Hendersonville) as caucus chairman, and Rep. Judd Matheny (R-Tullahoma) as its nominee for speaker pro-tempore.

“I pledge to continue our caucus tradition of an open-style leadership that will lead a unified caucus,” said Leader McCormick. “I am humbled and honored to be chosen to lead our caucus as we work to make Tennessee an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Rep. Brooks said, “I am looking forward to continuing to serve the House Republicans around the leadership table. As assistant majority leader, I will work closely with colleague and district neighbor, Majority Leader Gerald McCormick. I will also work closely with the new Haslam Administration in bringing the Governor’s legislative package to the Caucus. It is humbling and an honor for my colleagues to have entrusted this responsibility to me.”

“A highlight for me was having my son Zach here with me for the Caucus elections,” stated Rep. Brooks. When asked about the visit, Zach, a freshman at Lee University replied, “It was a very long meeting, but I enjoyed seeing behind the scenes as things happened.”

Rep. Brooks serves the 24th Legislative District in Cleveland and Bradley County. He and his wife, Kim, are actively involved in the community and local schools with their two children, Zach at Lee University and Elizabeth at Cleveland High School.

Chairman Maggart added, “I am humbled that my colleagues have placed this trust in me. I look forward to working with our nominee for Speaker, Beth Harwell, Leader McCormick, and our entire caucus over the next two years.”

“I am honored that my colleagues chose me as their nominee for Speaker Pro-Tempore,” said Rep. Matheny. “I look forward to working with Beth Harwell, who I believe will be elected Speaker of the House, and the rest of the caucus on the issues facing Tennessee.”

Others elected to leadership posts include:

Ryan Haynes, caucus vice-chairman
Barrett Rich, whip
Tony Shipley, secretary
Joey Hensley, treasurer
Mark White, assistant floor leader

The legislative session is scheduled to begin at high noon on Tuesday, Jan. 11.