Lookout Mountain's Chris Devaney is stepping down as chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party, after winning a new term last November.
Rep. Ryan Haynes quickly announced that he is a contender for the post.
Mr. Devaney announced his decision to the members of the State Executive Committee, saying he will be resigning his seat effective April 11. That is the same date as the next meeting of the TNGOP SEC.
On a phone call with the SEC, Mr. Devaney announced he has accepted a position to lead CNP—the Children’s Nutrition Program of Haiti, a faith-based nonprofit headquartered in Chattanooga.
Mr. Devaney said, “We have had quite a ride. I have been honored and humbled to be a part of this remarkable history, but it is time for my family and me to embark on a new journey. Saturday, April 11, will be my final day as chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party.”
State GOP officials said he "will be remembered as one of the longest-serving chairmen in TNGOP history and the one who guided the party to new heights. Since 2009, when Mr. Devaney began serving as chairman, the TNGOP has become synonymous with success in the Volunteer State."
Officials said:
- In 2010, the party gained a working majority in both chambers of the General Assembly.
- In 2010, the party helped turn our Congressional delegation to a 7-2 Republican majority.
- And, in 2010, the party elected a Republican governor.
- In 2012, both the state Senate and state House attained supermajority status.
- And just this past year, in our Red to the Roots program, we elected county and judicial candidates across the state, in some districts that haven’t had Republican representation since Reconstruction. In all, nearly 750 Republican candidates were elected at the statewide, federal, legislative, judicial, and county levels in the 2014 election cycle—a record for the Tennessee Republican Party.
Mr. Devaney said, “As a Christian and an American, I believe it is our duty, if we are fortunate enough, to help those who can’t help themselves, regardless of borders. Earlier this year, I traveled to the country of Haiti on a mission trip. It is a country where I have been on other similar visits. Haiti is a country that is a short plane ride from Tennessee. Yet, it is the most impoverished nation in the western Hemisphere.”
He continued, “That trip had a major impact on me and I feel it is time to get personally involved to help the children and families of Haiti. The CNP has a mission that I firmly believe in. As such, I have agreed to become the organization’s Executive Director. While it is in Chattanooga, its work is based out of Haiti. CNP’s mission applies, in my view, conservative principles to achieve its goals. It is not providing handouts, but is working to educate mothers and improve the health and development of Haitian children, particularly those suffering from malnutrition. I am excited about this new challenge and ready for the next chapter of my life.”
For more information about CNP, please visit cnphaiti.org.
In keeping with the procedure when Mr. Devaney was first elected in 2009 in a special election, he called a special meeting of the SEC to immediately follow the TNGOP’s regular session on April 11. The special meeting of the SEC will be conducted by TNGOP Vice Chairman Betty Cannon.
Governor Bill Haslam stated, "During his time as Party Chair, Chris has helped lead Republicans to historic victories. He has been a driving force behind the history making streak the Party is on and Tennessee is a better state because of it.”
Senator Lamar Alexander said, “The Tennessee Republican Party has become one of the country's most successful, and Chris Devaney deserves great credit for this. His leadership has encouraged diversity of opinion and welcomed new voters. As a result, our party is larger, more successful, and more conservative.”
Senator Bob Corker said, "Chris has done an outstanding job of leading our party and building it so that it is strong for the future,. Chris's tenure as chairman has been marked by tremendous success, and now, as he and Heather begin this new chapter of public service, I could not be more excited for them and their family."
Mr. Devaney concluded his announcement by saying, “The Republican Party of Tennessee has a long proud tradition. I am confident that tradition will continue.”
Background
- Chris Devaney has been elected chairman four times: 2009 (to fulfill an unexpired term), 2010, 2012, and 2014.
- Mr. Devaney, originally from Texas, graduated from the University of Oklahoma began his career in journalism working for NBC Radio News in Washington.
- His interest in politics led him to a job in the U.S. Senate Republican Conference.
- Eventually, he would work for three U.S. Senators: Phil Gramm of Texas, and Fred Thompson and Bob Corker of Tennessee.
- He and his wife Heather live in Chattanooga with their four children and are members of the Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church.
Rep. Haynes said, "As you know, Chris Devaney has announced his decision to step down as Chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party. Under the leadership of Chairman Devaney and the State Executive Committee, our party has reached historic levels of success. Our state is better off because of that dedicated service.
It is now time to look to the future. We must examine who our party will trust to have a clear vision and a set of goals to keep us successful. I want you to be the first to know of my intentions to seek the position of Chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party. Certainly this decision does not come lightly. This is a tremendous responsibility and I would be honored to serve a party that stands on solid principles and protects the values of Tennesseans.
Having served in the state legislature since 2008, I have seen first-hand the significance of having conservative leadership leading our party and our state. Together Republicans have cut taxes, increased efficiencies in state government, and spurred economic development for our citizens while holding true to our conservative beliefs. I have been fortunate to hold many leadership roles in the General Assembly during this time that include serving as the assistant caucus chair and holding the gavel as chairman of the state government committee. In addition I have been a proud member of the Republican Caucus Campaign Committee where conservatives have reached historic levels in the state legislature. My persistence, hard work, and loyalty to the Republican Party have resulted in significant improvements to our state.
I appreciate the history of our party and the efforts of those who have paved the way to where we dominate local, state and federal offices. However, I believe there is more work to do for our future. My four goals are simple and are as follows:
1) Elect a Republican president in 2016 and send boots on the ground to other states that might need extra help to do the same
2) Strengthen our numbers in the state legislature and the United States Congress
3) Build on our Red to the Roots program
4) Prepare a comprehensive plan to attract younger voters, women, and minorities to our cause.
I intend to travel our state seeking your advice and counsel, but most importantly work to earn your trust and support. I’m sure others will be interested in serving as chairman, but I can assure you no one will outwork me. In my first race for the state legislature I knocked on thousands of doors, followed my campaign plan, and did a lot of listening. I plan on doing the same thing as a candidate for state chairman. My passion for our party runs deep and I know that together we can continue to build on our successes of the past, and capitalize on opportunities for the future. I will do my part and I know you will do yours just as you have in the past.
Therefore, I respectfully ask for your vote and your support. I look forward to seeing you along the trail in the days ahead.
Respectfully,
Ryan Haynes