RALEIGH — Just weeks after winning his reelection bid, Sen. Tom McInnis has been selected for a leadership position.
McInnis, R-Richmond, is one of two senators elected by N.C. Senate Republican Caucus to serve as majority whip. The other is Sen. Jim Perry of Lenoir County.
“I appreciate the vote of confidence from my colleagues and look forward to leading the Senate Republican Caucus into this new decade,” President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, said in a press release. “We have a talented group that will forge ahead on the formula that created a boom decade in North Carolina: low taxes, reasonable regulations, and a strong education system.”
McInnis was first elected to the senate in 2014 and has won each subsequent reelection bid.
He represents the 25th District, which includes his home county of Richmond, as well as Anson, Moore and Scotland counties.
In August, he was appointed co-chair of the Agriculture and Forestry Awareness Study Commission.
In January 2019, McInnis was appointed to co-chair both the Senate Transportation and Appropriations on Department of Transportation committees with Sen. Jim Davis, R-Macon.
McInnis also served as a member of the following committees for the 2019-2020 legislative session: Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources; Commerce and Insurance; Education and Higher Education; and State and Local Government.
He could not immediately be reached for comment.
Other leaders in the state Senate are:
- Senate Majority Leader
- Sen. Kathy Harrington (R-Gaston)
- Deputy President Pro Tempore – Sen. Ralph Hise (R-Mitchell)
- Caucus Finance Chair – Sen. Brent Jackson (R-Sampson)
- Joint Caucus Leader – Sen. Carl Ford (R-Rowan)
Harrington is the Senate’s first female majority leader since the position’s inception in 1977.
“Sen. Harrington is a powerful voice in the caucus and works tirelessly behind the scenes,” Berger said. “You may not read about her very often in the paper, but she’s a force in the Senate. I’m excited about her election and I know she’ll do a wonderful job.”
Sen. Harry Brown, R-Onlsow, has held the position since 2011 and is retiring this year.
“It’s such an honor to have earned the faith and trust of my colleagues for this leadership position,” Harrington said in a press release. “North Carolina has been well-served by the past decade of low taxes, responsible spending, and investments in education, and I’m excited to work with my colleagues to continue that agenda.”
Berger also congratulated Sen. Dan Blue, D-Wake, for being reelected as Senate Minority Leader.
“Despite years of political battles we enjoy a warm personal relationship, and I deeply value that,” Berger said.
