Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey will not seek re-election

Replacing Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, who left an indelible mark not only on the Senate but on Tennessee politics, will be among the top issues the Republican majority will grapple with next year.

In an emotional speech on the Senate floor on Wednesday, Ramsey, 60, announced his decision to not seek re-election.

Ramsey has served 24 years in the legislature, including 20 in the Senate. When he took over as Senate speaker in 2007, he became the first Republican to hold the post in 140 years.

While Ramsey’s announcement came as a surprise to many, the auctioneer cited a need to reassess his priorities in light of his growing family.

“When I ran for office four years ago, I had a 1-year-old grandson,” Ramsey said, fighting back tears. “I now have four grandsons. My first granddaughter will be born today.”

Ramsey said immediately after his announcement that he was planning to join his family to celebrate that birth.

“After a lot of prayer and many sleepless nights, I have determined that I simply cannot commit to another four years in office,” he said.

Lawmakers react to Ron Ramsey's retirement

Although replacing Ramsey won’t officially take place until January, at least five senators are considered possible replacements. They include Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris, R-Collierville; Speaker Pro Tem Bo Watson, R-Hixson; Sen. Jack Johnson, R-Franklin; Sen. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge; and Bill Ketron, R-Murfreesboro.

Norris said Wednesday he’d seriously consider running for the position, as did Ketron.

“I want to make sure there’s a smooth transition and a continuation of strong leadership,” said Norris, who has been in leadership for nine years.

McNally also confirmed his interest. “I plan to run,” he told The Tennessean.

Such early discussions of finding Ramsey’s replacement come at the same time as members of both parties thanked the Blountville Republican for his long service in state government.

“Lt. Gov. Ramsey has been an outstanding leader for Tennessee, and I will truly miss working with him on a daily basis,” Gov. Bill Haslam said in a statement. “Ron is smart and effective, and he has been passionate about serving Tennessee and his district.”

House Speaker Beth Harwell said she has the "utmost respect for him."

"He dedicated his time in public service to making Tennessee a great state," said Harwell, R-Nashville. "He often says that it matters who governs, and indeed it does — Tennessee has had a great leader in Ron Ramsey.”

The announcement caps off a legislative career that began in 1992, when Ramsey was elected to the House of Representatives. He served two terms in the chamber before moving to the Senate in 1996.

In 2007, Ramsey became the first Republican to serve as Senate speaker in 140 years, after defeating longtime Democrat John Wilder, who had served as Senate speaker since 1971.

Ramsey attempted to oust Wilder from the spot in 2004 but was defeated after two Republicans voted with Democrats. When he defeated Wilder in 2007, Ramsey had the help of then-Sen. Rosalind Kurita, a Democrat. Ramsey was re-elected to the leadership position in 2009 and has since become the longest-serving Republican lieutenant governor in state history.

While Ramsey has made significant gains, he also was saddled by a third-place finish — behind Haslam and former U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp — in the 2010 Republican primary for governor.

Beyond his booming personality, love for what he frequently calls old-fashioned country music and his electoral experiences, Ramsey played an instrumental role, both financially and politically, in helping Republicans make major gains in the statehouse in recent years.

“He leaves an incredible legacy of reform that will be hard for anyone to match," state Republican Party Chairman Ryan Haynes said. "The Tennessee Republican Party would not have reached its supermajority status without our lieutenant governor's clear vision, guidance and support.”

Calling Ramsey one of the greatest political leaders in the state’s history, Sen. Mark Green, R-Clarksville, credited the lieutenant governor with orchestrating the advances Republicans made in the House and Senate in recent years that have given them a supermajority in both chambers.

“He’s going to be a historical icon in Tennessee,” he said.

Even Democrats praised him Wednesday.

Sen. Jeff Yarbro, D-Nashville, said Ramsey went from being a junior member of the minority party in the House to the leader of a supermajority in the Senate, all within the span of 20 years.

“That's a testament to how strong a leader he has been,” he said.

Senate Minority Leader Lee Harris, D-Memphis, called Ramsey a “true statesman” and a “role model of authenticity in public life.”

Ramsey has been a major force in reshaping the state legislature, said Vanderbilt political science professor John Geer.

“It is in some ways the end of an era," Geer said. "But it is also true that he put into place a new era that will continue after he steps down.”

Other legislative accomplishments have included shortening the legislative session, implementing changes to the state’s collective bargaining rights for teachers and helping pave the way for several new gun laws, as well as opening up the door for sales of wine in supermarkets.

Such issues received more attention after Ramsey spoke publicly about them, a tactic that has continued in the 2016 session. This year, he’s generated headlines after providing off-the-cuff comments about embattled Rep. Jeremy Durham, R-Franklin; the possibility of allowing guns in the legislative office complex; and his thoughts on Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump.

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“This has not been an easy decision," Ramsey said. "I love the state Senate. I love being lieutenant governor. And I consider each and every one of you a true friend."

After his announcement, Ramsey received a standing ovation from those in the Senate gallery, as well as his colleagues on the floor. Once the Senate adjourned, Ramsey lingered for a few minutes, shaking hands and embracing some before exiting the chamber.

Ramsey, who does not typically shy away from the media, told reporters he preferred to discuss his decision at a later date.

He had tears in his eyes as he exited the chamber.

Reach Joel Ebert at 615-772-1681 and on Twitter @joelebert29.