Senate Republicans announce key leadership positions

Sen. Phil Berger (R-Eden) elected to another term as Senate leader

FILE - Republican Senate leader Phil Berger presides as the Senate convenes, Tuesday, May 16, 2023, in Raleigh, N.C. North Carolina trial judges on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, blocked portions of a new law that would transfer Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s authority to pick election board members to the Republican-dominated General Assembly. (AP Photo/Chris Seward, File)

RALEIGH — The North Carolina General Assembly Senate has reelected Sen. Phil Berger (R-Eden) to continue to lead that chamber.

“I’m thankful my colleagues have chosen me to lead the Senate for this upcoming biennium and look forward to continuing to make North Carolina a better state to live, work, and raise a family in,” Berger said in a press release.

Berger has been in the role for 13 years, having first been elected president pro tem in January 2011.

“The senators on our leadership team bring a great deal of knowledge and experience to the table. I want to thank them for stepping up and helping guide our caucus” said Berger. “This is a top-tier leadership team that is ready to get to work to move our state forward.”

Other positions announced included Sen. Paul Newton (R-Cabarrus) returning as the Senate majority leader.

Sen. Ralph Hise (R-Mitchell) was reelected to serve as deputy president pro tempore.

The Senate will have two majority whips this session: Sen. Amy Galey (R-Alamance) and Sen. Todd Johnson (R-Union). The current majority whip is Sen. Tom McInnis (R-Moore).

Sen. Carl Ford (R-Rowan) was picked to continue as the Senate’s caucus liaison.

The Senate elections follow that of the House, during which Rep. Destin Hall (R-Caldwell) was elected as the next House speaker.

About A.P. Dillon 1464 Articles
A.P. Dillon is a North State Journal reporter located near Raleigh, North Carolina. Find her on Twitter: @APDillon_