Haynes picked as new state GOP chair

Ryan Haynes

The State Executive Committee of the Tennessee Republican Party today selected state Rep. Ryan Haynes, R-Knoxville to serve as the new TNGOP Chairman.

The special meeting was called after the March 23 announcement that Chairman Chris Devaney would be stepping down effective April 11.

Haynes prevailed on the first ballot. Other candidates for the position included SEC Member Rebecca Burke, state Rep. Mary Littleton, and Vanderbilt professor Carol Swain.

“I am excited to take on this challenge and humbled by the support of the State Executive Committee,” Haynes said. “I want to pick up right where Chairman Devaney left off: building our Party, maintaining and growing our strong financial advantage over our opponents, and getting as many votes as possible for our GOP nominees.”

Devaney said: “There is no doubt in my mind Ryan will be a fantastic chairman for the Party. The TNGOP is in as strong of a position as we have ever been heading into a presidential election cycle. It has been an honor to serve this organization and be part of its rise to dominance in Tennessee. I look forward to working with Chairman Haynes to ensure our success continues.”

Haynes, who is also the chairman of the local Legislative delegation, has said he would step down from his state rep seat. That means the Knox County Commission could appoint an interim who would serve out until a special election, which could be in September.