Historic Republican Victory in Tennessee State Legislature

Tennessee Turns a Deeper Shade of Red

NASHVILLE – Tennessee turned a deeper shade of red Tuesday as Republican victories in state legislative races increased the party’s majority in the state Senate and gave Republicans a majority in the state House for the first time since 1968.

For the first time since Reconstruction, Republicans hold a majority in both houses of the Tennessee General Assembly.

“The election of a Republican majority in the General Assembly is historic in its own right, and even more so given the strong Democratic tide across much of the country,” said Robin Smith, Chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party. “Our victories send a national message that Republican values still resonate with mainstream America. The power of a consistent conservative Republican message - low taxes, small government and respect for life - once again demonstrated its power to attract a majority.”

Republicans held a majority in the state House for two years after the 1968 election, but had not held a majority in the state Senate since Reconstruction until the 2006 election.

“We are indebted to our great volunteers across Tennessee and to the people of Tennessee for this historic achievement,” Smith said.

Click here for an article from the Commercial Appeal and here for one from KnoxNews.com.