RALEIGH, N.C. — The leadership structure for North Carolina Senate Republicans is set to remain largely unchanged for the coming two-year term, with Sen. Phil Berger being reaffirmed in the influential role of Senate president pro tempore.
During a private meeting of the Senate Republican Caucus on Wednesday, members decided to endorse Berger for an eighth consecutive two-year term in this pivotal position when the new term begins in early January.
An attorney from Eden, Berger is virtually guaranteed to be re-elected as the leader of the Senate, a post he has held since the GOP reclaimed control of the chamber in 2011. Following the elections held on November 5, the Republican Party will maintain a strong presence in the Senate, securing at least 30 of the 50 available seats.
In terms of longevity, Berger’s time in office places him second in the history of the position, following the late Democratic Sen. Marc Basnight of Dare County, who led the Senate for an impressive 18 years.
In other leadership decisions, Sen. Ralph Hise of Mitchell County was nominated to continue as deputy president pro tempore, while Sen. Paul Newton of Cabarrus County was re-elected as majority leader. Additionally, Sen. Carl Ford of Rowan County will maintain his role among the leadership cadre.
There was a shift in the caucus whip positions, with Sens. Amy Galey of Alamance County and Todd Johnson of Union County stepping into those roles. Previously, Sens. Tom McInnis of Richmond County and Jim Perry of Lenoir County held those positions until Perry’s resignation from the Senate last summer.
In related developments, House Republicans have selected Rep. Destin Hall as their candidate for House speaker, effective January. This decision comes after the current Speaker Tim Moore, who had served five terms, was recently elected to Congress. The Republican Party will continue to hold the majority in the House as well.
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