During a surprise move on the Senate floor Wednesday, Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey announced he will not be seeking re-election.
"I’ve determined I can not obligate myself to four more years in office," the Lt. Governor said as he at times became emotional.
"It’s been the honor of my life to serve here ... lately it seems like life is flying by," he told his colleagues at the Capitol.
Ramsey said he made the important decision Wednesday to not “seek re-election to the state Senate for another four-year term.”
Ramsey added that it has been an honor for him to serve Tennessee, and he said it was a privilege he would cherish for the rest of his days.
Ramsey stated he has appreciated “each and every one of you more than you could ever know.”
Big decision today. I will not seek re-election to @tnsenate. #Godisgood #familyfirst #lifeisflyingby https://t.co/Z80v6wBgbT
— Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey (@RonRamsey) March 16, 2016
The Blountville auctioneer became the first Republican Speaker of the Senate since Reconstruction in 2007.
Ramsey has contributed heavily to GOP candidates through his political action committee over the years, and in 2014 bankrolled a high-profile effort to defeat Democratic Supreme Court justices in retention elections.
While the Supreme Court campaign failed to oust any of the justices, the high court decided to appoint a Republican as attorney general, and the subsequent retirement by one of the Democratic justices gave the GOP control of the high court this year.
Ramsey made an unsuccessful bid for governor in 2010.
Click here to view Ramsey’s full statement.
"We’ve had a strong and open relationship even while we’ve disagreed at times we’ve always done so as colleagues and friends. It will probably surprise some people to know that I’ll miss him," said Jeff Yarbro, a Democrat who represents Davidson County.
On Wednesday, Speaker Beth Harwell also released the following statement after Ramsey's announcement:
“I have served alongside Ron Ramsey for many years, and I have the utmost respect for him. He dedicated his time in public service to making Tennessee a great state. He often says that it matters who governs, and indeed it does—Tennessee has had a great leader in Ron Ramsey. I know he will enjoy being able to spend more time with Sindy and with his precious grandchildren. I wish him the very best.”
On @RonRamsey's announcement today: "There is no stronger leader..." #TN pic.twitter.com/C6deAXHaBE
— Sen. Lamar Alexander (@SenAlexander) March 16, 2016
A statement was also released from the Tennessee Republican Party by Chairman Ryan Haynes:
"Over the years, Ron Ramsey has been a conservative leader in the Republican Party. He leaves an incredible legacy of reform that will be hard for anyone to match. The Tennessee Republican Party would not have reached its supermajority status without our Lieutenant Governor's clear vision, guidance, and support. Ron Ramsey proves the old adage is true: It matters who governs. I deeply appreciate all he has done to make Tennessee a better place to live, work, and raise a family."
