Nashville Welcomes Scott Golden for a Fifth Term as GOP Chair
In a historic moment for the Tennessee GOP, Scott Golden has officially been elected to serve as the party’s chair for a remarkable fifth term—something not seen for over 80 years. Golden secured his position with a resounding vote of 49 to 10 against challenger Lulu Elam, an executive committee member from Nashville.
Speaking over the phone, Golden expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It’s just amazing how intertwined I’ve been with this organization throughout my life. It’s really been my life calling, and it’s a great honor to serve as chairman.” His passion for the job is evident, and many within the party share his sentiment.
Understanding the Voting Process
The voting for the chair is carried out by a committee of 66 members, comprising a man and a woman from each senatorial district. However, this time around there were some vacancies, which meant that only 59 members participated in the decision. This biannual event occurs on the first Saturday in December, where party leadership is determined.
Golden’s journey with the Tennessee GOP began back in the 1990s, and while he may not have envisioned himself in this leadership role at first, it seems he’s found his niche. “I was glad Scott got in again. I’ve been very happy with him,” remarked David Queen, an executive committee member representing northern Hamilton County. “He knows what he’s doing. He’s very informed about the bylaws and how things work.” These words of endorsement highlight Golden’s reputation within the committee.
Salary and Responsibilities
With each new term, Golden’s salary has seen an uptick. Initially, when he took over in 2016, he earned $110,000. Now, as he embarks on this new journey, his compensation will rise to $139,000. This financial backing indicates the weight of responsibility carried by the party chair, which includes managing committee affairs, presiding over meetings, and coordinating political activities. Additionally, Golden consults with Republican candidates’ campaigns during general elections, creates the party’s budget, and tackles various tasks set out by the party’s bylaws.
The Democratic Party Chair Race Heats Up
As Golden celebrates his victory, the focus now shifts to the Tennessee Democratic Party chair race, set to take place in January. The contenders include Rachel Campbell, Hamilton County Democratic Party Chair, and state representatives Gloria Johnson from Knoxville, and Vincent Dixie from Nashville. This is shaping up to be an exciting campaign, with the chair of the Democratic Party earning a salary of $90,000 annually—significantly less than the GOP chair.
Conclusion
As Scott Golden takes the reins for another term, all eyes will be on him to see how he navigates the challenges ahead. His deep-rooted history with the Tennessee GOP and his solid support among committee members suggest that he will continue to lead with conviction. The upcoming months promise to be eventful as the Tennessee political landscape evolves and the Democratic Party gears up for its chair election. Stay tuned!
For any inquiries, you can get in touch with Sarah Dolgin via sdolgin@timesfreepress.com or call 423-757-6556.
