Just as state House Republican lawmakers did last month, their counterparts in the Senate on Monday picked a longtime Williamson County lawmaker to serve in a key leadership role. 

Sen. Jack Johnson, R-Franklin, was elected to serve as the upper chamber's next majority leader. 

Johnson, who was first elected to the Senate in 2006, beat Sen. Mike Bell, R-Riceville, to earn title as the upper chamber's No. 2 role. 

"I am deeply honored and humbled," said Johnson after the results were announced. 

His election by Senate Republicans — who also voted to keep Lt. Gov. Randy McNally in his leadership role — bolsters the influence that Williamson County will have when the 111th General Assembly convenes next month. 

In addition to Gov.-elect Bill Lee, who hails from the affluent county, last month, House Republicans tabbed longtime Franklin Republican Glen Casada to be the chamber's next speaker. 

U.S. Sen.-elect Marsha Blackburn, who was also elected to the upper chamber, is from Brentwood. 

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