After they tied on a first ballot, we're told that David Shafer, R-Duluth, beat Butch Miller, R-Gainesville, in his bid for re-election as president pro tem of the state Senate. This is the No. 2 leadership position in the chamber, just below Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle.

Miller had originally announced for majority leader, but in the days following the Nov. 4 election, he had decided to aim higher.

In the race for Senate majority leader, Bill Cowsert, R-Athens, defeated Judson Hill, R-Marietta. This was the open seat, owing to the exit of Ronnie Chance, R-Tyrone, from the state Senate.

In a contest for majority whip, the position given up by Cowsert, Steve Gooch, R-Dahlonega, defeated John Albers, R-Roswell.

The elections, conducted within the Senate Republican caucus, were a private affair that occurred at the Commerce Club in downtown Atlanta. Vote totals were not made available.

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Instructor Daniel Jean-Baptiste reminds students to "measure twice, cut once" while using a hand saw at the Construction Ready accelerated summer program at Westside Works in Atlanta on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. The program provides training for careers in construction and the skilled trades. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com