Georgia Senate President Pro Tem Tommie Williams, who helped turn the chamber Republican in 2002, announced Monday he will give up his leadership post next year.
Williams, R-Lyons, made the announcement in a letter to the chamber's GOP caucus. Williams, 57, is running for re-election to the Senate unopposed, but said he will step aside from the caucus's most powerful position when lawmakers convene in January for their next legislative session.
Williams has held the post -- the No. 2 job in the Senate behind the lieutenant governor -- since 2009. Before that, he served as Senate majority leader.
With three young children, Williams said he wanted to spend more time with his family.
"I am spending time in Atlanta that should be spent at home or in my district working with constituents," he said in his letter.
Williams was first elected to the Senate in 1998, working with a group of GOP senators to expand their membership into a majority by 2002. He developed a reputation as a quiet, behind-the-scenes leader who believed in a democratic approach to decision-making -- a philosophy that at times slowed the pace of the chamber's business and frustrated members.
Williams made no apologies, however. Last month, he signed a pledge to push for a $100 spending cap on lobbyists' gifts to legislators.
“We had been kind of excited because he was the first legislative leader to step up and sign the [ethics] pledge,” said William Perry, executive director of Common Cause Georgia.
Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers, R-Woodstock, said he would not seek to replace Williams as president pro tem.
"Tommie Williams is one of the most decent men I have ever had the privilege to know," Rogers said. "He leads with a heart of compassion rarely found in politics. His leadership will be sorely missed in the Georgia Senate. However, real leadership does not need a title, and Tommie Williams will continue to be a major force for good."
Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, the chamber's president who at times battled Williams for control of the Senate chamber, on Monday lauded him for his dedication. “As a father myself, I understand that public service requires great sacrifice and time away from your family," Cagle said.
Among the lawmakers being talked about as a possible replacement for Williams are Sen. Ronnie Chance, R-Tyrone, who is one of Gov. Nathan Deal's floor leaders; Senate Regulated Industries Chairman David Shafer, R-Duluth; Senate Majority Whip Cecil Staton, R-Macon; and Senate Natural Resources Chairman Ross Tolleson, R-Perry.
The Senate will vote in January on who will take the post. Williams said he hoped the caucus would come to consensus without a public fight over the position.
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