Raleigh, N.C. – This afternoon, the N.C. Senate Republican Caucus held its internal leadership election. The winner of each position earned a unanimous vote. Below are the results:

Senate President Pro Tempore (Senate Leader)

Sen. Phil Berger (R-Rockingham)

Senate Majority Leader

Sen. Kathy Harrington (R-Gaston)

(Note: Sen. Harrington is the Senate's first female majority leader since the position's inception in 1977.)

Deputy President Pro Tempore

Sen. Ralph Hise (R-Mitchell

Senate Whips

Sen. Tom McInnis (R-Richmond)

Sen. Jim Perry (R-Lenoir)

Caucus Finance Chair

Sen. Brent Jackson (R-Sampson)

Joint Caucus Leader

Sen. Carl Ford (R-Rowan)

Sen. Berger said, "I appreciate the vote of confidence from my colleagues and look forward to leading the Senate Republican Caucus into this new decade. We have a talented group that will forge ahead on the formula that created a boom decade in North Carolina: low taxes, reasonable regulations, and a strong education system.

Sen. Berger continued, "I also congratulate my personal friend, Sen. Dan Blue, on his reelection to Senate Minority Leader. Despite years of political battles we enjoy a warm personal relationship, and I deeply value that."