New TNDP chair Hendrell Remus strikes hopeful tone, emphasizes the long game

Despite taking over the Tennessee Democratic Party at a time when Republicans lay claim to the governor’s office, supermajorities in the General Assembly, both U.S. Senate seats and seven of nine U.S. House seats, newly elected chairman Hendrell Remus said he is hopeful about what the future holds.

On Jan. 16, Remus became the first Black man or woman to be elected party chairman in Tennessee history. He beat out a crowded field of challengers, narrowly earning more votes than top contender Wade Munday in the final round of voting by the Democratic executive committee.

Just a few hours after the historic inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, Remus spoke with the Tennessee Lookout about his optimism for Democrats’ fortunes in the coming years and his plans to overhaul a party that has not won a statewide race since Gov. Phil Bredesen won re-election in 2006.

What were your thoughts on today’s inauguration ceremony?

Obviously the adrenaline rush of that change over is always great, and the history-making moment of seeing Vice President Harris sworn in is very symbolic. Not only as an African American, but to see that honor bestowed upon a Black woman was also great. I think about my mom, and my wife, and my little girl and all the women who played a huge role in my life, that was great to see.

Read more: https://tennesseelookout.com/2021/01/25/new-tndp-chair-hendrell-remus-strikes-hopeful-tone-emphasizes-the-long-game/