Maryland State Senate Republicans announced Sen. Steve Hershey (R-36-Upper Shore) as the Senate’s Minority Whip on Thursday. The vacancy in the leadership position arose with the resignation of Sen. Chris Shank (R-2-Washington County.) Governor Larry Hogan tapped Shank to serve in his administration as Director of the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention. Upon the announcement, Hershey said, “I am humbled that my Republican Senate colleagues have entrusted me to help lead the caucus at this critical time in Maryland’s history. The caucus will work diligently to advance Governor Hogan’s agenda and change Maryland for the better. “
Knowing that Shank would leave the Senate after the Governor’s inauguration, Republican senators held elections to decide upon whom would join Minority Leader Sen. J.B. Jennings (R-7-Baltimore and Harford) as the chamber’s Minority Whip and chose Hershey, who formally took on the roll Thursday.
Jennings said, “Senator Hershey brings a crucial mix of private sector and public sector experience to the roll of Whip. The chamber benefits from an Eastern Shore perspective in a leadership position. I eagerly look forward to partnering with him to lead the Republican caucus.”
The newly elected Minority Whip added, “The role requires working closely with colleagues and Goverrnor Hogan to shepherd his agenda through the Senate chamber. That works for me, the people of the Upper Shore voted overwhelmingly for Larry Hogan. They want to see his policies implemented. Senator Jennings, I, and our Republican colleagues won’t stop until we see that done. “
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