House Majority Whip Johnny Garrett Tuesday named State Rep. Esther Helton to fill one of six Deputy Whip positions within the Tennessee House Republican Caucus for the second session of the 111th Tennessee General Assembly. 

“Rep. Helton has already demonstrated strong leadership in her first term and I am confident that she will continue to play a pivotal role in moving our caucus, the House and our state forward,” said Rep. Garrett.

Rep. Helton joins newly named Deputy Whips Charlie Baum, R-Murfreesboro; Clay Doggett, R-Pulaski; Kirk Haston, R-Lobelville; Rusty Grills, R-Newbern; and Lowell Russell, R-Vonore. 

As Deputy Whip, Rep. Helton will assist in counting votes as well as communicating with members about the Republican supermajority’s position on issues or legislative initiatives of importance. She will support Rep. Garrett who is the newly elected fourth-ranking officer of the House Republican Caucus.
 
“I am honored to serve in this leadership position and look forward to another productive legislative session,” Rep. Helton said. “I am thankful to the citizens of House District 30 for allowing me the privilege of serving them in the Tennessee General Assembly.” 
 
Rep. Helton is a nurse and lives in East Ridge. She serves the 30th House District in the Tennessee House of Representatives, which includes part of Hamilton County. Rep. Helton serves as vice-chair of the Health Committee. She is a member of the Local Committee. She serves on the Facilities, Licensure and Regulations and Property and Planning subcommittees.