Republicans in the Maryland Senate picked new leaders Wednesday.
The caucus elected Sen. J.B. Jennings, who represents Baltimore and Harford counties, as its new minority leader. Sen. Christopher Shank of Washington County will be minority whip.
Republicans picked up two seats in the recent election and next year will hold 14 of the 47 seats in the state Senate. Republicans will still be outnumbered by Democrats in the Senate by 2-to-1 and do not have enough votes for key legislative maneuvers.
Jennings will replace outgoing Minority Leader Sen. David Brinkley, who lost his Frederick County seat in June's Republican primary.
"Last week, the people of Maryland voiced their opinion regarding the more than 40 tax and fee increases imposed during the eight years of the O'Malley-Brown administration," Jennings said in a statement released by the minority caucus. "Today, our colleagues have voiced their opinion about who they want to help work with Gov.-elect [Larry] Hogan to roll back those taxes and fees, and we are humbled to accept their support."
The General Assembly begins its 90-day session Jan. 14.