On November 3, voters across Middle Tennessee will decide who will lead the state, represent them in Washington and shape the General Assembly. Below is a concise guide to the key federal and state contests that will appear on the ballot.
Governor’s Race
The governor’s race pits current U.S. Senator Republican Marsha Blackburn of Brentwood against Democrat Jerri Green, a Memphis city council member. Two independents are also in the field: David Hatley, an East Tennessee businessman who has invested heavily in his campaign, and Lauren Pinkston, a former teacher from Columbia running a grassroots, affordability‑focused campaign.
U.S. Senate
Incumbent Republican Senator Bill Hagerty of Nashville seeks a second term. His challengers include Democrat Marquita Bradshaw of Memphis and several independent candidates such as Tharon Chandler of Lawrenceburg.
U.S. House – New Congressional District
A special legislative session over the summer redrew Tennessee’s nine congressional districts, creating a new district that will be contested for the first time in 2026. The redesign breaks up Memphis into multiple districts, effectively eliminating the state’s only reliably Democratic seat. This mirrors a prior redistricting effort that split Nashville’s historic Democratic district into three.
State Senate
The Tennessee Senate will see half its seats up for election. Republicans currently hold a 27‑6 supermajority. Notable races include:
- District 1: J. Adam Lowe (R) – Calhoun
- District 3: Rusty Crowe (R) – Johnson City
- District 5: Jimmy Matlock (R) – Lenoir City vs. David Miller (D) – Oak Ridge
- District 7: Richard M. Briggs (R) – Knoxville vs. Bryan Langan (D) – Knoxville
- District 11: Bo Watson (R) – Chattanooga vs. Tim Roberts (D) – Chattanooga
- District 13: Dawn White (R) – Murfreesboro vs. Angela Evans Wynn (D) – Smyrna
State House of Representatives
All 99 seats in the Tennessee House are up for grabs. The GOP currently enjoys a 75‑24 supermajority. Some of the contested districts include:
- District 1: Jessica Means (R)
- District 2: Gary Stidham (R) – Kingsport
- District 3: Timothy Hill (R) – Blountville vs. Lori Love (D) – Kingsport
- District 6: Tim Hicks (R) – Gray vs. Brad Batt (D) – Johnson City
- District 10: Rick Eldridge (R) – Morristown
- District 14: Jason Zachary (R) – Knoxville vs. Lindsay Young Honaker (D) – Knoxville
- District 16: Michele Carringer (R) – Knoxville vs. Eliza Boles (D) – Knoxville
- District 20: Tom Stinnett (R) – Friendsville vs. Karen Gertz (D) – Maryville and independent Jeff “Cog” Coggin (I)
How to Vote
Registered voters should verify their polling location ahead of Election Day and bring a valid photo ID, as required by state law. Early voting sites remain open through the weekend before November 3, offering a convenient way to cast a ballot without the crowds.
What’s at Stake
The 2026 cycle will determine the direction of Tennessee’s executive leadership, its representation in Congress, and the balance of power in the state legislature. With the GOP maintaining strong majorities, many expect continued focus on lower taxes, limited regulation and policies that support traditional families and faith‑based communities. Voters are encouraged to review each candidate’s platform and consider how their choices will affect local schools, infrastructure and community values.
Original reporting: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
