Politics in the Volunteer State feels a bit like a Friday night football game in Knoxville—loud, high-stakes, and everyone has an opinion. But honestly, if you ask the average person to name the folks representing them in D.C. or Nashville, things get fuzzy fast. We often focus on the big names at the top of the ticket and completely miss the people actually moving the needle on local laws.
The reality is that the tennessee senators and representatives currently serving are navigating a landscape that looks a lot different than it did even two years ago. We’ve got a mix of seasoned veterans in Washington and a state legislature in Nashville that isn’t afraid to stir the pot.
Whether you're trying to figure out who to call about a pothole or wondering why a certain bill just passed the State House, you’ve gotta know the players.
The Big Two: Tennessee’s Voices in the U.S. Senate
In the U.S. Senate, Tennessee is represented by two Republicans who, despite being in the same party, bring pretty different vibes to the table.
Marsha Blackburn is arguably the most recognizable face in Tennessee politics right now. She’s been in the Senate since 2019 and just recently secured her seat again in the 2024 election, defeating Gloria Johnson. Blackburn has built her reputation as a staunch conservative firebrand. She sits on heavy-hitter committees like Judiciary and Commerce, Science, and Transportation. If there’s a debate on tech censorship or border security, you can bet she’s in the middle of it.
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Then you have Bill Hagerty. He took over Lamar Alexander’s seat in 2021. Hagerty comes from a business and diplomatic background—he was the U.S. Ambassador to Japan before this. He’s generally seen as a bit more behind-the-scenes than Blackburn, focusing on economic policy and foreign relations.
Important Note: Bill Hagerty’s seat is actually up for grabs soon. The 2026 election cycle is already warming up, and Hagerty has officially filed for re-election. If you’re a voter, keep August 6, 2026, on your radar for the primary.
Breaking Down the U.S. House Delegation
While the Senators represent the whole state, the House of Representatives is where things get local. Tennessee is split into nine districts. As of early 2026, the delegation is heavily Republican, with an 8-1 split.
- District 1 (East TN): Diana Harshbarger. She’s a pharmacist by trade and represents the Tri-Cities area.
- District 2 (Knoxville): Tim Burchett. He’s the former Knox County Mayor and is known for being... well, very Knoxville. He’s often the one talking about UAPs (UFOs) and government transparency.
- District 3 (Chattanooga): Chuck Fleischmann. A long-timer who has been there since 2011.
- District 4 (Southern Middle TN): Scott DesJarlais. Another veteran of the House, also serving since 2011.
- District 5 (Nashville/Davidson): Andy Ogles. This district was famously "redistricted" a couple of years ago, turning what was once a Democratic stronghold into a competitive Republican seat.
- District 6 (Cookeville/Upper Cumberland): John Rose.
- District 7 (Clarksville/Part of Nashville): Matt Van Epps. He’s the newest face on the block, having assumed office in late 2025.
- District 8 (West TN/Memphis suburbs): David Kustoff.
- District 9 (Memphis): Steve Cohen. The lone Democrat in the federal delegation. He’s been there since 2007 and is a fixture of Memphis politics.
What’s Happening in Nashville? The 114th General Assembly
It’s easy to get distracted by the D.C. drama, but the tennessee senators and representatives working in the State Capitol are the ones actually affecting your daily life. They’re currently in the middle of the 114th General Assembly.
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Right now, the Tennessee House is led by Speaker Cameron Sexton, and the Senate is led by Randy McNally. Republicans hold a "supermajority" here, which basically means they can pass almost anything they want without a single Democratic vote. It leads to some pretty intense sessions.
Just this month, in January 2026, we've already seen some fireworks. The House opened its session with a lot of noise over House Bill 884. This one, sponsored by Rep. Chris Todd, targets businesses that hold even a single drag show a year, classifying them as "adult-oriented businesses." It’s sparked huge protests at the Capitol.
On the other side of the aisle, Democrats like Senate Minority Leader Raumesh Akbari are pushing back, but being in the minority means their strategy is mostly about public awareness and slowing things down where possible.
Key Bills Currently on the Table:
- HB0001 / SB0001 (Education Freedom Act): This is the massive school voucher push. It’s been a multi-year battle to let public money follow students to private schools.
- SJR 919: A proposed constitutional amendment about bail. You'll actually see this on your ballot in November 2026.
- Pot for Potholes Act (HB0703): An interesting one trying to tie marijuana regulation to infrastructure funding. It's a long shot, but it gets people talking.
Why 2026 Is a Massive Year for Tennessee
If you think the news is crazy now, just wait. The 2026 election cycle is going to be a marathon.
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The entire Tennessee House (99 seats) is up for election. In the State Senate, the odd-numbered districts (17 out of 33) are up. This includes big names like Randy McNally (District 5) and Raumesh Akbari (District 29).
Qualifying deadlines are coming up fast. If someone wants to run, they’ve got until March 10, 2026, to get their papers in order.
Actionable Steps for Tennessee Voters
Don't just read about it. If you're annoyed (or happy) with what your tennessee senators and representatives are doing, here is exactly what you should do:
- Find Your Specific District: Most people think they know who their rep is, but districts change. Go to the Tennessee General Assembly website and use the "Find My Legislator" tool.
- Track a Bill: Use the LegiScan dashboard for Tennessee. You can set up alerts so you get an email every time a bill you care about (like the Education Freedom Act) moves to a committee.
- Mark Your Calendar: * March 10, 2026: Qualifying deadline for candidates.
- August 6, 2026: Primary elections. This is often where the real "choice" happens in deep-red or deep-blue districts.
- November 3, 2026: State and Federal General Election.
- Attend a Committee Meeting: Most are livestreamed, but showing up in person at the Cordell Hull Building in Nashville carries a different weight.
Staying informed isn't just about knowing names; it's about understanding the timing. The next few months in Nashville will determine the state's direction on education, taxes, and civil rights for the next decade.