Who We Back
Candidates
We Support
Founded by East Tennesseans who believe conservative leadership must be supported, not just hoped for.
Where Your Contribution Goes
How We Put Donations to Work
Red Tennessee PAC does not endorse candidates based on party registration alone. We evaluate each candidate on three core dimensions.
Conservative Fidelity
We examine the candidate's record, public statements, and stated positions against our eight core values. Candidates who claim the conservative label but have a record of governing otherwise do not receive our support.
Electoral Viability
A principled candidate who cannot win does not advance the cause. We assess the competitiveness of each race, fundraising capacity, and the candidate's ability to run an effective, organized campaign to victory.
Willingness to Fight
Tennessee does not need more go-along-to-get-along politicians. We support candidates who will actively champion conservative principles in office, not just vote the right way when it is easy.
Current Cycle
Endorsed Candidates
Tier 1
Priority Endorsements — Maximum PAC Resources
HD-1 • Part of Sullivan County (Kingsport / Bristol)
Jessica Means
Sullivan County Commissioner, District 6 (2022–present)
The case for Means is her record. As county commissioner she sponsored a resolution supporting biological pronoun protection legislation, seconded a motion to hold the library budget flat against a 5% increase, and has been active on state sovereignty resolutions — four years of documented conservative action. Incumbent John Crawford holds a D leadership grade from Tennessee Stands and voted against HB10 immigration enforcement.
Endorsed
Priority Race
R Primary Challenger
Why We Endorse
Elected Sullivan County Commissioner in 2022, finishing 2nd in a 7-candidate field
Sponsored the commission's 2022 resolution supporting biological pronoun protection — proactive conservative legislation, not just a vote
Seconded motion to hold library budget flat against 5% increase — fiscal conservatism even in the minority
Active on state sovereignty and federal overreach resolutions at county level
Incumbent Crawford: TLRC D leadership grade; voted against HB10 (immigration enforcement); has never completed Ballotpedia surveys in three election cycles
HD-59 • Part of Davidson County (Belle Meade / Bellevue)
Bill Hancock
Healthcare Executive / Realtor — Nashville Native
The PAC's best R flip opportunity in Nashville. Uncontested in the R primary; has raised $132,000 and carries Ward Baker's backing. Harris won this seat by only 2.5% in 2024. Platform: property tax caps, immigration enforcement, senior protection.
Endorsed
Priority Race
General Election R Flip Target
Why We Endorse
6th-generation Tennessean with deep community roots in West Nashville and Belle Meade
$132,000 raised by March 2026 — strong early fundraising with establishment R support
Uncontested in R primary — can focus 100% on the November general election from day one
Healthcare executive background gives credibility on healthcare freedom issues
Harris won this district by only 2.5% in 2024 — a motivated R campaign can flip it
HD-67 • Part of Montgomery County (Clarksville)
Chris Lanier
Clarksville-Montgomery County School Board (2024–present)
The top legislative flip target in the House. Trump won this district by 1.8% in 2024; Democrat Ronnie Glynn held on by only 0.6%. Lanier defeated a sitting school board incumbent in 2024, proving he can win in Clarksville. His education background directly matches PAC parental rights values.
Endorsed
Priority Race
General Election Top Flip Target
Why We Endorse
Elected to school board in 2024 defeating an incumbent — proven ability to win in Clarksville
School board background directly relevant to PAC parental rights and education freedom values
Clarksville is a military community (Fort Campbell adjacent) — public safety and veterans values resonate strongly
Trump +1.8% district; Glynn won by only 0.6% — a well-resourced R challenger can win this seat
HD-97 • Part of Shelby County (E. Memphis)
John Gillespie
Incumbent State Representative (2020–present)
Held a Harris +4.9% district by 3.4% in 2024 — the most electorally resilient Republican in the state. The most at-risk R seat in Tennessee. Opponent Jesse Huseth will be well-funded; PAC resources here protect the supermajority.
Endorsed
Priority Race
General Election Must Defend
Why We Endorse
4-year incumbent who has proven he can win in a D-leaning Memphis district
Survived a Harris +4.9% district by 3.4% — demonstrated electoral resilience no other R has matched in a hostile seat
Represents East Memphis / Chickasaw Gardens — higher-income district where early money and name ID matter most
No significant Tennessee Legislative Report Card red flags identified
SD-3 • Carter / Johnson / Washington Counties (Tri-Cities)
Dan Pohlgeers
Challenger — Occupational Therapist, Healthcare Advocate (Gray)
This is a values-defining race. Incumbent Rusty Crowe has listed Ballad Health as an income source while chairing the Senate Health Committee — a direct conflict of interest on healthcare freedom. Pohlgeers has fought Ballad's regional monopoly for nearly a decade. He led the 2014 pro-life amendment organizing effort across six Northeast TN counties.
Endorsed
Priority Race
R Primary Incumbent Challenge
Why We Endorse
Voted in all four statewide R primaries — bona fide Republican status confirmed
20+ years as occupational therapist and medical practice consultant — direct healthcare freedom credibility
Public critic of the Ballad Health monopoly and Certificate of Public Advantage since 2018
Led 2014 "Yes on One" pro-life constitutional amendment organizing for six Northeast TN counties
Incumbent Crowe's Ballad Health income while chairing Senate Health Committee represents the exact conflict-of-interest conservatism this PAC was formed to fight
Tier 2
Significant Support — Primary & General Endorsements
HD-11 • Cocke / parts of Hamblen & Jefferson (Newport)
Kenny Cody
Cocke County GOP Chairman (2019–2026), Teacher, Conservative Columnist
The natural conservative successor to Jeremy Faison, who served as R Caucus Leader. Cody managed Faison's 2018 campaign, served 7 years as Cocke County GOP chairman, is an opinion editor at Human Events, and has been personally recognized by President Trump for his America First writing. Law degree from Lincoln Memorial University.
Endorsed
R Primary Open Seat
Why We Endorse
Elected Cocke County Republican Party Chairman at age 22 in 2019 — held the role 7 years
Was Jeremy Faison's 2018 campaign manager — directly mentored by the district's departing conservative leader
Opinion Editor at Human Events; published in Daily Wire, Townhall, Newsmax; Trump recognized his columns
Teacher at Cosby Elementary — community roots and first-hand education system perspective
Law degree from Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law
HD-31 • Bledsoe / Rhea / Sequatchie / Van Buren
Harold "Bo" McCawley
Rhea County School Board (6 terms), Retired La-Z-Boy VP/GM (Dayton)
Six consecutive terms on the Rhea County School Board — over 20 years of education governance directly relevant to PAC parental rights values. Retired as Vice President and General Manager of La-Z-Boy after 33 years. Service on Rhea Medical Foundation and Veterans Memorial FORCE Board rounds out a strong public service record.
Endorsed
R Primary Open Seat
Why We Endorse
Six consecutive terms on Rhea County School Board — 20+ years of education advocacy
Retired Vice President and General Manager of La-Z-Boy after 33 years — executive business background
Served on Rhea Medical Foundation and Veterans Memorial FORCE Board
Deep community roots in Dayton and Rhea County
HD-45 • Part of Sumner County (Hendersonville)
Chris Hughes
Sumner County Commissioner (2 terms), Army Captain, TN GOP State Executive Committeeman
Two terms on the Sumner County Commission with Legislator of the Year honors. Never voted for a tax increase. U.S. Army Captain. Tennessee Republican Party State Executive Committeeman. 40+ year Sumner County resident. Platform: eliminate property taxes, protect power grid, fight illegal immigration, term limits.
Endorsed
R Primary Open Seat
Why We Endorse
Two terms on Sumner County Commission; earned Legislator of the Year — never voted to raise taxes
U.S. Army Captain (UT Rocky Top Battalion ROTC) — veterans values credential
Tennessee Republican Party State Executive Committeeman — institutional conservative credibility
40+ year Sumner County resident; Sunday school teacher, youth sports coach, Rotarian
America First / Tennessee Strong agenda; Trump-aligned platform
HD-65 • Part of Williamson County (Franklin)
Lee Reeves
Incumbent State Representative (2024–present)
Won the 2024 R primary and general election with endorsements from Gov. Bill Lee, Americans for Prosperity, and Club for Growth Action. Pro-school choice, immigration enforcement, property owner protections, and term limits. Real estate attorney with Franklin Board of Zoning Appeals experience.
Endorsed
R Primary Incumbent
Why We Endorse
Won 2024 R primary (3,141 votes) and general election against D LaRhonda Williams
Endorsed by Gov. Bill Lee; backed by Americans for Prosperity, Club for Growth Action, and school choice PACs
Platform: school choice, illegal entry criminalization, low taxes, property owner protections, term limits
Real estate attorney; Franklin Board of Zoning Appeals; Lions Club president
HD-81 • Tipton / part of Haywood
Brett Giannini
Atoka Alderman (2008–present), Memphis Police Officer, National Guardsman
A trifecta of public service: 15+ years as an elected Atoka alderman, active Memphis Police officer, and National Guard service. All three roles directly align with PAC core values of public safety, constitutional government, and veterans priorities.
Endorsed
R Primary Open Seat
Why We Endorse
Elected Atoka alderman in 2008 and re-elected multiple times — 15+ years of local elected service
Active Memphis Police officer — direct, daily public safety work
National Guard service — veterans values credential
Trifecta of public service directly mirrors PAC priorities: local government, law enforcement, military
SD-1 • McMinn / Meigs / Rhea / Bradley Counties
J. Adam Lowe
Incumbent State Senator (2022–present)
First-term senator praised by the American Conservative Union for "conservative achievement." Strong TLRC record on parental notification, 2A, election reform, and anti-grooming legislation. Champion of the Education Freedom Scholarship program.
Endorsed
R Primary Incumbent
Why We Endorse
ACU-praised first-term record; strong TLRC scores on parental notification, foreign property restrictions, 2A, election reform
Champion of Education Freedom Scholarships — directly aligned with PAC parental rights and education values
Vice Chair, Agriculture and Energy Committee; NCSL energy committee appointee
Trump-aligned; championed state sovereignty and anti-fentanyl legislation
SD-5 • Anderson / Loudon / part of Knox
Jimmy Matlock
Former State Representative (2007–2019), Businessman (Lenoir City)
13 years of state House experience representing a nearby district. Endorsed by Stacey Campfield, who stepped aside to support Matlock's Senate bid. Former Loudon County Republican Party chairman. This open seat must stay Republican.
Endorsed
R Primary Open Seat
Why We Endorse
13 years as state House member representing Lenoir City / Loudon County area
Stacey Campfield — a high TLRC-rated conservative — withdrew and endorsed Matlock
Former Loudon County Republican Party chair; small business owner (Matlock Tire)
Board service: Tellico Reservoir Development Agency, Loudon County United Way, church advisory board
SD-17 • Wilson County / part of Davidson
Mark Pody
Incumbent State Senator (2017–present)
TLRC perfect score of 100 — rated the #1 Republican Senator in Tennessee. Member of the Tennessee Firearms Association. Votes for constitutional conservative values 100% of the time per Tennessee Stands.
Endorsed
R Primary Incumbent
Why We Endorse
TLRC vote score: 100 — rated #1 Republican Senator; consistently earns A leadership grades
Tennessee Firearms Association member — strong Second Amendment alignment
Champion of constitutional government, fiscal responsibility, and election integrity throughout tenure
Tier 2
Incumbent Support — Defending Conservative Seats
HD-3 • Johnson / parts of Carter, Hawkins, Sullivan
Timothy Hill
Incumbent State Representative (2013–2021, 2023–present), Former House Majority Whip
Longtime Northeast Tennessee conservative with a decade of legislative service. Served as House Majority Whip. Defeated Democrat Lori Love in both the 2023 special election and the 2024 general. Safe R hold in a solidly conservative district.
Endorsed
General Election Incumbent Hold
HD-18 • Part of Knox County (W. Knoxville suburbs)
Elaine Davis
Incumbent State Representative (2022–present)
Solid first-term record in a Trump +9.5% district. No significant conservative record concerns identified. Challengers have no public legislative records.
Endorsed
R Primary Incumbent
HD-23 • McMinn / part of Monroe
Mark Cochran
Incumbent State Representative (2018–present)
6-year conservative incumbent with consistent record in McMinn County. Challenger Will Bolton has no public record.
Endorsed
R Primary Incumbent
HD-27 • Part of Hamilton County (Signal Mountain area)
Michele Reneau
Incumbent State Representative (2024–present)
First-term incumbent with no negative record in her short tenure. Challenger Tony Hullender has no public record.
Endorsed
R Primary Incumbent
HD-43 • Warren / White Counties
Paul Sherrell
Incumbent State Representative (2016–present)
8-year incumbent with conservative record in rural Middle Tennessee. Challenger DeWayne Howard has no public record.
Endorsed
R Primary Incumbent
HD-36 • Campbell / parts of Claiborne & Union
Dennis Powers
Incumbent State Representative (2010–present)
14-year incumbent with consistent conservative East Tennessee record. Challenger Noah Smith has no public record.
Endorsed
R Primary Incumbent
HD-44 • Part of Sumner County
William Lamberth
Incumbent State Representative / House Majority Leader (2012–present)
House Majority Leader — protecting this seat is a top PAC priority. 12-year incumbent whose leadership role is critical to advancing conservative legislation. Challenger Jennifer Janay Barton has no public record.
Endorsed
R Primary Incumbent
HD-75 • Part of Montgomery County (W. Clarksville)
Michael Lankford
Incumbent (appointed Dec. 2025), Montgomery County Commissioner
Trump +12.6% district. Appointed after a 9-9 tie broken by the county mayor. Opponent Allie Phillips is organized and will campaign hard; this race deserves PAC support to prevent an upset.
Endorsed
General Election Incumbent Hold
HD-92 • Marshall / part of Williamson
Todd Warner
Incumbent State Representative (2020–present)
4-year incumbent with conservative record in rural and suburban Middle Tennessee. Challenger Vincent Cuevas has no public record.
Endorsed
R Primary Incumbent
HD-99 • Part of Shelby County (Arlington / Bartlett)
Tom Leatherwood
Incumbent State Representative (2018–present)
6-year incumbent in a safely Republican suburban Shelby district. No major conservative record concerns identified.
Endorsed
R Primary Incumbent
SD-27 • Williamson County (Franklin / Brentwood)
Jack Johnson
Incumbent Senator / Senate Majority Leader
Senate Majority Leader — one of the most powerful positions in state government. Holding this seat is essential to maintaining the Republican supermajority. This district must not flip to a Democrat under any circumstances.
Endorsed
General ElectionIncumbent Hold
SD-31 • Part of Shelby County
Brent Taylor
Incumbent State Senator (2022–present)
First-term senator in a suburban Shelby district. Holding this seat is essential to maintaining the Republican supermajority. Opponent David Weatherspoon (D) represents real competition in suburban Memphis.
Endorsed
General ElectionIncumbent Hold
Under Evaluation — Questionnaires Pending
These races have credentialed candidates but require additional information before a PAC endorsement is made. Decisions expected before the August 6 primary.
HD-8 • Part of Blount County (Maryville / Alcoa)
Tony Jay Crisp
Maryville Chief of Police
Current Maryville Police Chief brings direct public safety credentials to an open seat race. Full conservative platform questionnaire pending.
Evaluating
HD-78 • Cheatham / part of Dickson
Keenan / Louallen (R Primary)
Perry Keenan (Former Mayor, Pleasant View) & John Louallen (Former Mayor, Pegram; 8-yr School Board)
Both candidates are credentialed conservatives. Questionnaires sent to both; PAC will endorse the stronger respondent. Either is preferable to the Democratic nominees in November.
Evaluating
SD-7 • Knox County (Farragut / W. Knoxville)
Kent Morrell
Challenger — Constitutional Conservative (Knoxville)
Strong on fiscal responsibility, parental rights, immigration, and election integrity. Challenging incumbent Richard Briggs, who holds a 46% TLRC score. Pending questionnaire response on one policy position before endorsement.
Evaluating
The Playing Field Is Not Level.
Help Us Level It.
Liberal money is already targeting Tennessee races. Conservative candidates need organized, funded support. Not just good intentions. Your contribution goes directly to work.