By J. Holly McCall | Editor-in-Chief
Good morning, Lookout readers:
In this election cycle, Tennessee’s congressional races have sucked up much of the political coverage, thanks to the hasty May redistricting of several seats and a host of hotly contested campaigns.
But not to be missed is another battleground: the Tennessee House of Representatives. Republicans have held a supermajority since the 2012 elections and the last time Democrats picked up a seat was in 2018.
At this point, Democrats winning even one House race would be a gain, predicated on them not losing any seats. More than one? Well, from the looks of the campaign finance reports Cassandra Stephenson has analyzed, Tennessee Democrats are working to pick off more than one.
Dems have targeted three seats for pickup: candidates in house Districts 18 in Knoxville, 75 in Clarksville and 97 in Memphis are in focus for the second consecutive election cycle. Meanwhile, Republicans are trying for a few pickups of their own, with their sites set on politically knocking off Clarksville Rep. Ronnie Glynn and Nashville Rep. Shaundelle Brooks.
Money talks. But will it speak loudly enough?
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THE LOOKOUT’S TOP STORY
Tennessee Democrats are pouring money into a handful of target state House races in an effort to flip seats from Republicans. (Photo illustration: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)
by Cassandra Stephenson
Tennessee Democratic leaders are pouring money into a handful of targeted state House races in an effort to pick off seats from Republicans and begin to dig out of the super minority position the party has held since 2013.
NEWS AND NOTES
California sued by Trump administration over demand to purge 20,000 voters from rolls | Jacob Fischler, States Newsroom
Trump: Execution of Fort Hood shooter will not be livestreamed | Ariana Figueroa, States Newsroom
FEATURED IN THE LOOKOUT
Let them eat cake! Or at least, let them drink Champagne on Air France’s direct flight from Nashville to Paris. State and local officials, including Economic Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter, U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, Metro Nashville Airport Authority Board Chair Jimmy Granbery and Gov. Bill Lee hoisted a glass on Wednesday at the formal announcement. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)
by Sam Stockard
During a Wednesday press conference in Nashville, Gov. Bill Lee turned aside questions about topics other than a new Air France flight from Nashville to Memphis and U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn made haste to leave the event before she could be asked questions by reporters.
FEATURED IN THE LOOKOUT
State Rep. Justin J. Pearson, who is also the Democratic nominee for Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District, is suing the city of Memphis over his two-meeting ban from Memphis City Council. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)
by J. Holly McCall
After being banned from two Memphis City Council meetings, state Rep. Justin J. Pearson and six other plaintiffs filed suit Tuesday against the city alleging the action violates the First Amendment.
ICYMI
Nashville airport announces nonstop Air France flight | Sam Stockard
Tennessee GOP senator seeks one-month gas tax break | Sam Stockard
COMMENTARY
Memphis, Shelby County officials do little to mobilize voter engagement | Rev. Earle Fisher
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