By J. Holly McCall | Editor-in-Chief
Good morning, Lookout readers:
The last time Tennessee Democrats flipped a seat in the Tennessee Legislature was in 2018, when Democrat Bob Freeman won the West Nashville district that retiring House Speaker Beth Harwell held for three decades.
It’s been a dry spell since, despite continued optimism and some strong Democratic candidates running muscular races. The Republican brand in Tennessee has been dang near unbeatable since the GOP secured the state House majority in 2008, but at the national level, the 2026 midterms should be good for Democrats.
Will that translate in Tennessee? With less than 70 days until the Nov. 3 election, Adam Friedman examines five House seats that could be in play.
In other news:
Dolly (and Diana) keep giving. U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger, Republican of Tennessee’s 1st Congressional District, introduced a resolution in Congress to recognize the late Dolly Parton. 6th Congressional District U.S. Rep. John Rose co-led the resolution and the other members of Tennessee’s U.S. House delegation co-sponsored it.
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THE LOOKOUT’S TOP STORY
Tennessee Democrats are trying to flip a handful of legislative seats to pick up seats for the first time since 2018. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)
by Adam Friedman
Five Tennessee state House races are likely to draw the most attention of both political parties this fall as Democrats look to pick up seats in the lower chamber for the first time in eight years.
NEWS AND NOTES
Trump’s newest order on birthright citizenship blocked in federal court | Ariana Figueroa, States Newsroom
USPS whistleblower predicts ‘catastrophic’ effect on elections under Trump vote-by-mail order | Jacob Fischler, States Newsroom
FEATURED IN THE LOOKOUT
Elementary school kids go through the lunch line. Cuts to the nation’s largest food assistance program may cause students to lose access to free breakfast and lunch. (Photo by Marcus Constantino for West Virginia Watch)
by Kevin Hardy, Stateline
For Tennessee parent Anthony Bonner, this year’s first day of school delivered instant relief. It meant that his 14-year-old son was ensured a free breakfast and lunch every weekday — but cuts to SNAP will likely spill over into schools, causing students to lose access to the free meals.
COMMENTARY
John Cole’s Tennessee: Meat grider
John Cole’s Tennessee: Tennessee cattle farmers face market unrest after President Donald Trump announced a plan to import beef tariff-free in an effort to ease high prices in the run-up to midterm elections.
ICYMI
Bank downgrades Ferrovial stock over I-24 toll lane bid | Sam Stockard
Tennessee cattlemen brace for beef market unrest after Trump announced tariff-free imports | Cassandra Stephenson
Some Memphis businesses push back against Memphis Safe Task Force | Anita Wadhwani
Trousdale Turner prison guards to turn on body cams | Sam Stockard
COMMENTARY
Tennessee’s Angry Grandmother pays tribute to Dolly Parton | Saralee Terry Woods
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