Several Democrat-Held Seats In Tennessee House Have Republican Challengers For 2026 Election

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The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –

While Democrats have maintained several stronghold seats in the Tennessee General Assembly, especially in the Nashville and Memphis areas, the 2026 general election will see competition in several of these House districts heading into November, with some Republicans optimistic they may be able to flip a few seats and deepen the supermajority’s hold at the Capitol.

Here’s a look at the seats currently held by Democrats which have GOP challengers for the fall:

District 52 (Nashville)– Justin Jones

GOP Challenger: Michele Vetter (https://www.mvetterforall.com/)

Main Platform Points: 

• Safety: “A balanced approach that supports law enforcement while also strengthening the conditions that make communities thrive.” Wants to equip first responders with necessary resources, improve coordination between local and state agencies, and invest in “prevention strategies” to keep neighborhoods stable and safe.
• Infrastructure & Responsible Growth: Expansion and improvement of roads, highways, and public services “in a thoughtful way that reflects the needs of the residents”. Supports “responsible growth” that prioritizes infrastructure improvements, protecting the character of established neighborhoods, and ensuring development “works for residents rather than overwhelming them.”
• Conservation & Community Preservation: Protecting, preserving, and properly maintaining lake communities, parks, and green spaces. Believes communities “should have a voice when large-scale developments threaten the character and environmental health of residential areas.”

District 59 (Nashville)– Caleb Hemmer [Not Seeking Reelection- Potential GOP Flip Opportunity]

GOP Challenger: Bill Hancock (https://www.billhancockfortn.com/) 

Main Platform Points: 

• Cap property tax increases
• Crack down on criminals
• Stop illegals from settling in TN
• Prevent men in women’s sports
• Better highway infrastructure & traffic solutions
• Better schools & trade opportunities
• Protect seniors from scams & abuse

District 60 (Old Hickory/Hermitage/Donelson)– Shaundelle Brooks 

GOP Challenger: Eva Angelina Romero (https://electevaromero.com/)  

Main Platform Points: 

• Appointed by Gov. Lee as a Commissioner on the Tennessee Housing Development Agency where “she has worked to make affordable housing a reality for Tennessee families.”
• Standing Up For Seniors & Taxpayers: Freeze property tax for seniors over 65, capping property tax increases for all others; expand awareness and access to Tennessee’s property tax relief and freezing programs for seniors.
• Safer Streets: Supports providing law enforcement with tools, including license plate readers (LPRs) for public safety. Will push legislation requiring Nashville’s mayor and any other local official to allow police departments to connect to available LPR feed they choose, “so that no politician can ever stand between our officers and the tools that keep our families safe.” 
• Better Roads Now: “Meaningful infrastructure funding” instead of prioritizing 35 miles of unused cycle lanes.
• Fighting For Our Schools: “Raising standards and holding the system accountable,” wants to expand vocational training. 

District 67 (Clarksville)– Ronnie Glynn 

GOP Challenger: Chris Lainer (https://www.lanierfortn.com/) 

Main Platform Points: 

• Infrastructure: Feels Clarksville’s growth has outpaced existing infrastructure and wants to see district 67 as a priority for projects like widening I-24.
• Schools/Education: Current School Board member, married to a public-school educator, and both children attend public schools. Says he “knows the issues and will champion efforts that benefit our students, parents, and educators.”
• Public Safety: Will “uphold efforts that support law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and other public servants,” and will support initiatives that “promote public outreach and community involvement.”
• Veterans: Will champion legislation that provides veterans with “education, employment, and business opportunities” and ensure the state continues to provide “robust” services and benefits.

District 80 (Bolivar)– Johnny Shaw [Not Seeking Reelection- Potential GOP Flip Opportunity]

GOP Challenger: Julian A. McTizic (https://www.julianmctizic.com/) 

Main Platform Points: 

• Current Mayor of Bolivar, served on City Council prior to election
• “Faith, Family, and Unity First”; “Spirit of cooperation and conservative leadership” will define his campaign.
• Focus on cutting taxes, improving education, protecting seniors from fraud and abuse, and improving healthcare for rural West Tennessee.
• Active NAACP member, serves on the Board of Trustees for the Western Mental Health Institute, and is the West Tennessee Coordinator for the Tennessee Renewable Energy & Economic Development Council (TREEDC).
• 2021 appointee to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Local Government Advisory Committee, where he also serves as Vice Chair of its Small Community Subcommittee.

District 87 (Memphis)– Karen Camper 

GOP Challenger: Reggie William Hall (No campaign information available) 

Main Platform Points: 

• Ran for Mayor of Memphis in 2023, points below were taken from that campaign cycle.
• Promised to bring “common sense solutions, expansive communication and vibrant ideas” to Memphis. 
• Self-proclaimed community activist and child advocate for 20+ years, “steadfast in my pursuit of social justice and financial literacy for the disenfranchised among us.”
• Favored police reforms to “minimize negligence” and agreed with majority of the Memphis Driver Equality Act which was nullified by the General Assembly. 
• Placed “significant emphasis” on high school vocation training programs and resource centers for young individuals interested in business development and management.
• Pledged to tackle affordable housing issues, “particularly in higher-cost, affluent neighborhoods, and address safety concerns in lower-income communities.”
• Wanted to advocate for state-level changes targeting “predatory practices [by slumlords or predatory financing companies] unfairly impacting vulnerable individuals” and promised to support legislation “aimed at increasing transparency and providing greater protection for disenfranchised communities.”

To learn more about any candidate or find more details about their platforms, visit their official campaign websites.

About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.