Unseated RINO Financially Backing Challenger To Conservative Michele Reneau In Tennessee House District 27 Race

Image Credit: Tony Hullender, Patsy Hazlewood / Facebook

Tennessee Conservative News [By Olivia Lupia] –

A look at the campaign financial records for House District 27 candidate Tony Hullender, who is challenging conservative champion Michele Reneau, reveals that not only has his war chest been significantly buoyed by contributions from PACs and special interest groups, but that one of those PACs is directly headed by the previous incumbent unseated by Reneau during the last election. 

In a hard-won victory, Reneau defeated longtime RINO Patsy Hazelwood in the 2024 Republican primary. But Hazelwood didn’t disappear from the political scene, instead shifting to behind-the-scenes work, including running HAZ-PAC which donated $2,500 to Hullender’s campaign in an effort to unseat her successor.

Hazelwood’s husband, David Litchford, also makes an appearance on the contributor list alongside numerous other individuals who were reportedly long-time financial supporters of former incumbent Hazelwood.

Other sizable contributors to Hullender’s campaign include influential PACs like the Beverage Association of Tennessee, the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce, a mailer paid for by the Best of Tennessee Action Fund, and a TV commercial sponsored by TennesseeCAN Action Fund PAC.

Hullender has raised almost $78,000 and spent just over $50,000. With 66 total donors, roughly 64% of his contributions have come from individuals with another 26% from himself through a $20,000 self-loan. And while 9% has come from PACs or special interests, their contributions have been significant enough to account for a decent chunk of funding, whether through actual donations or third-party contributions like the mailers or ads, which are not recorded on campaign finance reports.

In comparison, Reneau’s financial report shows over 90% of her 213 donors are individuals, emphasizing what seems to be organic support amongst voters in House District 27. 

“When you see the same donors, a host of PACs, and the same familiar interests aligning against an incumbent who successfully challenged the old system, the implications are clear: this is not a campaign for a fresh start. It is an effort to reclaim a seat that the establishment lost in 2024. By backing a challenger to Rep. Reneau, these interests are essentially attempting to ‘undo’ the 2024 primary election results. They are not merely funding a new candidate; they are funding a restoration project,” writes one Signal Mountain voter.

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.