Republican Conservative Jimmy Matlock is seeking election to the Tennessee State Senate seat being vacated by Lt. Governor Randy McNally.
Matlock previously served as State Representative for Loudon and Monroe Counties from 2007 until 2019. He succeeded Russell Johnson, who later served as District Attorney General for Tennessee’s 9th Judicial District, which includes Loudon, Meigs, Morgan, and Roane counties. Following Matlock’s departure from the House, he was succeeded by Representative Lowell Russell.
Today, Rep. Russell serves in several leadership and committee roles in the Tennessee House, including Chair of the Civil Justice Subcommittee and membership on the Judiciary Committee, Transportation Committee, Criminal Justice Subcommittee, Ethics Committee, and several special committees convened during extraordinary legislative sessions.
When Lt. Governor Randy McNally announced his retirement, Matlock quickly emerged as a leading candidate for the open State Senate seat. Former State Representative and State Senator Stacy Campfield initially explored a campaign as well. However, prior to the withdrawal deadline, Campfield announced on Facebook that he would not challenge Matlock, citing Matlock’s conservative credentials and record of public service.
As a result, Matlock is unopposed in the Republican Primary on August 6, 2026, with early voting scheduled for July 17 through August 1. He will, however, face opposition in the General Election on November 3, 2026.
On June 11, 2026, Knoxville insurance executive Lou Moran III and his wife, Mimi, hosted a campaign picnic at their Loudon County home overlooking Fort Loudoun Lake. The event served as an official kickoff for the Matlock for State Senate campaign.
Matlock was joined by his wife, son and daughter-in-law, grandchildren, sister, and a brother-in-law. The gathering attracted a number of prominent Tennessee Republican leaders and elected officials, including Lt. Governor Randy McNally, Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, Senator Paul Bailey, Senator Tom Hatcher, Representative Lowell Russell, Representative David Wright, and Deputy Speaker Jason Zachary.
Senator Dr. Richard Briggs was represented by Ocean Edwards. Also attending were Lenoir City Mayor Tony Aikens and his wife, former Congressman John J. Duncan Jr. and his wife Vicky, Loudon County School Board Member Melissa Browder, Loudon County Commissioners Joe Morrison and Van Shaver, Knox County Republican Party Chairman Martin Daniel, and Tennessee Republican Party State Executive Committeeman for District 6 Brian Hornback.
Guests enjoyed a Buddy’s Bar-B-Q dinner complete with all the fixings, banana pudding, cookies, and brownies while visiting with elected officials, community leaders, and supporters.
The event provided a strong kickoff for Matlock’s State Senate campaign. The district includes Loudon County, Anderson County, and a portion of Knox County, making it one of East Tennessee’s most significant legislative seats heading into the 2026 election cycle.
