Last night, the Monroe County GOP hosted its annual Reagan Dinner, a vibrant gathering of Republican leaders, supporters, and activists. The event, buzzing with energy, drew attention from across Tennessee, with #TheMegaBullhornofTruth on the scene to capture the highlights.
Keynote Speaker and Notable Guests
The evening’s featured speaker was none other than Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, whose presence electrified the crowd. Representing Senator Marsha Blackburn, a 2026 Republican candidate for Governor, Jacobs delivered a powerful message of conservative values. Senator Blackburn, unable to attend due to commitments in West Tennessee, was well-represented by Jacobs’ dynamic speech. Watch it here.
Among the first folks I had the pleasure of chatting with were State House Republican Assistant Leader Mark Cochran, State Senator Tom Hatcher, and State Representative Lowell Russell. Sporting my Lowell Russell hat, I couldn’t help but feel right at home with these dedicated leaders.
Rising Stars and 2026 Governor’s Race
The dinner also showcased two prominent candidates for Tennessee’s 2026 Republican gubernatorial primary: Congressman John Rose (TN-06) Watch Rose here and State Representative Monty Fritts (TN-32). Watch it here and conclude here. Both delivered compelling remarks, outlining their visions for Tennessee’s future. State Representative Lowell Russell and Assistant Leader Mark Cochran also spoke, alongside Cochran’s opponent, sparking lively discussions about the direction of the party.
Honoring Local Heroes
A highlight of the evening was the Monroe County GOP’s recognition of outstanding volunteers. Sharon Davis was named Volunteer of the Year for her tireless dedication. Kim Bivens earned the title of GOP Woman of the Year, and Rodney Bivens was honored as GOP Man of the Year. Catching up with Rodney, a friend from the 1990s, was a personal highlight of the night—talk about a blast from the past!
Leadership Driving Success
The event’s success is a testament to the strength of Monroe County GOP’s leadership team. Kudos to Chair Marty Jenkins, Vice Chair Christy Millsaps, Treasurer Rodney Bivens, Vice Treasurer Janie Harrell, Secretary Linda Gates, Immediate Past Chair Regina Williams, and Sit. at Arms Bryan Martin. Their commitment to grassroots conservatism is building a strong foundation for the party’s future in Monroe County.
Looking Ahead
The Reagan Dinner wasn’t just a celebration—it was a rallying cry for Republicans in Tennessee as the 2026 elections loom. With dynamic speakers, honored volunteers, and a united leadership team, the Monroe County GOP is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the state’s political landscape.
Here’s to another year of standing strong for conservative principles!
