The race for Tennessee House District 75 has emerged as one of the most closely watched contest in Clarksville and Montgomery County. Republican incumbent Michael Lankford and Democratic challenger Allie Phillips are competing for a seat that both parties view as important in the broader
battle for influence in the Tennessee House.
The Candidates
Michael Lankford (Republican)
Michael Lankford currently represents District 75 after being appointed in December 2025 to fill the vacancy created by the death of Rep. Jeff Burkhart. Prior to joining the Tennessee House, Lankford served on the Montgomery County Commission and worked in agricultural finance and risk management. Lankford has emphasized continuity, arguing that he can continue the work and priorities established during Burkhart’s tenure. During his campaign and public appearances, he has highlighted fiscal management, economic development, and representation of Montgomery County’s interests in
Nashville.
Allie Phillips (Democrat)
Allie Phillips is a communications professional, caregiver, and Democratic activist from Clarksville. She first gained statewide attention after publicly sharing her experience with a pregnancy complicated by fatal fetal abnormalities and the impact Tennessee’s abortion laws had on her family. Her experience became a major motivation for entering public life. Phillips previously challenged the late Rep. Jeff Burkhart in 2024 and returned for the 2026 contest after securing the Democratic nomination. She has positioned herself as an advocate for public education, healthcare access, childcare affordability, infrastructure improvements, and bipartisan problem-solving.
Key Issues in the Race
Reproductive Rights
Abortion policy remains one of the defining issues associated with Phillips’ campaign. Her personal story has made reproductive healthcare and women’s health policy central topics in the race, and political observers have noted that District 75 has become an important battleground in broader statewide debates over abortion policy.
Public Education
Phillips has argued for greater investment in public schools and has voiced opposition to Tennessee’s school voucher program. She contends that public education funding should remain a priority for state lawmakers.
Lankford has generally aligned with Republican priorities in the legislature and has emphasized maintaining educational opportunities while continuing policies supported by the existing House majority.
Growth and Infrastructure – As Clarksville continues to grow rapidly, transportation and infrastructure concerns have become major issues for voters.
Phillips has advocated for expanding Interstate 24, completing Highway 374 improvements, and exploring regional transit options between Clarksville and Nashville.
Lankford has focused on continuing ongoing work related to economic development and ensuring Montgomery County maintains strong representation during state budget and infrastructure discussions.
Economic Issues – Both candidates have discussed affordability and economic growth, though from different perspectives.
Lankford points to his background in financial planning and agricultural finance as evidence of his understanding of business and family economic concerns.
Phillips has emphasized affordable housing, childcare access, workforce opportunities, and support for working families.
Why District 75 Matters
District 75 covers portions of Montgomery County, including parts of Clarksville. Democrats have identified it as a potential pickup opportunity, while Republicans are defending a seat they have historically controlled. The district attracted additional attention after Burkhart’s passing, which led to Lankford’s appointment and transformed the race into an open-style contest without a long-term incumbent seeking reelection.
Campaign Dynamics
Lankford enters the race with the advantages of incumbency and local government experience, having served on the Montgomery County Commission before his appointment to the House.
Phillips enters with significant name recognition from her 2024 campaign and continued advocacy on healthcare and reproductive rights issues. She previously received about 45% of the vote in District 75, demonstrating Democratic competitiveness in a traditionally Republican-leaning seat.
Conclusion
The contest between Michael Lankford and Allie Phillips presents voters with two contrasting visions for District 75. Lankford emphasizes continuity, fiscal experience, and conservative governance, while Phillips focuses on healthcare, education, infrastructure, and affordability. As one of the Tennessee
House races drawing attention from both parties, District 75 will be closely watched as voters determine the district’s direction and role in the state’s political landscape.
