Tennessee state Rep. Jerome Moon, R-Maryville, has announced his intention to run for mayor of Blount County, according to The Daily Times. Moon is a former publisher of the paper and Blount County commissioner. He has served as state representative for the last eight years. “I am honored to be running for county mayor to serve the place I have always called home,” Moon said. “My entire career has focused on helping folks in need. ...” Current Mayor Ed Mitchell announced his intent to not seek a fifth term. Moon joins two others who have filed paperwork to run.

Former U.S. Rep. Mark Green is joining with New Orleans attorney and lobbyist Marc Hebert to launch a business venture, the Nashville Banner reports. Business filings in Florida show that Green and Hebert have started Prosimos to help American businesses launch ventures overseas with the goal of thwarting Chinese businesses. Talking about the new role, Green said, “We’re in a battle for alliances globally and if we want to win those alliances, we should have foreign governments become addicted to American businesses. And the battle is very clear. It’s between us and China. … If an American company doesn’t do it, a Chinese company will.” Green left Congress in July. Early voting in the race to succeed him began this week.

The Americans for Prosperity Foundation and 99.7 WTN on Sept. 5 hosted a hosted a debate with four top Republican candidates — State Reps. Lee Reeves, Gino Bulso and Jody Barrett, and Matt Van Epps — who are vying to fill the 7th Congressional District seat vacated by Mark Green in June. The Nashville Banner reports that Bulso, an attorney in Williamson County, said during the debate, “You want us not to simply agree with President Trump on everything. I’m going to do that because I think President Trump is a generational leader unlike we’ve ever seen before.” The Tennessean published photos from the event.

Knox County Commissioner Kim Frazier has announced her candidacy to replace term-limited county Mayor Glenn Jacobs in 2026, Knox News reports. She joins fellow Republican contenders Commissioner Larsen Jay, who entered the race in January 2024, and school board member Betsy Henderson, who announced in March. “My decision to pursue the immense privilege of being the next Knox County mayor isn’t about anyone but the people who make this county great,” Frazier told Knox News. “I feel the responsibility to give them a leader who will always put their community first.” The Republican primary is set for May 5, 2026, with the general election scheduled for Aug. 6, 2026.

Democratic candidates for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District pitched their platforms to voters at a Fairview forum on Sept. 7. The four candidates — state Reps. Bo Mitchell, Vincent Dixie and Aftyn Behn, and political strategist Darden Copeland — spoke to about 70 people inside the Fairview Recreation Complex gymnasium. They commented on the Trump administration’s proposals to deploy the National Guard in Democratic-led cities and expressed support for comprehensive immigration reform and immigrant communities. All also pledged to hold regular town halls if elected. The Nashville Post has the story.

Tennessee Rep. Monty Fritts announced his candidacy for governor Friday night at the “Trump Day Dinner” hosted by the Washington County Republican party, WJHL reports. Fritts joins the race alongside Sen. Marsha Blackburn and Rep. John Rose. “What will help me be most successful? Because I do think we’ll win, and I think it will be folks like us that say ‘I’ve had enough with an establishment, politics in Nashville that thinks they don’t have to listen to me,’” Fritts said. “I think there’s a lot of frustration with that, and I think it’s important for us that we reestablish the confidence of the Republican voter.” The primary election is set for Aug. 6, 2026, with the general election to follow on Nov. 3, 2026.

Rep. Ron Travis, R-Dayton, has announced that he will not seek reelection to the statehouse but will instead run for Rhea County mayor, according to the Tennessee Journal. In a Facebook post, Travis says, "After much reflection, I have decided not to seek re-election when my term ends in 2026. Serving District 31 has been the honor of my life." Current Mayor Jim Vincent recently announced that he would not seek reelection and endorsed Travis as his successor.

Conservative activist Gary Humble has launched a 2026 campaign for Tennessee’s District 27 state senate seat, setting up a rematch with Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, R-Franklin, who narrowly defeated him in 2022. The Nashville Post reports that Humble is framing the race as a battle between establishment and grassroots conservatives, pledging support for term limits, transparency measures, gun rights and governing from a “Biblical worldview.” He also highlights opposition to federal health agencies, calls for responsible growth in Williamson County, and ties his platform to his history of leading anti-lockdown protests and faith-based activism.

Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder has launched his campaign for the 5th Congressional District, seeking to replace Republican U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles of Columbia, the Nashville Post reports. Molder has served as mayor since 2018. He announced in July that he would not seek a third term. A graduate of the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, Molder practiced law in Columbia before running for office. As a new lawyer he was active in the TBA Young Lawyers Division. According to Molder, his campaign will be “focused on bringing people together to build new coalitions and bring voters from all across the political spectrum.” The Columbia Herald has photos from the announcement.

Brad Gaines, a former Vanderbilt University football player and father of conservative political activist Riley Gaines, is entering the race for Tennessee's 6th Congressional District. The Tennessean reports that he joins fellow Republicans Dale Braden, former Tennessee congressman Van Hilleary, Rep. Johnny Garrett and Knoxville businessman Joe Reid. Democrat Mike Croley and unaffiliated candidate Christopher Monday — who ran for the same seat as an independent in 2020 — also have thrown their hats in the ring. U.S. Rep. John Rose, R-Cookeville, is leaving Congress to run for Tennessee governor. The 6th Congressional District includes parts of Nashville, Ridgetop and Goodlettsville.