The announcement by Lt. Governor Randy McNally that he will not seek reelection leaves a short time for those interested in filling the open seat to act. The filing deadline is noon Tuesday, March 10. The primary election is August 6.
Former State Senator Stacey Campfield picked up a Republican candidate petition immediately following McNally’s announcement for the open state Senate district 5 seat he is vacating.
The conservative and often controversial Campfield (R-Knoxville) served 10 years in the TN General Assembly. He represented state House district 18 for three terms (2005-2010), and state Senate district 5 for one term (2010-2014). Lawmakers redistricted Campfield’s Knoxville residence in 2020, moving it from his Senate district 7 to district 5, which is comprised of constituents in both Knox and Anderson Counties. Campfield chose not to challenge fellow Republican McNally at that time.
State Rep. Rick Scarbrough (R-Clinton), a Democrat turned Republican, has also expressed interest in the Sen. McNally seat. Scarbrough previously worked as Clinton Police Chief.
The 57 year old Campfield was preceeded in his State Senate seat by now- Congressman Tim Burchett. Republican State Senator Richard Briggs currently holds the 7th District seat.
Steve Gill is editor and publisher of TriStar Daily.
