The battle for the GOP nomination for State House seat 45 in Sumner County just received national attention, but not in the way Brian Stewart might have hoped. The race is for an open seat being left vacant as Rep. Johnny Garrett pursues the 6th District Congressional seat being vacated by former Congressman John Rose as he pursues the governorship. Stewart is facing John Gentry and Chris Hughes in the August 6 Republican primary.
Stewart has touted his Marine service throughout the campaign, and interest groups supporting him, like Americans for Prosperity and others, have promoted his Marine service as an example of his leadership. However, it is now clear his Marine service is vastly overstated as he was discharged from the Marine Corps with a “other than honorable” record and was even demoted by the Corps. He was never deployed, never served in combat, and contrary to claims in an AFP mailpiece he never “fought” for our country. His newest ad refers to when he “returned home” falsely implying he was deployed at some point, which is not accurate.
The Washington Examiner reviewed his record and various documents connected to Stewart’s military service with an actual Marine veteran and military expert who termed Stewart’s claims to be an example of “stolen valor.” Tennessee law provides that “stolen valor” false military service claims can be punished as a criminal misdemeanor. Will the Sumner County district attorney investigate and prosecute in this case?
Other Tennessee media, including the Daily Holler have already picked up on the story since it broke Monday.
Likewise, a supporter of one of Stewart’s opponents, John Gentry, who served in the Marine Corps and was HONORABLY discharged after his service, posted a devastating comparison of Gentry’s and Stewart’s Marine records.
Chris Hughes served in the U.S. Army and was also honorably discharged as a Captain. Hughes has also made his military service a key point in his campaign.
Stewart’s military fraud is exacerbated by the fact that Secretary of War Pete Hagseth resides in the 45th District. Hegseth is clearly now aware of the issue, as is the Pentagon.
Stewart has been endorsed by a variety of Sumner County Republican leaders including State Senator Ferrell Haile, House Majority Leader William Lamberth, County Mayor John Isbell and others. Were they previously aware of Stewart’s overstated claims of military service prior to their endorsements? Will they now reverse their endorsements in the wake of this story coming to light? The same questions are relevant to the endorsements of Stewart by Americans for Prosperity and other groups who either failed to properly review his record or simply didn’t care.
The situation seems eerily familiar to the Democrats in Maine ignoring numerous red flags regarding another disgraced Marine, Graham Platner, who has just been forced off the ballot as a Senate candidate. Interestingly, just as previous endorsers of Platner are only slowly disavowing him and withdrawing their support, it seems that Stewart’s supporters are equally reluctant to distance themselves from him and publicly cancel their endorsements. Ultimately, they may be forced to answer “what did they know and when did they know it.” Were they ever shown fraudulent or forged documents, which would raise additional potential criminal investigations concerning the source of the paperwork?
Early voting in the race begins July 17 with Election Day on August 6. This is the second “Military controversy” impacting Sumner County recently. Legislation to rename part of Vietnam Veterans Parkway for Charlie Kirk sparked outrage from local Vietnam era vets who saw the move as disrespectful.
Garrett is now seeking resolution of the issue by renaming another road in honor of Kirk, and restoring the Vietnam Veterans Parkway to its previous status.
TRUMP WEIGHS IN WITH NINTH DISTRICT ENDORSEMENT FOR BRENT TAYLOR
The endorsement of candidates across the country by President Donald Trump has been highly sought after throughout the midterm cycle. And Trump’s endorsement as carried a lot of weight, producing an incredible number of wins versus very few losses. State Senator Brent Taylor has just secured the coveted support from Trump in his bid for Congress in the newly drawn 9th District which we can be sure will be “trumpeted” in ads and mail over the next few weeks.
NRA POLITICAL VICTORY FUND
Speaking of endorsements, the NRA, through its political victory fund, issued a few ratings and endorsements this week. Both Johnny Garrett AND Van Hilleary were recognized with A ratings as they fight for the GOP nomination for Congress in the 6th District.
Senator Marsha Blackburn not only received an A+ rating but also got their endorsement in the Governor’s race. In the announcing the endorsement, NRA-PVF Chairman John Commerford noted: “I am pleased to announce your NRA-PVF ‘A+’ rating and endorsement for governor in the 2026 Tennessee Primary Election. This endorsement reflects your steadfast support and demonstrated leadership on Second Amendment issues during your tenure as a United States Senator.
“You have proven yourself to be a supporter of the Second Amendment by cosponsoring and voting to advance critical legislation that benefits law-abiding gun owners. Your support on measures such as the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act, the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, and the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act demonstrates a clear commitment to protecting and expanding our Second Amendment rights and hunting heritage,” he added.
“Our members will interpret your ‘A+’ rating and endorsement as being a solid pro-gun/pro-hunting candidate who is a staunch defender of the Right to Keep and Bear Arms,” the endorsement stated.
