Tennessee Political Notebook: Christmas Edition

HUGHES NEWS
As noted last week, former Sumner County Commissioner and current GOP state executive committee member Chris Hughes is reportedly preparing to run for the state house seat being vacated by Johnny Garrett as he seeks the congressional seat of John Rose, who is running for Governor. (Garrett is facing former congressman Van Hilleary in that Aug. 2026 Republican primary.)

Hughes will likely make it official soon, as he just did a Christmas robocall to the district’s GOP faithful earlier this week.

“𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼, 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀 𝗛𝘂𝗴𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀!

As Christmas comes around, it’s a good time to slow down and remember what really matters is the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and the hope He brings into our lives.

We’re thankful for our families, our farms and our home towns, and the freedom we’re blessed with here in America. We pray for our men and women in uniform, our first responders, and everyone working hard to keep this country strong.

From the Hughes home to yours, I wish you a Christmas filled with faith, peace, and simple joys. 

May God bless you, may God bless Tennessee, and may God bless the United States of America.

Merry Christmas.”

Or, maybe it was just cheaper and easier than doing a Christmas card?! 2026 will be a heavy Political year in Sumner County. With a contested Republican primary for governor, Senator Bill Hagerty seeking reelection with little of any opposition, the open seat in the 47th house District, and a slew of local races in the May GOP primary, mailboxes will soon be overflowing with Political mail.

MARSHALL MOVES FORWARD
Williamson County restaurateur/businessman Andy Marshall stepped up his campaign for county Mayor with a Biscuits and Petition event at Pucketts in Franklin on Monday. A good number of local officials, civic leaders, and voters gathered for coffee and biscuits and to sign his petition to run in the May primary.

POLITICAL CHRISTMAS PACKAGES
Politicians across the state might not have made Santa’s “nice” list but many did receive gifts early throughout the year:

Glen Casada and Cade Cothren received full Pardons from President Trump for their federal criminal convictions. Fellow conspirator Robin Smith remains waiting and hopeful. Cothren is rumored to be considering a campaign for the Tennessee state House. Voters are not likely to be as forgiving as Trump. 

State Sen. Jack Johnson had a “Christmas comes early” moment when his primary opponent Gary Humble, who lost narrowly to Jack four years ago, suddenly exited the heavily anticipated rematch.

Bradley County GOP State Rep. Kevin Raper got a life-saving liver transplant. No onions on the side.

Matt Van Epps got a late but “huuuuge” Trump endorsement in the 7th District special election GOP Primary that vaulted him into Congress. If Democrat Aftyn Behn seeks a rematch in 2026 it will be the gift that keeps on giving.

Speaking of Behn, she received a double dose of coal in her stocking! Not only did she lose her campaign for Congress to Matt Van Epps, but now she returns to the state house chamber in January seated next to her ex-boyfriend Rep. Justin Jones. Karma even delivers at Christmas.

Vanderbilt football fans have long been in “Wait until next year” mode. “Next year” finally arrived, exceeding anything Santa could possibly have delivered!

Steve Gill is editor and Publisher of TriStar Daily.