Democrats’ hopes of whittling down their 27-6 super minority status in the State Senate appear to be a long shot in the wake of recent fundraising reports. Republican Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson is sitting on just over a million dollars in his reelection fund. He added $445,000 to his coffers in the recent reporting period based on year-end disclosures. With Johnson facing no serious opposition, he can use those funds to support fellow Republican senators who may face credible opposition in November and further secure his leadership position.
Memphis Senator Brent Taylor is also extremely well-funded, with nearly $1 million in cash on hand. He raised just over $405,000 during the reporting period and contributed another $600,000 to his campaign through a loan. Taylor has been hosting fundraisers and contributing generously to his fellow state senators during the past year.
State Senator Mark Pody, from Lebanon, had the third-highest fundraising report, raising $314,000, and entering the midterm year with about $585,000 in his campaign bank account. Pody is facing primary opposition from Butch Baker.
BRANDON OGLES OPTS OUT OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY MAYORAL RACE.
Former Republican state representative Brandon Ogles announced he planned to run for Williamson County Mayor in the May GOP primary. But with fellow Republican Todd Kaestner dropping out of the race last month, Ogles reassessed his potential path to victory.
A three-way primary between Ogles, businessman Andy Marshall, and county commissioner Mary Smith looked to be an expensive and challenging campaign. The qualification deadline arrived and passed on February 19 without Ogles submitting a petition to qualify. Ogles has made it clear he nevertheless intends to remain active in local and state politics and policymaking.
TREE-HUGGING NES CEO ADMITS TREE TRIMMING WORKS.
Nashville Electric Service (NES) CEO Teresa Broyles-Aplin admitted during the first meeting of the 2026 Winter Storm Response Commission created by Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell that “aggressive” vegetation management and tree trimming typically help mitigate damage.” Her comments marked 180° turn from her previous position of wanting to protect the “Tree canopy” in Nashville, including reduction of the budget for removing trees and branches that threatened the powerlines.
The first meeting of the commission appointed to review the preparation, response and aftermath of the NES actions in relation to the storm, chaired by former Governor Phil Bredesen, took place this week. The commission’s meeting can be viewed here.
The embattled CEO, who still must answer to the NES board and state legislators calling for her head, indicated that the tree-trimming process would be improved. “We are also planning on moving forward with a more aggressive tree trimming approach to ensure that we are getting the clearance that we need around our lines,” said Broyles-Aplin, as she firmly shut the barn door after the horses had successfully escaped.
Steve Gill is editor and publisher of TriStar Daily.
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