Lt. Governor Randy McNally of Oak Ridge has announced he will not seek reelection in 2026. His retirement marks the end of a 47-year tenure in the state legislature, serving as leader of the Tennessee Senate since 2017. In his remarks on the Senate floor, McNally stated “This is is a very difficult thing to do, but I have decided I will not seek reelection in 2026.”
Additional comments:
“It has been the honor of my life to represent the people of my community and serve the people of Tennessee. It is with a full heart and a deep sense of gratitude that I announce I will not be a candidate for the state Senate in 2026.
My public service has been a team effort every step of the way. I offer my deepest thanks to the constituents I have served and to the members and staff with whom I have collaborated.
My aim each day was to leave my state and my community a little better than I found them. Together, I believe we have done just that. Tennessee’s success is due in no small part to the people I have served alongside every day.
It is the result of disciplined budgeting, conservative leadership, and a steadfast commitment to our citizens. We have maintained balanced budgets, built one of the largest rainy day funds in state history and cut taxes to spur economic growth.
At the same time, we have strengthened public safety, kept our debt low, and ensured responsible spending. That is how you build a state that works not just for today, but for generations to come. I am proud to have been part of that effort.”
Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation thanks Lt. Gov. McNally for his decades of service and appreciates the support he has always provided to Tennessee agriculture and rural communities.
