Matlock, Miller Vie for Open Senate Seat
Republican Jimmy Matlock and Democrat David Miller are competing for Tennessee State Senate District 5, which opens for the first time in 40 years.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Elections
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Jimmy Matlock and David Miller are running for Tennessee State Senate District 5 after Lt. Governor Randy McNally announced he is retiring at the end of his current term. The seat has not been open in 40 years.
Why it matters
The open race gives Tennessee voters in the district, which includes Anderson and Loudon counties and part of Knox County, a chance to choose a new state senator. The outcome will shape representation for the district after a long period of continuity.
The seat is open for the first time in 40 years following McNally's retirement at the end of his term. Republican Jimmy Matlock and Democrat David Miller are the declared candidates, and the result is not yet decided.
The players
Randy McNally
Tennessee's Lieutenant Governor, whose retirement at the end of his term opened the District 5 seat.
Jimmy Matlock
A former Tennessee state representative and businessman who is the Republican candidate for District 5.
David Miller
An Anderson County School Board member who is the Democratic candidate for District 5.
The details
Matlock, a former state representative and businessman, is the Republican candidate. Miller, an Anderson County School Board member, is the Democratic candidate. Both made their pitch to voters in video interviews.
Timeline
End of current term: McNally retires and the District 5 seat becomes open.
Political Context
Open-seat races for state senate are relatively rare because incumbents usually keep their seats for long stretches. This contest follows that pattern in breaking a four-decade run of continuity in District 5.
Voters in Anderson and Loudon counties and part of Knox County will choose a new state senator for District 5. The race marks the first open contest for the seat in 40 years.
The takeaway
Open seats are uncommon, so voters in District 5 have an unusual opportunity to weigh two new candidates. Following the candidates' stated positions before the vote can help voters decide.
Further reading
For more on the candidates and the state's voting system, see Elections.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WATE 6 On Your Side.
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