Tennessee’s Lt. Governor and Speaker of the Tennessee Senate Randy McNally, a Republican, announced today on social media that he would not seek re-election. “It has been the honor of my life to represent the people of my community and serve the people of Tennessee,” McNally wrote. “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.”
As heard below on the Senate floor, McNally, 82, said his retirement was “partially due to my wife and my physical condition. We both realize that our path is kind of short and this gives us more time to spend together.”
— Randy McNally (@ltgovmcnally) February 26, 2026
McNally’s announcement comes as the 2026 Tennessee gubernatorial race continues heat up. Republicans vying for the job held by Republican Governor Bill Lee, who is term-limited, include U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn, U.S. Representative John Rose, and State Representative Monty Fritts. Neither President Trump nor Governor Lee have announced endorsements of a candidate. The primary elections will beheld on August 6.
.@ltgovmcnally has been a friend for over thirty years, and his steady conservative leadership has played a critical role in Tennessee’s strong fiscal state. Tennesseans are grateful for his service, and we wish him the best in his next chapter. pic.twitter.com/740Kt94IM1
— Marsha Blackburn (@VoteMarsha) February 26, 2026
Blackburn responded to McNally’s retirement on social media with a photo collage and wrote that McNally “has been a friend for over thirty years, and his steady conservative leadership has played a critical role in Tennessee’s strong fiscal state. Tennesseans are grateful for his service, and we wish him the best in his next chapter.”
Note: It’s been nearly 20 years since a Democrat held the position of Lt. Gov — John Shelton (1971-2007) — and 15 years since Tennessee elected a Democratic governor — Phil Bredesen (2003 to 2011).