Two Tennessee Republicans Compete for New 9th Congressional District Seat
Two Republican state legislators launch campaigns for Tennessee’s newly created 9th Congressional District following controversial redistricting.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE — Two Republican state legislators have entered the race for Tennessee’s newly created 9th Congressional District seat, setting up an intraparty competition following last week’s controversial redistricting by the Tennessee Legislature.
Republican Rep. Todd Warner of Chapel Hill in rural Marshall County announced Monday his candidacy for the 9th U.S. Congressional District, joining Republican Sen. Brent Taylor of Eads in Shelby County in the race. The new district was created after lawmakers changed state law and adopted new congressional maps that remain subject to three pending lawsuits.
Warner Positions Himself as Outsider Candidate
Warner, a farmer, framed his campaign as an anti-establishment bid in his announcement statement. “I’m not a politician picked by insiders, consultants and lobbyists. I’m a Tennessee fighter who will never back down, never surrender, and never apologize for putting Tennessee first,” Warner said.
“The swamp can keep their endorsements. I’m running for the people who feel like nobody in Washington fights for them anymore,” he added in the statement.
Warner could not be reached for comment Tuesday, according to the Tennessee Lookout. During last week’s legislative session, Warner wore a Trump flag in the Capitol as lawmakers voted to alter state law allowing districts to be redrawn mid-cycle.
Controversial Redistricting Creates New District
The Tennessee Legislature last week changed state law to permit congressional district boundaries to be redrawn in the middle of an apportionment cycle, then immediately adopted new maps. The redistricting effort came just days after the U.S. Supreme Court weakened the Voting Rights Act.
The new maps cut Memphis‘ Black vote into three separate districts that could be diluted by rural and suburban white voters. The district map remains in effect despite facing three legal challenges.
The new 9th District stretches from south Memphis across the southern part of Tennessee before turning north into Marshall, Maury and Will counties, creating a geographically diverse constituency that spans urban, suburban and rural areas.
Legislative Background of Candidates
Both candidates bring state legislative experience to the congressional race. Warner represents Chapel Hill in the Tennessee House of Representatives, while Taylor serves Eads in the state Senate.
The race represents an early test of the new congressional boundaries and could provide insight into Republican primary dynamics in Tennessee ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
