Bill Hagerty

Memphis environmental advocate Marquita Bradshaw won the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, setting up a rematch of the 2020 election when Bill Hagerty won by 27 percentage points. In contrast, Hagerty was unopposed in the Republican primary.

Conservative firebrand Sen. Marsha Blackburn is considered the frontrunner in Tennessee's Republican gubernatorial primary to succeed term-limited GOP Gov. Bill Lee. Other candidates include John Rose and Monty Fritts, while five Democrats are competing for their party's nomination. Additionally, Republican Bill Hagerty seeks re-election as U.S. senator.

Republicans criticize Democrats for delaying the Crypto Clarity Act, which aims to establish a regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies. Lawmakers have two days to vote on the bill before Senate recess, with bipartisan support but ongoing disputes over wording. The updated bill addresses ethics concerns and has backing from financial institutions.

The Memphis Safe Task Force, a federal-state agency coalition, has fatally shot four Black men and injured three others in two months. U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty praised the task force in a campaign ad highlighting its crime-fighting efforts, despite minimal national media coverage of the violence. Local outlets have reported on the incidents, but national news has largely overlooked them.

Tennessee congressional and gubernatorial candidates are receiving high-profile endorsements as the Aug. 6 primary nears. U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles relies on support from President Donald Trump and other figures, while former Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher gains backing from former governors and a PAC planning heavy ad spending. Candidates like Justin Pearson and Chaz Molder also secure union and political endorsements.

The deadline for Tennessee voters to request absentee ballots for the August 6 primary election is Monday, July 27. Early voting is underway until August 1, with new early voting sites added in Davidson County. The primary includes a Republican gubernatorial race and challenges to Sen. Bill Hagerty.

President Donald Trump endorsed state Sen. Brent Taylor for the Memphis congressional race to replace Congressman Steve Cohen. The redistricted 9th Congressional District, now stretching from Memphis to Franklin, aims to favor GOP candidates. Taylor faces challenges from Rep. Todd Warner and Jeremy Thompson in the Aug. 6 Republican primary.

Early voting in Tennessee for the August 6, 2026 elections runs from July 17 to August 1, with new voting sites added in Davidson County. Voter registration closed on July 7, and the deadline to request an absentee ballot is July 27. Key races include governor and U.S. Senate, with multiple candidates listed.

Palm Beach International Airport was renamed President Donald J. Trump International Airport, with the first arrival of Trump Force One and Eric Trump present. The name change, approved by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, will cost up to $5.5 million and transition the airport code from PBI to DJT by August 18. A bridge in Tennessee was also renamed Donald J. Trump Bridge, supported by local officials.

A bridge on I-40 in East Tennessee will be renamed the Donald J. Trump Bridge. The event, led by U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, includes elected officials and takes place in Jefferson County, crossing the French Broad River in Dandridge.

Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner faces mounting scrutiny over allegations including a Nazi tattoo, communist affiliations, and past misconduct. Republican senators criticize him openly while many Democratic senators avoid commenting, with some stating the decision should be left to Maine voters.

Republican senators are criticizing Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner over allegations including a Nazi tattoo, communist affiliations, and inappropriate behavior, while many Democratic senators avoid commenting. New York Times reports detail claims from ex-partners alleging harmful fantasies and awareness of the tattoo's Nazi symbolism.

The Justice Department created a $1.776 billion compensation fund for alleged victims of government 'weaponization' without congressional approval, sparking bipartisan criticism over its legality and funding source. The fund, linked to a Trump-led lawsuit against the IRS, allows political allies to benefit but excludes Trump himself, raising concerns about transparency and executive overreach.

Senate Republicans are divided over the scope of a proposed budget reconciliation bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with leaders like John Thune advocating for a 'skinny' bill focused solely on ending the shutdown, while others push to include provisions like the SAVE America Act and funding for the Iran war. The debate highlights infighting within the GOP as they balance speed with political priorities.

Senate Republicans are divided over the approach to funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through a budget reconciliation bill. Senate Majority Leader John Thune advocates for a 'skinny' bill to quickly end the two-month funding stalemate, while others, like Sen. Tommy Tuberville, push to include Trump-aligned policies like the SAVE America Act, Iran war costs, and disaster relief, risking delays.

Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., proposes the Freedom to Build Act to reduce 'bureaucrat tax' costs on home construction by incentivizing deregulation. The Economic Report of the President highlights regulations adding $100K to new home costs, urging state-level reforms to boost housing supply.

Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) introduced the Freedom to Build Act to reduce the 'bureaucrat tax'—excessive regulations adding $100K to new home costs—by incentivizing deregulation through federal grants. The Economic Report of the President cited the tax as a barrier to housing supply, while the Senate passed a Trump-backed affordable housing package, though House GOP raised concerns.