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Following the announcement that Lt. Governor Randy McNally is retiring from the Tennessee State Senate, a new candidate from Loudon County has emerged as a potential successor to the soon-to-be-vacant seat.

Jimmy Matlock, a local businessman and former member of the Tennessee House of Representatives, announced his intention to run for Tennessee State Senate’s 5th District in a letter to the press on March 13, 2026. This will be a potential return to state government for Matlock, having previously served in the state Legislature starting in 2007, where he succeeded current District Attorney Russell Johnson.

Lowell Russell has held that seat since 2019.

Matlock also made a previous run at the United States House of Representatives, pursuing the seat in Tennessee’s 2nd Congressional District, but was defeated in the primary by current incumbent Tim Burchett.

“In the weeks since Lt. Governor Randy McNally announced he was retiring from the State Senate, I have been truly humbled by the number of friends, neighbors and supporters from across Loudon, Anderson and Knox counties who have called and asked if I’d be willing to serve,” Matlock stated in a release.

“This is an honor, considering running for this seat means following in the footsteps of my friend Randy McNally who has been a great friend and an even better public servant for the people of East Tennessee and our entire state.

“My family has been proud to serve families in East Tennessee for more than 60 years in business and in public service. We are ready to answer the call again,” Matlock said.

Born in Loudon, Matlock previously represented Tennessee’s 21st Congressional District, which encompasses parts of Loudon and Monroe counties. He is the owner of Matlock Tire Corporation, which has locations in Lenoir City, Knoxville, Maryville, Athens and Hardin Valley. He attended college at both Middle Tennessee State University and The University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Matlock’s resumé in community and public service is extensive. Currently, he sits on the board for the Eaton Crossroads Ruritan Club, Loudon County United Way, BB&T for the Tennessee region and the Tellico Reservoir Development Agency. He was also a chair of the Loudon County Republican Party, and previously served in the Chamber of Commerce for Loudon, Blount, McMinn and Monroe counties.

Originally, Republican Stacey Campfield (Knox) and Democrat David Miller (Anderson) were also seeking McNally’s seat. However, in a brief conversation with Matlock on Monday afternoon, March 16, the local candidate shared with The News-Herald that Campfield has bowed out of the primary and will support Jimmy Matlock’s campaign — making Campfield and Matlock, as Jimmy calls it, “primary colleagues.”