Here’s How the 2022 Elections Will Impact TNBA Members

While several significant shifts happened on the national level, Volunteer State elections offered few surprises as results were reported on November 8.

“There were no major upsets that would be a concern to TNBA members as far as policy changes,” says Levoy Knowles, TNBA government affairs director. “We’re fortunate the issue of reliable, affordable broadband runs across party lines. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Republican, Democrat or Independent, broadband is an important issue for the people you represent.”

Governor Bill Lee defeated opponent Jason Martin by a wide margin and Tennessee Republicans maintain supermajorities in the state House and Senate. For the upcoming 113th General Assembly, the House is now made of 75 Republicans and 24 Democrats. The Senate makeup remains 28-5. Additionally, each of the 4 Tennessee constitutional amendments passed.

“Governor Lee has been a champion for expanding access to rural broadband,” says Kim Adkins, Capitol Strategy Group principal. “He’s mentioned infrastructure as a top priority going into his second term, and we feel like we’re in a good position with the credibility we’ve built up with current leadership. We’re pleased to see they’re staying in their positions. It was a good night for TNBA members.”

Tennessee’s U.S. Congressional representatives are now made up of one Democrat and eight Republicans. Andy Ogles won the newly drawn district representing Nashville.

“We’re definitely pleased all of our legislative champions were reelected,” says Steve Butry, Capitol Strategy Group legislative director. “In Tennessee, like it has been the last few election cycles, most of the action was in the primaries.”