Tennessee House of Representatives District 59 in Tennessee State House District 59, Tennessee

2026 Primary Election

• Bill Hancock — Businessman in Nashville, TN

  Bill Hancock is a Republican candidate for the Tennessee House of Representatives, District 59, running in the 2026 primary. A 6th-generation Tennessean and native Nashvillian, he built a successful business career in healthcare and real estate after earning a business degree from the University of Tennessee. He is active in his community as a sports coach, usher captain, and leader in civic and veteran-focused charities, and is a proud parent of three children. Hancock, a conservative, advocates for capping property tax increases, cracking down on criminals, preventing illegal immigrants from settling in Tennessee, banning men in women's sports, improving infrastructure, boosting educational opportunities, and protecting seniors. He also pledges to support congressional term limits. He seeks to be a courageous leader who can work with the legislature to benefit all Tennesseans.

• Rick Ewing — Executive at Oracle in Nashville, TN

  Rick Ewing, a Democrat, is a candidate for Tennessee House of Representatives District 59. His decision to run for state office is rooted in personal experience, having spent twenty years advocating for families like his own after his son was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder. Ewing has served on boards dedicated to helping people with disabilities, the Governor's Workforce Development Board, the Nashville State Community College Foundation, and Meharry Medical College's capital campaign committee, working to bring high-tech jobs to the region. He believes the state government needs to work for all families, particularly those often overlooked, and aims to address underfunded programs. He plans to continue his role at Oracle if elected.

• Angie Lawless — Attorney in Nashville, TN

  Angie Lawless, a Democrat, is an accomplished entrepreneur, attorney, and longtime community leader running for the Tennessee House of Representatives, District 59. She is seeking to succeed retiring state Rep. Caleb Hemmer. Lawless advocates for leadership for Tennessee families, focusing on ending tax breaks for out-of-state corporations, protecting seniors from property tax increases, investing in reliable infrastructure, fostering smart growth and affordability, and ensuring affordable healthcare. She has been named a 2026 Gun Sense Candidate and won the Davidson County Democratic Straw Poll.

• Mark Proctor — Retired THP Lt. Colonel in Nashville, TN

  Mark Proctor is a Democratic candidate for the Tennessee House of Representatives, District 59, in the 2026 election. A retired Tennessee Highway Patrol Lt. Colonel with 25 years in government, he previously led the THP's handgun division. Proctor, also a stay-at-home dad, was spurred to run by concerns for public safety, especially school shootings, making it his foremost issue. He advocates for gun control improvements that respect responsible gun ownership. Other priorities include strong public education, investing in schools, addressing traffic, and protecting the community and environment. He emphasizes thoughtful leadership, supporting all Tennessee families, and advocating for LGBTQ Tennesseans.

• Beth West — Democratic Party organizer in Nashville, TN

  Beth West is a mother, community leader, and Democratic Party organizer running for the Tennessee House of Representatives, District 59. She decided to transition from her work in the nonprofit sector to advocacy and politics after experiencing the fear her children and their friends felt following a school shooting. This tragedy, along with the 2022 court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, are key animating events in her campaign. West emphasizes the importance of civic participation and is driven by a commitment to cultivate community, celebrate strengths, and care for neighbors, asserting that she won't quit in addressing these critical issues.