Tennessee House of Representatives District 78 in Tennessee State House District 78, Tennessee

2026 Primary Election

• Perry Keenan — Small business owner in Ashland City, TN

  Perry Keenan, a Republican, is running for Tennessee House District 78, focusing on a brighter future for his community. A Cheatham County native and a 1989 high school graduate, he previously served on the Pleasant View City Council (2004-2008) and as Mayor (2012-2020), also chairing the Cheatham County Republican Party. His platform prioritizes banning state property tax, expanding school choice while fully funding public schools, and improving infrastructure like Highway 49 and Interstates 24/40 safety. Drawing on his small business background, he advocates for child advocacy and reducing regulatory burdens. Keenan lives in Ashland City with his wife, Misty, and their two children, aiming to advance district interests through collaboration with leaders.

• John Louallen — Candidate for Tennessee House of Representatives in Pegram, TN

  John Louallen is a Republican candidate for the Tennessee House of Representatives, District 78, in the 2026 election cycle. A longtime resident and former Mayor of Pegram, he has been actively involved in local civic and community affairs. Louallen declared his candidacy following the retirement announcement of incumbent Rep. Mary Littleton. He is running to represent the values of small towns and rural communities across Cheatham and Dickson counties, advocating for working families, small business owners, and the next generation of Tennesseans. He pledges strong, compassionate leadership to ensure district voices are heard and resources secured in Nashville. He has also signed a pledge supporting congressional term limits.

• Hillary Capes-Gwinn — Candidate for Tennessee House of Representatives in TN

  Hillary Capes-Gwinn is a Democratic Party candidate vying for a seat in the Tennessee House of Representatives, representing District 78. She is set to appear on the Democratic primary ballot on August 6, 2026, where she will be competing against fellow Democrat Aniya Farmer. Capes-Gwinn's candidacy reflects her commitment to serving her district within the state legislature and supporting pro-democracy initiatives.

• Aniya Farmer — Candidate for Tennessee House of Representatives District 78 in TN

  Aniya Farmer is a Democratic candidate currently running for election to the Tennessee House of Representatives, representing District 78. She is participating in the Democratic primary, which is scheduled to take place on August 6, 2026. Farmer is seeking her party's nomination for the state legislative seat.