Tennessee Senate District 7 in Tennessee State Senate District 7, Tennessee

2026 Primary Election

• Richard M. Briggs — Incumbent State Senator in Knoxville, TN

  Richard M. Briggs is an incumbent Republican State Senator representing District 7 in Tennessee, first assuming office in 2014 and seeking re-election in the 2026 primary. A retired Colonel from the United States Army and a physician, he was born in 1952, is married to Stephanie, and identifies as Methodist. He plays a key role in the Tennessee Senate, chairing the State and Local Government Committee and serving as Vice-Chair of the Senate Rules Committee, as well as a member of the Transportation and Safety Committee. Senator Briggs actively engages with his constituents, frequently addressing local Republican clubs about legislative matters. His work reflects a dedication to state and local governance, transportation, and public safety.

• Kent Morrell — Small business owner and advocate in Knoxville, TN

  Kent Morrell is a Republican from Knoxville, Tennessee, running for the Tennessee State Senate District 7 primary on August 6, 2026. Born in Bristol and a University of Tennessee alumnus, he has owned a business since 1993 and been an advocate since 2015, serving on the Safe Access Tennessee board. Inspired by his personal experience using cannabis for pain relief, Morrell entered politics in 2019 to advocate for cannabis reform and promote what he calls "common-sense conservative policies," fiscal responsibility, and constitutional values. He previously won a seat on the Republican Executive Committee and is challenging incumbent Richard Briggs.

• Bryan Langan — Candidate for Tennessee State Senate in TN

  Bryan Langan is running for Tennessee State Senate District 7, advocating for accountability and affordability. A University of Tennessee graduate and Karns community resident, he draws on nearly three decades of blue-collar experience in service, management, and trades. Langan aims to prioritize the voices of Tennesseans over corporations and special interests, focusing on tangible benefits and countering divisive politics. His platform includes campaign finance reform to curb corporate influence, introducing term limits for state senators, representatives, and judges, defending rights including bodily autonomy, supporting workers' right to organize, and legalizing and taxing cannabis to fund infrastructure and education.