Tennessee Lt. Gov. Randy McNally Announces Retirement

Longtime Republican lawmaker and Senate leader will not seek reelection in 2026.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Randy McNally, the Republican lieutenant governor of Tennessee and leader of the state Senate since 2017, announced that he will not be running for reelection in 2026. McNally cited a "full heart and deep sense of gratitude" for his time in public service as the reason behind his decision to retire.

Why it matters

McNally's retirement marks the end of an era in Tennessee politics. As a longtime Republican leader, his departure will likely have significant implications for the state's political landscape and power dynamics in the state legislature.

The details

McNally has served in the Tennessee Senate since 1987 and has been the lieutenant governor and Senate leader since 2017. In his announcement, he expressed gratitude to his constituents and colleagues, saying "It has been the honor of my life to represent the people of my community and serve the people of Tennessee."

  • On February 26, 2026, McNally announced he will not seek reelection in 2026.

The players

Randy McNally

The Republican lieutenant governor of Tennessee and leader of the state Senate since 2017, who announced he will not seek reelection in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“It has been the honor of my life to represent the people of my community and serve the people of Tennessee. It is with a full heart and a deep sense of gratitude that I announce I will not be a candidate for the state Senate in 2026.”

— Randy McNally, Lieutenant Governor of Tennessee (Twitter)

What’s next

McNally's retirement will set off a competitive Republican primary to determine his successor as lieutenant governor and Senate leader.

The takeaway

McNally's retirement marks the end of an era in Tennessee politics and will likely have significant implications for the state's political landscape going forward.