I heard that Trump heard, Smokey was the fastest thing in Tennessee… and took that personally. Only on Rocky Top. 🍊🇺🇸 Go Vols!

Rep. Hicks and I have been out knocking doors for Rep. Lankford in Clarksville, and I can tell you one thing, Michael could not be stronger!  BTW… if you ever find yourself over that way in Clarksville, go eat some wings at Mr. Billy’s. Trust me on this one. They are amazing!

I have thought a lot about the Clancy case, and I keep coming back to the same place. Three children are dead. Three innocent children whose lives were taken by the very person they should have been safest with. I can have compassion for someone who is struggling emotionally or mentally. I can believe that a person can be deeply troubled, overwhelmed, and in desperate need of help. But, compassion for someone’s struggles cannot require us to forget the victims. Emotional struggles cannot become a common defense for killing innocent people. If we as a society dissolve that line, we are opening a door that will certainly lead to more victims. Capital punishment was not the only option here. There is an enormous distance between executing someone and holding them criminally accountable for taking three innocent lives. Yet here we are with a hung jury, and I struggle deeply with the precedent and the message that sends. Somewhere along the way, the perpetrator has become the victim and society is asked to see her primarily as one who is suffering, while three children who can never speak for themselves risk becoming almost secondary to the story. I also cannot help but wonder what message we are sending to the next generation. Justice has to mean something. Personal responsibility/accountability has to mean something. The lives of innocent children have to mean something. Can’t we be compassionate toward mental and emotional suffering without abandoning accountability for the choices people make and the lives they destroy? I also cannot escape this thought: If those had been the jurors’ own children, I have a hard time believing that jury would have remained hung for very long. When you picture your own child in the place of those three little ones, the conversation changes very pretty dang fast. My heart can break for a mother who was clearly struggling while still breaking first for the three children who lost everything. Those two things are not mutually exclusive. Mercy matters. Compassion matters. Mental health matters. But so does justice. If emotional suffering becomes enough to excuse the intentional killing of innocent people, we we will have to accept that the consequences of that precedent will not end with this case. Three children lost their lives. Whatever else we discuss, they should never become the afterthought.

My friend @GlennJacobsTN wrapped up eight years of service as Mayor of Knox County, and I was privileged to be a part of the celebration honoring him. Glenn has been incredibly successful in life, but one of the things I’ve always admired most about him is that success has never changed who he is. No matter the title, the position, or the spotlight, he has never become too important to be reachable or too big to be relatable. He is genuinely a great friend and public servant.

Y’all could get @flocksafety cameras to be taken down yesterday if you told democrat ran cities Flock uses Data Centers to store info.

The world mourns the loss of a Queen, but Dolly never wore a crown, because she never forgot where she came from. She belonged to Tennessee, but somehow she also belonged to everyone of us. She gave the world her music, her laughter, her bigheartedness, and a little piece of the Smoky Mountains everywhere she went. She showed us all that you can rise from almost nothing to the very top and still remain humble, kind, faithful, and proud of home. Today, Tennessee has lost our greatest daughter, and the world has lost a light that simply cannot be replaced. Long live the Queen!

To those who consider themselves “abolitionists” when it comes to abortion: To my friends who believe mothers who seek abortions should be charged with a felony, may I respectfully offer a few thoughts from Scripture? I believe abortion ends an innocent human life. I have spent much of my adult life fighting to protect the unborn, and I will continue to do so. But I also believe that our pursuit of justice has to reflect the character of Christ. Justice and mercy do not compete in Scripture. They are companions. The prophet Micah tells us to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). Paul reminds us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). If every person born and unborn is made in the image of God, then our response to abortion should defend innocent life while also offering hope, restoration, and forgiveness to mothers. That is why I would never support felony charges against women who have abortions. I believe those who perform abortions and profit from ending innocent life should face serious legal consequences. But I believe the mother should be treated differently. In many cases she is frightened, pressured, deceived, abandoned, or convinced that abortion is her only option. She needs someone to tell her the truth before the abortion and someone to help restore her afterward; not a felony conviction that follows her for the rest of her life. If abortion has already taken one life, I do not believe the answer is to permanently and completely damage another with a criminal record. Justice should protect life while leaving room for repentance, redemption, and restoration. One of my favorite stories in Scripture is the woman caught in adultery. She was dragged before Jesus by a crowd determined to see her receive the harshest punishment the law allowed. She stood ashamed, humiliated, and broken. Jesus responded with words that have echoed through history: “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone.” One by one, her accusers walked away. Jesus did not excuse her sin. He confronted it. But He also restored her dignity, extended mercy, and called her to a new life: “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and sin no more.” The pattern of the Gospel is truth followed by grace, conviction followed by restoration. So I would simply ask those advocating felony charges against mothers: Could you be the one to close the jail cell? Could you look a frightened young woman in the eye and believe imprisoning her is the justice Christ calls us to pursue? Could you do so while remembering your own need for God’s mercy? Finally, I would encourage my fellow Christians and conservatives to choose our battles wisely. Our goal should not simply be to make statements that generate applause from those who already agree with us. Our goal should be to save lives and advance policies that actually protect the unborn while helping mothers choose life. Let’s invest our energy in supporting pregnancy resource centers, strengthening adoption and foster care, encouraging fathers to accept responsibility, and creating communities where women know they are not alone. Those are the kinds of efforts that save lives and change hearts. We should never stop defending the unborn. We should never stop speaking the truth about abortion. But we should also never stop extending mercy, hope, forgiveness, and restoration to mothers. Jesus never lowered God’s standard of righteousness, but neither did He close the door to redemption. Neither should we. The Gospel never asks us to choose between protecting the unborn and extending mercy to the broken. It calls us to do both. May we be known as people who stand firmly for life while reflecting the heart of Christ. Truth without mercy becomes condemnation. Mercy without truth becomes compromise. Jesus embodied both and so should we.

Today is the day my little girl Beka Faison joins together as one with Mali. As I was considering this holy and sacred moment, I put a few thoughts down to send to Boo. She said I could share my thoughts with you: Good morning Boo Today, you become one with Mali, but you will never lose your identity. You are taking him as your partner for life, but he was never meant to be the source of your fulfillment. Mali cannot make your house a home, your heart a home, or your presence a refuge. Only the Lord can do that. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, you can become a refuge, a place of peace, and a resting place for your husband. As you draw your life, joy, and strength from Christ, those same gifts will naturally flow through you to Mali. If you look to Mali to be the one who makes you happy, gives your soul rest, or fulfills every longing of your heart, you’ll always come up empty. God never intended for one person to carry what only He can provide. Though the two of you become one, you still have your own identity, and that identity is found in the Lord. Your refuge, your joy, your peace, and your rest come first from Him to you, and then through you to your husband. I love you with all my heart, and I bless you in the mighty name of Jesus. May you experience a love deeper than you ever imagined possible. May you discover a joy that words cannot explain. May you soar through life with purpose, wisdom, and success. May you always remain humble, never forgetting the Giver of life, the Giver of love, the Way Maker, the Redeemer, and the Refuge of your soul. I’m so proud of the woman you’ve become. Today is the beginning of a beautiful new chapter, and I can’t wait to watch all that God does in and through your marriage. I love you forever.

Sixteen years ago, I was driving to Nashville as a brand-new State Representative. My wife and our kids were with me, and we were all excited to see the Tennessee State Capitol for the very first time. It was one of those moments our family will never forget. On that drive, my phone rang. It was Congresswoman @MarshaBlackburn calling to congratulate me. She welcomed me, encouraged me, and gave me her personal cell phone number. At the time, I had no idea that simple act would become the beginning of a friendship and working relationship that has lasted for 16 years. Since that day, I’ve called, texted, and met with Marsha more times than I can count. Whether I had a question about legislation, needed help for a constituent, or brought business leaders looking to invest in Tennessee, she has always been there. She answers the phone. She returns the text. She opens the door. That’s not something you can say about every elected official. People ask me why I support Marsha. Because I’ve seen who she is when the cameras aren’t rolling. She works. She prepares. She knows the issues inside and out. She has relationships in Washington and across Tennessee that can’t be built overnight. She understands our General Assembly because she served here herself. And through it all, she’s never forgotten where she came from or who she works for. I’ve watched her serve Tennessee for many years. That’s why she has my support, and I hope she’ll earn yours as well. Early voting is taking place right now.

The I 40 bridge over Douglas Lake is truly iconic and beautiful. Naming the bridge was my honor and I explained why the bridge is named after @realDonaldTrump at the sign unveiling.

Just in case you were wondering… my buddy Crawfish (John Crawford) will be back in Nashville representing Tennessee’s House District 1. It did my heart good today to see how well liked he is. Crawfish will continue the excellent job he’s been doing at our State Capitol.

For six years, this single penny has weathered every storm, sitting untouched in the very same curve of the Foothills Parkway in Cosby. I first noticed it in May of 2020, when the Covid pandemic was melting down the known world, while hiking the parkway to lose weight. Other than a brief time while the PKWY was being repaved, it has stayed a constant smile on my route. I’m often reminded it’s the simple things in life that can mean a lot.

YUGE news: My friend @KDCodyTN has secured @realDonaldTrump’s endorsement in the race to replace me as the next State Representative for Tennessee’s 11th House district!

Most of the theatrics we saw at the Capitol today were exactly that: political theater. But Democrat leaders whipped their followers into a frenzy. The Voting Rights Act was fundamentally flawed because it assigned greater electoral value to individuals based on their race. True equality demands that every citizen’s vote carry the same weight, regardless of background. Democrats are now experiencing the consequences of the very tactics they’ve long employed. In virtually every state they control, the Democratic Party has preserved its power through aggressive gerrymandering. In Tennessee, Republicans are finally drawing maps that reflect the actual conservative values of our voters— an opportunity we’ve rarely had before. Welcome to politics.

It’s always been political. It’s just never been this theatrical.

Really have zero $#!+s to give when the democrats scream about lines not being fair.

The reason the teachers’ union goes after conservative states like Tennessee is simple: It’s America’s most godless, woke organization. So it’s no surprise the NEA just published a smear on TN schools, and ranked us last in per-pupil funding. But it’s a lie. Raw spending numbers are twisted by NEA to mislead. New York spends more per pupil than any other state and 2-3x what TN does. But our teachers beat or match them with student performance scores. We’ve seen RECORD HIGH proficiency levels for reading and math in 3rd & 4th grade in the past couple years alone. Tennessee is making BILLIONS in smart investments in our schools and seeing real results. The teachers’ union spent the past decade pushing trans ideology, gay library books, DEI, and abortion in schools. With your tax dollars. And any “Republican” candidate that shares NEA junk, is likely not a Republican but a closet democrat. Our state will continue what we’ve been doing - actually delivering for our kids with Education Freedom Scholarships, teacher pay hikes, and ensuring parents get to make the decisions.

This is only one small difference in the left and the right. I never respected Obama’s decisions and I thought he was bad for America. I never understood Biden and certainly thought he was foolish. But, I nor any of my republican friends wanted them shot dead.

Words can’t fully express the love I have for our state, our community, and this institution of Tennessee state government. Last night, we gaveled out the 114th General Assembly, and I had the honor of making the final motion to adjourn. In that moment, I found myself both choked up and deeply humbled, grateful beyond words for the past 16 years of service. It has been the privilege of a lifetime, and one I will never forget.

If Washington, D.C. had more folks like my buddy @timburchett, two things would be certain: Congress would be a whole lot more entertaining And common sense might finally make a comeback in the Capitol Great having him in the House chamber today.

Turn 4 @ItsBristolBaby is worth the experience! You never know who you will run in to and the noise of the cars is life changing!

How the TN Democrats social media manager looks at you right before coming up with another tweet with a leash in it

Every Wednesday during session, the Governor hosts breakfast in his office for House and Senate leadership. This morning’s gathering felt a little bittersweet. Alongside @GovBillLee and @ltgovmcnally it marked our final breakfast together in this setting. It’s been a tremendous honor and one I don’t take lightly, for a country boy like me to have had a seat at that table.

Hiking in Nashville may not rival the beauty of my favorite trails in the Smokies, but a nighttime hike here still has its own remarkable vistas.

.@SecRubio realizing that he has to defend the 1st Amendment along with @ogafroman

“I know for certain, that before I was humbled I was like a stone lying in deep mire, and he that is mighty came and in his mercy raised me up and, indeed, lifted me high up and placed me on top of the wall. And from there I ought to shout out in gratitude to the Lord for his great favors in this world and for ever, that the mind of man cannot measure” St Patrick

Let’s go @Vol_Hoops!

Hey @WilliamLamberth and @JohnnyGarrett, did you know that the Cocke County ladies are about lay a whopping on the Gallatin ladies?

I had the privilege of meeting @LaraLeaTrump tonight. What an impressive, engaging, kind individual. She is also a terrific speaker-incredibly sharp and a joy to listen to.

Huge congratulations to @etsu! 1 step closer to the #socon championship! Blake Barkley is a beast!

Tuc turned 14 today—though as a leap day baby, he insists he’s only 3. All he wanted was to go fishing. I caught the smallmouth, so I’m up for now. 😎🎣 Happy Birthday Tuc!

It’s hard to chant “death to America!” when you’re dead. At least that’s what I’ve been told.

My friend, Lieutenant Governor and Senate Speaker Randy McNally is a true pillar of Tennessee politics. His decades of dedicated public service from his first election in 1978 through his leadership as the state’s highest-ranking legislative officer, have been defined by humble commitment, steady guidance, and outstanding stewardship of our state’s future. He’s left an enduring legacy of principled leadership, fiscal responsibility, and genuine care for the people of Tennessee.

.@miriam_faison you’ve been my Valentine for 25 years. Can’t wait for another 25 years!

.@miriam_faison and I recently finished @MarkBatterson book, The Circle Maker. I can’t recommend it enough. Since we are in D.C. we had to swing in and grab a cup at Ebenezers. IYKYK

It’s no secret that serving in public office means hearing from people who don’t always agree with your words or votes. That’s true for every legislator, regardless of party, and I welcome those conversations. That said, last night I received criticism about my hair for the first time ever. And in the interest of full disclosure, my wife happens to love my hair, which is the only opinion I value. Hope you are as entertained as my whole office was by this voicemail.

•   @VoteMarsha has built remarkable momentum, raising over $5.5 million in just five months since announcing her campaign for governor.    •   She’s been supported by more than 33,000 individual contributions, setting a new record for a gubernatorial campaign in a single reporting period.    •   The response has been so overwhelming that it even pushed the state’s outdated campaign finance reporting system beyond its limits.    •   During this reporting period, she raised 15 times more than any one else running.    •   The breadth of support is equally impressive, with Marsha earning the backing of donors by a margin of 42 to 1.    •   In fact, she raised more in her first reporting period than all of the previous gop gubernatorial candidates combined during the same period. You could just go ahead and get on #TeamMarsha. She’s going to be Tennessee’s first female governor.

The Tennessee State Blue Book, a treasured record of our state’s history, government, and civic tradition, is now available in its 2025–2026 edition. Constituents residing in Cocke, Jefferson, and Hamblen Counties are encouraged to contact my office at 615-741-6871 to request a complimentary copy while supplies are available. Serving you at our States Capitol has been a profound opportunity, and I remain deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in me.

.@GovBillLee final State of the State address is right now. This is also my final SOTSA as well. Greet amount of emotions for he and I. I can’t love my state or this amazing job I have had any more than I do!

Plenty of my friends have called and asked about the “Gorge” (I40 stretch between TN and NC, reports from both sides report the interstate is clear enough to drive slowly.

If you supported the Biden DOJ bringing charges against 55 pro-life individuals for actions at abortion clinics, then consistency would require supporting charges against Don Lemon as well. The FACE Act applies equally to churches and abortion clinics under federal law.

There’s something truly magical about snowfall in the Smoky Mountains. The entire area transforms into a winter wonderland, as every peak and valley becomes blanketed in pure white. One of my favorite sights is the Pigeon River flowing out of the Smokies.

My youngest son Tuc recently started a fishing channel on @YouTube. (It’s actually very entertaining) He asked me to go with him to the pond this morning. Turns out fish don’t bite through slush: piped.video/channel/UCXSJN9R…

My little mamma has a rental cabin and if you’re wanting to be in the Smokies during the winter time, check it out. I probably wouldn’t recommend the fire pit this weekend though: hospitablehomes.com/sunrise.…

Linemen cannot be overstated!