Republican leader committed to serving House District 95 in Tennessee General Assembly
(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) — State Representative Kevin Vaughan (R-Collierville) today announced he will not seek election to fill the vacant District 32 State Senate seat.
The vacancy was created when former State Senator Mark Norris resigned to fill a West Tennessee U.S. District Court opening earlier this month. Norris was first appointed by President Donald Trump to fill the federal judgeship back in July of 2017 and submitted his resignation to Governor Bill Haslam on November 1, 2018.
Some media outlets have mentioned Vaughan’s name as a possible replacement for Norris; other political consultants have even viewed him as the frontrunner in the 2019 special election.
While Vaughan is grateful for the support he and his family have received as he considered running for the vacancy, future family commitments, as well as a powerful desire to continue serving the citizens of District 95 have strongly influenced Vaughan’s decision to remain in the House.
“I am incredibly honored that the men, women, and families of District 32 have encouraged me to explore the possibility of running for the vacant District 32 Senate seat,” said Representative Vaughan. “After careful thought and many discussions with my family, I know I can be most effective continuing on in my current role as a State Representative. The citizens of District 95 overwhelmingly supported my re-election efforts for this office earlier this year, and I am eager to get back to work and continue fighting for them. I know our newly elected leadership, as well as my Republican colleagues and I, will continue to find new solutions to better address the unique needs of our communities, Shelby County, and all of West Tennessee.”
“Kevin Vaughan has been a dedicated servant to his constituents and to our state since he was first elected to our General Assembly in 2017,” said Tennessee House Speaker-Elect Glen Casada (R-Thompson’s Station). “He has quickly become a legislative leader in our House Chamber and is highly regarded by his peers. I am pleased Kevin has chosen to remain in his current position, and I know the House will greatly benefit from his expertise and leadership on important issues impacting the entire West Tennessee region this year and in the years ahead.”
The 111th Tennessee General Assembly officially convenes at noon on Tuesday, January 8, 2019.