In this edition:
- Unity Soundbites from the TNGOP Statesmen’s Dinner
- Honoring a legend – “Iron Lady” Mae Beavers
- Six Potential Contenders for U.S. District 6 Congressional Seat
- Upper Cumberland Events and Meetings
Soundbites from the TN GOP Statesmen’s Dinner
The 1700 smiling Republicans at last Saturday evening’s TN GOP Statesmen’s Dinner are all over social media. TNGOP has posted the full program on YouTube. Kudos to Scott Golden, TNGOP chair, and Ginger Morrow, Operations Director, for putting together a wonderful evening to celebrate and prepare for 2026. The theme for the evening was the Golden Age of Tennessee, but I recognized another recurring theme.
Unity. Not only unity but also our source for unity – God Almighty.
John DeBerry, Senior Advisor to Governor Lee and former State Representative sought God’s mercy and grace during the opening prayer, “We come as grateful recipients of your abundant blessings…Father, we are reminded of Your Son’s words, repeated by President Lincoln, that a house divided against itself cannot stand. So Father, we pray for unity. Keep us together. Keep us strong. Make us act as brethren.”
Keynote U.S. Speaker Mike Johnson highlighted, “Our freedom comes from God, and our responsibility ultimately is to Him,” Johnson said. “It transcends the civil authorities. It goes to our Creator Himself, my friends. That’s the birth certificate of your nation. You cannot forget it.”
U.S Congressman John Rose, 2026 candidate for Tennessee Governor recognized Tennesseans strength over hundreds of years, “Life was not always as easy as it is for us today. But through faith, Tennesseans persevered. We have always been a people with tremendous faith in our God. Unshakable, unyielding faith.”
Tennessee Speaker of the House, Cameron Sexton, opened his remarks by sharing a quote from Ronald Reagan, uttered shortly after he became a Republican.
Speaker Sexton went on to say, “We [the Republican Party] are the party of hope. And we will not achieve our destiny if we cannot unite our party. We are bigger than name calling and attacking one another. Our demise will be when we divide ourselves rather than pulling ourselves together…and isn’t it great that we have a God that says you don’t have to be perfect to claim Him as your Savior and Lord. I guarantee you, all of us in this room, there’s not a single thing that we’re all going to agree upon 100% of the time. And that’s what makes us great. But I’m sure happy that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ does not require us to be perfect because we would never have the opportunity to meet him at the right time.”
Honoring former State Senator Mae Beavers, 6th Congressional District Statesman of the Year
“Often times, those who deserve the most credit are the last to claim it. Humility is a rare thing in today’s world. So, it was my honor to give the 2025 Statesman of the Year Award to a humble and dedicated conservative warrior: Mae Beavers.
“Mae has never let the prospect of a good fight run her off. In fact, she was the first Republican state legislator to openly oppose the state income tax. In doing so, Senato”r Beavers set off a tidal wave of opposition that was supported by fellow legislators and hundreds of dedicated horn-honkers.
“Without question, Mae Beavers stood in the breach when it mattered most. Thank you, Mae!” Congressman John Rose
Six Contenders for District 6 Congressional Seat
Six Republican candidates have entered the race for the open 6th District Congressional Seat. One of the candidates has not established a campaign site and another does not appear to have a bona fide Republican voting history. Watch this space for updates regarding candidate announcements.
Dale Braden, Retired U.S. Army – Dale has experience across a wide range of industries including roles in the federal government, higher education, manufacturing, non-profits, and, for the past 20 years, the healthcare sector. Read more here => website
Brad Gaines, has filed for the congressional race. Little is known about Mr. Gaines current occupation. A well-known Vanderbilt athlete and father of nationally renowned speaker, Riley Gaines, a campaign website has not yet been established.
Johnny Garrett, is serving in his third term as District 45 Representative in the Tennessee general assembly and a practicing lawyer in Sumner County. Mr. Garrett will not be able to run for reelection as state representative concurrently with the congressional candidacy. Read more here => website
Jon Henry, SgtMaj USMC (ret) was the first to make his official announcement to run for Congress in May. Raised on a farm in Smith county, Mr. Henry served 27 years in the Marine Corps, currently teaches leadership theory and best practices at Bridgestone, is pursuing a PhD in Organizational Leadership while continuing as a farmer in Smith County. Read more here =>website
Van Hilleary kicked off his campaign in July in Sumner County. Van Hilleary, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Air Force Reserve, previously served in the U.S. House as District 4 Congressman and a part of the 1994 Contract with America, leading to a Republican majority for the first time in 40 years. He most recently served as District 6 Congressman John Rose’s Chief of Staff. Read more about Van Hilleary here => website
Joe Reid, an entrepreneur from Crossville, TN has announced a bid for the open congressional seat. At this time, his Republican available voting history is insufficient to be a bona fide Republican candidate.
Reagan Day Dinners
Warren County Reagan Day Dinner – September 26th at The Magnolia Center
6 – 8 pm, Doors open at 5:15pm
5557 Smithville Highway McMinnville, TN 37110
You’re invited to join us for a spectacular evening at the WCRP Reagan Day Gala. Prepare yourself for an enchanting night filled with amazing speakers including: Congressman John Rose, Dr. Omar Hamada, Hannah Faulkner, and Jan. 6th Patriot Colton McAbee. Hear their inspiring stories and get connected with fellow Christian Conservatives. Space is limited so get your tickets now! Just follow the link below to purchase tickets:
Warren County GOP Dinner ticket link
Overton County Reagan Day Dinner – October 25th
Social Hour at 5pm, Dinner and Program at 6 pm
Program: US Congressman John Rose
Rotary Ag Building at the Overton County Fairgrounds
Tables of 8 for $300 Individual seats available at $40 each
Contact: Dr. Michael T. Cox (931) 397-2681
UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS
Monthly GOP Meetings
Putnam County GOP – Tuesday, September 2nd @ 5:30 pm FB link
Potluck at 5:30 pm (please bring sides or desserts)
Program: Van Hilleary, candidate for U.S. Congress, District 6, Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter, Jordan Iwanyszen, candidate for Putnam County Trustee
90 E Spring St, Cookeville, TN 38501
Cumberland Co Republican Women – Saturday, September 6th @ 10:30 am FB link
Doors open at 10:30 am
Program: “It Matters Who Governs, Part 3” – State Representative Elaine Davis
Fairfield Glade Druid Hills Library
455 Lakeview Dr., Crossville, TN 38555
Rep. Women of the Upper Cumberland – Tuesday, September 9th @ 12:00 pm (noon) FB link
Program: Wayne Nabors, County Clerk and Charlotte Sanders, President, Putnam County Exchange Club
RSVP: tnrwuc.org
J&S Construction Building – Conference Room (Behind Holiday Inn)
1844 Foreman Dr., Cookeville
Overton County GOP – Tuesday, September 9th @ 6:30 pm FB link
Program: State Senator Ken Yager
Livingston-Overton Chamber of Commerce
222 East Main St
Livingston, TN
White County GOP – Monday, September 22nd @ 6:00 pm FB link
Program: Pastor Shahram Hadian, founder of Truth in Love Ministry
“Islamic Sabotage & Our Response”
3rd Floor, White County Courthouse
1 East Bockman Way, Sparta, TN38583
Jackson County GOP – Tuesday, September 23rd @ 6:30 pm FB link
Potluck at 6:30 pm, Meeting at 7 pm
New Hope Baptist Church
311 N. Murray St, Gainesboro TN 38562
Smith County GOP – No meeting scheduled for September FB link
Currently meeting every other month – next meeting in October
Smith County Chamber of Commerce
939 Upper Ferry Rd, Carthage, TN 37030
Warren County GOP – no meeting in September due to Reagan Day Dinner FB link
Program TBA
Warren County Admin building, Early Voting room
201 Locust Street McMinnville, TN 37110
Van Buren County GOP – No meeting in September FB link
Cumberland County GOP – Tuesday, September 23rd @ 6 pm FB link
Program TBA
Cumberland County Complex
1398 Livingston Rd, Crossville, TN 38571
