McNally announces retirement from Senate
Lt. Governor Randy McNally
He holds the Fifth District state Senate seat, which covers Anderson and portions of of Knox and Loudon counties
McNally had picked up a candidate petition Jan. 23, according to county Election Commission records.
The Republican leader, who has spent nearly 48 years in state elected office, made the announcement Feb. 26 on the Senate floor.
“It is a very difficult thing for me to do, but I’ve decided not to run for re-election in November … partially due to my wife [Janice] and my physical conditions, as we both realize our path [forward] is kind of short,” he stated.
“This will give us more time to spend together.”
McNally said he knew with the “leadership in this room, whoever is elected to lead, will lead with the appropriateness every speaker has in the past.”
“I can’t thank you all enough for what you have done for me and the prayers you have prayed for my wife, and I look forward to spending better time back home.”
McNally, who graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 1962, said in a separate statement:
“I was blessed to grow up in Anderson County, where the values of hard work, faith, and neighbor helping neighbor weren’t just taught — they were lived every day. It’s the place where I built my life, raised my family, and learned what public service truly means.
“Everything I have been able to do in the Senate has its roots in the people and the lessons of home,” he said. “Anderson County shaped me, sustained me, and will always be embedded deep in my heart.”
McNally said he’s proud of his work as a fiscal conservative in the General Assembly.
He was first elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives in 1978, and during his eventual four terms, served some time on the House Finance, Ways and Means committee.
After being elected to the state Senate in 1986, he went on to serve 26 years on the Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee, including 10 years as chairman.
“It has been the honor of my life to represent the people of my community and serve the people of Tennessee,” he said in a news release.
“My public service has been a team effort every step of the way. I offer my deepest thanks to the constituents I have served and the members and staff with whom I have collaborated.
“My aim each day was to leave my state and my community a little better than I found them,” he said. “Together, I believe we have done just that.”
During his tenure, McNally helped lead the General Assembly through a period of historic financial stability and economic growth, he said.
“Tennessee’s success is due in no small part to the people I have served alongside every day,” he said. “It is the result of disciplined budgeting, conservative leadership, and a steadfast commitment to our citizens.
“We have maintained balanced budgets, built one of the largest rainy day funds in state history, cut taxes to spur economic growth, and made strategic investments in education and workforce development.
“At the same time, we have strengthened public safety, kept our debt low, and ensured responsible spending,” McNally said.
“That is how you build a state that works not just for today, but for generations to come.
“I am proud to have been part of that effort.”
