Tennessee’s 1st Congressional District House Race

Communities across Tennessee celebrated Dolly Parton's legacy on Sept. 25, 2026, after Gov. Bill Lee proclaimed the date "Dolly Parton 9 to 5 Day," referencing her hit song. Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell framed the day around Parton's kindness and generosity rather than her fame, with the city organizing kindness pledges, book giveaways, and Dolly-themed library cards tied to her Imagination Library, which distributes free books to children worldwide.

In Johnson City, East Tennessee State University hosted an open mic night celebrating Parton's creative spirit and encouraging students to make their own positive impact. Sevierville, her hometown, declared its own Dolly Parton Day, recognizing both her career and her support for the community, including the "My People Fund," which aided families after the 2016 Sevier County wildfires. The Dollywood Foundation also designated the date "Give Like Dolly Day," urging support for Imagination Library programs and encouraging broader charitable giving inspired by Parton's example.

Tennessee's 6th Congressional District holds a Nov. 3 election to replace Rep. John Rose, who gave up the seat for an unsuccessful gubernatorial bid. Democrat Mike Croley, a Navy veteran and former federal employee, is campaigning on affordability, government accountability, congressional term limits, a ban on lawmaker stock trading, and raising the federal minimum wage. Republican Johnny Garrett, a sitting state representative and attorney endorsed by Riley Gaines, backs President Trump's agenda, stricter immigration enforcement, barring transgender athletes from women's sports, and tax cuts. Both candidates support lowering costs, gun rights, and domestic job growth. Early voting runs through Oct. 29 in the heavily Republican-leaning district.

A multi-agency investigation into prostitution and human trafficking at massage parlors in Columbia, Tennessee has revealed indirect links to both campaigns for the state's 5th Congressional District. On September 9, authorities executed search warrants at seven locations statewide, arresting 10 women as part of a probe involving the Columbia Police Department, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, ICE, and other agencies.

Neither congressional candidate was implicated directly in the raid, but records show a building housing one raided spa, Sunshine/Red Fruit Spa, is owned by an LLC in which Columbia Mayor and Democratic candidate Chaz Molder holds a 25% stake. Molder's campaign said he had no knowledge of illegal activity and no authority over tenants; the LLC evicted the operator after learning of the violations. Separately, a paid contract worker for Republican candidate Charlie Hatcher's campaign was reportedly present during the raid, though he has not been charged. The Hatcher campaign confirmed the worker resigned and criticized Molder's ownership stake as undercutting his anti-corruption platform.