Tennessee
Tennessee Republicans could change law to prevent Democrat from running in two elections at once
Less than a year after Tennessee Republicans attempted to expel her from the state House, Democrat Gloria Johnson is seeking another term there while simultaneously waging an uphill campaign for U.S. Senate.
Republicans are trying to force her to choose one.
Voters might do a double take seeing a name twice on a ballot. But Tennessee and other states allow certain dual runs, and there have been prominent examples of them.
TENNESSEE DEM INTRODUCES BILL FOR ‘THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TAX’ ON FIREARM SALES
Republican state lawmakers are now considering a bill that would ban candidates like Johnson from appearing on the ballot multiple times for different offices in one election. It would also prohibit holding multiple elected offices at once.
Efforts to change the rules about how many times someone can seek office are usually ripe with consequences for political allies and enemies.
Just four years ago in Tennessee, Republican state Rep. David Hawk ran for reelection and Congress, landing back in the Legislature after losing the federal race. With Johnson’s double bid, she hopes to upset Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn, while running again in her Knoxville district.
Tennessee Rep. Gloria Johnson is seen announcing her candidacy for the U.S. Senate on Sept. 5, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, File)
Johnson isn’t buying arguments from the bill’s Republican backers that she didn’t inspire the proposed change to a longstanding law.
“That’s just a lie, because I kept hearing over the summer that if I ran, there would be a bill,” Johnson said, “And so I kept letting people know I just might run. And sure enough, there’s a bill.”
If Tennessee adds the restrictions, it would follow other states that largely bar someone from running for multiple offices in the same election — among them, Kentucky, Montana, Kansas and Oklahoma. Still, states with those limitations offer a safety net for running for a higher office in a different election year than when their seat is up for reelection.
The change would still stop short of so-called resign-to-run laws in place in Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Georgia and Texas, which work differently but generally prohibit current officeholders from running for another office while holding their current office, according to Uyen Vong of the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Even in states that restrict double runs, political decisionmakers at times have carved out exceptions to help candidates.
Florida lawmakers last year gave Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis a clear path to remain governor during his run for president.
When Republican U.S. Sen. Rand Paul was a presidential candidate in the 2016 election cycle, he helped convince Kentucky GOP leaders to switch from a presidential primary to an earlier caucus. That prevented him from appearing multiple times on one ballot in a state that bans it. Ultimately, Paul left the presidential race before the caucus.
Democratic-run New Jersey changed its laws in 2018 to clarify that U.S. Sen. Cory Booker could run for president and reelection in 2020.
Former U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan was on the 2012 ballot in Wisconsin for congressional reelection and as Republican Mitt Romney’s vice presidential running mate. Similarly, former U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman ran for Senate reelection in Connecticut in 2000 while he was Democrat Al Gore’s vice presidential running mate.
Blackburn’s campaign has cited Johnson’s dual candidacy in Tennessee to question the strength of her candidacy. Johnson has a contested primary election.
“If Gloria Johnson truly believes she will win the Democratic primary and general election in November, why is she running for both seats?” said Abigail Sigler, Blackburn’s campaign manager.
Republican state lawmakers who favor the ban have argued that winning twice often means abandoning the lower office, creating a costly special election. They contend serving in multiple offices can create abuse of power.
If she wins both races, Johnson would likely head to Washington and resign from the statehouse. She won her 2022 reelection by nearly 16 percentage points.
“She needs to choose what she’s really interested in and not use one as a safety provision in case she loses the higher office,” said Tennessee Senate Speaker Randy McNally.
Johnson narrowly escaped expulsion last year for her role in a pro-gun control protest inside the Tennessee House chamber.
The April demonstration came just days after a shooter opened fire at The Covenant School, killing three children and three adults. Johnson joined Democratic Reps. Justin Pearson and Justin Jones in the front of the House without permission with a bullhorn, joining chants by protesters in the public gallery and outside the chamber.
Pearson and Jones, who are both Black, were expelled. Johnson, who is white, was spared by one vote after her legal team argued her role was lesser, noting she didn’t use the bullhorn. Jones and Pearson have since been reappointed and reelected. They were dubbed the “Tennessee Three” and drew national attention and fundraising.
Republican lawmakers are considering changes that target Jones and Pearson, too. One proposes a constitutional amendment to keep expelled lawmakers from serving again for four years. Another would prevent local governments from reappointing lawmakers booted for behavior.
In California, a judge ruled Republican state Assemblymember Vince Fong could run for Congress and reelection to his state seat at the same time. Democratic Secretary of State Shirley Weber is appealing that ruling. Meanwhile, two Democratic lawmakers have authored related legislation.
One bill would clarify candidates can’t file paperwork for two offices in the same election. The other says if candidates file for a second office in the same election, they would automatically be withdrawn from the first office.
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Pennsylvania has likewise seen complications from lawmakers running simultaneously for reelection and higher office.
In late 2022, two just reelected state House Democrats resigned their seats after winning higher office — temporarily throwing a one-seat House Democratic majority into disarray and fomenting a weekslong power struggle.
A Republican-penned bill to ban the practice has gone nowhere in the House. Before the Feb. 13 deadline, no fewer than four House members running for reelection are expected to file to run for a second office in the spring primary election.
One of the nation’s fast-rising 7v7 events made it back to the Atlanta area as The Sevens 7v7 tournament was held at Peachtree Ridge High School over the weekend.
Many of the top organizations across the country registered and entered the tournament such as Hustle INC, C1N, NPA, 24K Cold Hearts, and Fast Houston.
The amount of star power each brand displayed with many of the top athletes from all of the country was insane to fathom.
One of the nation’s coveted 2028 cornerbacks was in attendance as Jermaine Cobbins and NPA showed up on a mission.
NPA earned the number 1 seed during pool play on the first day of the event. The team fell just short of the championship game, but the players went down swinging.
Vols on SI caught up with Cobbins to discuss any recruiting updates, and to shed light on an off-field story that deserves some attention.
Jermaine Cobbins Update
“The recruitment is going great,” Cobbins said.
“You know, a lot of teams are showing love,” Cobbins continued. Alabama, Vanderbilt, and Texas A&M were a few schools mentioned to be showing a lot of love to the Tennessee native.
Cobbins has plans to get on the road once dead period is over.
March 2- Auburn
March 6- USC (potentially)
March 13- Alabama
March 17- Georgia
March 19- Tennessee
March 21- Vanderbilt
As Cobbins is wrapping up his sophomore year and on his way to becoming a junior, the pace will pick up as schools will come on stronger as some will fall back. The talented defender has to check boxes of his on while spending time with each school.
“The main thing I’ll be looking for is probably how much love are they going to be showing, their background (track record), and how the coaches coach,” Cobbins explained.
With a visit to Rocky Top in a few weeks looming, this will be the first time Cobbins has made it to Tennessee since the staff changes on the defense.
Cobbins had a relationship with Coach Michael Hunter Jr., who joined the Volunteers staff for a very short time before taking an opportunity in the NFL.
“Me and the corners coach had a great relationship, he came (to UT) but he left out for the NFL, so kudos to him. Love that for him. I’ve met Coach Poindexter. He’s a great coach,” Cobbins said.
The coaching staff at Tennessee stands out to the Springfield (TN) student-athlete as, “they coach at a high level.” Cobbins would go on to describe how the Vols pulling in great talent truly has an impact because you get to practice against some talented players day in and day out.
Cobbins Gives Back
Cobbins recently had the opportunity to give back to the next generation, and it was no surprise to see this act carried out, so Vols on SI had to ask about this act of kindness before concluding the interview.
“That was very important (to me), you know. It just really made me feel good inside. I always love giving back to the little kids, especially from my hometown,” Cobbins said with a smile.
Cobbins understands the small-town life, and how such a simple gesture can make a huge difference. Talent aside, this is an A+ young man.
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Published on Mar. 4, 2026
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Vanderbilt basketball guard Frankie Collins is leaving the program, head coach Mark Byington announced on Tuesday night. The news comes just days before the Commodores are set to face off against Tennessee in the regular season finale, with the Volunteers looking to clinch a top-four seed and double-bye in the SEC Tournament.
Why it matters
Collins was Vanderbilt’s most highly touted transfer last offseason, but injuries limited him to just nine games this season. His departure leaves the Commodores shorthanded heading into a crucial matchup against their in-state rival Tennessee, who are seeking to complete a regular season sweep.
The details
The 6-foot-1 guard averaged 7.8 points, 4.7 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game this season, but suffered a meniscus injury in December that sidelined him for the majority of the year. With the emergence of sophomore point guard Tyler Tanner and Oklahoma transfer Duke Miles, Collins never quite found his footing in the Vanderbilt lineup.
- Frankie Collins left the Vanderbilt program on Tuesday, March 4, 2026.
- Vanderbilt is scheduled to face Tennessee on Saturday, March 8, 2026.
The players
Frankie Collins
A 6-foot-1 guard who was Vanderbilt’s most highly touted transfer last offseason, coming to Nashville after spending the 2024-25 season at TCU and the three prior years at Arizona State and Michigan.
Mark Byington
The head coach of the Vanderbilt Commodores basketball team.
Tyler Tanner
The sophomore point guard who emerged as a key player for Vanderbilt this season.
Duke Miles
An Oklahoma transfer shooting guard who joined the Vanderbilt roster this season.
Rick Barnes
The head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers basketball team.
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What they’re saying
“Frankie has left Nashville, and he’s not gonna be on the team. It’s gonna be good for both sides of it. We wish him well. So we’ll roll with the guys we got.”
— Mark Byington, Head Coach, Vanderbilt Commodores (rockytopinsider.com)
What’s next
With a victory over Vanderbilt, Tennessee will clinch a top four-seed and a double-bye in next week’s SEC Tournament. Vanderbilt could potentially earn a double-bye themselves with a win and a little extra help.
The takeaway
The loss of Frankie Collins leaves Vanderbilt shorthanded heading into a crucial matchup against in-state rival Tennessee, who are seeking to complete a regular season sweep. The Commodores will have to rely on the emergence of players like Tyler Tanner and Duke Miles to try and pull off the upset and keep their own postseason hopes alive.
Published on Mar. 3, 2026
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According to ESPN’s latest NFL mock draft, three former Tennessee Volunteers players are projected to be selected in the top 60 picks of the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Cornerbacks Jermod McCoy and Colton Hood are both projected to be first-round picks, while wide receiver Chris Brazzell II is projected to be a second-round selection.
Why it matters
The strong NFL Draft projections for Tennessee players highlight the continued talent development and success of the Volunteers football program under head coach Josh Heupel. If these projections hold true, it would mark the first time Tennessee has had two first-round picks and three players selected in the top 60 overall during Heupel’s tenure.
The details
Cornerback Jermod McCoy is projected to be selected 29th overall by the Los Angeles Rams, despite not participating in on-field workouts at the NFL Combine due to a previous ACL injury. Teammate Colton Hood is projected to be the final pick of the first round, going 32nd overall to the Seattle Seahawks. Wide receiver Chris Brazzell II impressed at the Combine with a 4.37 40-yard dash and is projected to be a second-round pick, going 60th overall to the Buffalo Bills.
- The NFL Combine was held in late February 2026.
- Tennessee’s Pro Day workouts are scheduled for the end of March 2026.
- The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in April-May 2026.
The players
Jermod McCoy
A cornerback for the Tennessee Volunteers who is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, despite missing the 2025 season due to an ACL injury.
Colton Hood
A cornerback for the Tennessee Volunteers who is projected to be a first-round pick, going 32nd overall to the Seattle Seahawks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Chris Brazzell II
A wide receiver for the Tennessee Volunteers who impressed at the NFL Combine with a 4.37 40-yard dash and is projected to be a second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
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What they’re saying
“If we’re going strictly by talent, McCoy is a top-10 prospect in this class. But he hasn’t played a game since 2024, missing all of last season after suffering an ACL tear in January 2025. We’re still not sure where he’s at in his recovery, as he did not participate in testing or drills at the combine. This gives the Rams — who haven’t drafted a corner in the first round since 2006 or before Day 3 since 2019 — the potential to get a steal here. McCoy is an easy mover who has squeaky-clean technique.”
— Jordan Reid, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)
“The reigning champions have a clear need at corner, as Josh Jobe and Riq Woolen are both scheduled to be free agents. Hood is a scheme-versatile player who can thrive in press man while also having the fluidity to excel in zone. A former all-state center fielder in high school, Hood’s ball skills frequently show up on tape (10 pass breakups and an interception last season). With his poised technique and wrap-up-and-finish tackling, he would fit well on the outside of Mike Macdonald’s secondary.”
— Jordan Reid, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)
“The Bills need someone who can separate on the outside, and Brazzell is an ‘X’ receiver who can be a deep vertical threat. He can also sink his weight and run a true route tree, making him a good fit with quarterback Josh Allen.”
— Jordan Reid, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)
What’s next
Tennessee’s Pro Day workouts are scheduled for the end of March 2026, where McCoy plans to participate in on-field drills to further showcase his recovery from the ACL injury. Strong performances at the Pro Day could potentially push McCoy back up draft boards into the top half of the first round.
The takeaway
The strong NFL Draft projections for Tennessee players demonstrate the continued talent development and success of the Volunteers football program under head coach Josh Heupel. If these projections hold true, it would mark a significant milestone for the program, with Tennessee potentially having two first-round picks and three players selected in the top 60 overall for the first time during Heupel’s tenure.
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