Each cell paraphrases what the candidate says they will do, from their own campaign materials, questionnaires, or interviews. Rows are shared issue categories; only categories at least one candidate addressed are shown.
Issue
David Miller Democratic
Taxes & spending
End the state sales tax on groceries and require corporations to pay their fair share of taxes.[1][2]
Education
Oppose school vouchers and keep public tax dollars in public schools, create universal pre-K, and address the state's last-place ranking in per-pupil spending.[1][2][3]
No published platform found (checked October 13, 2026) for: Jimmy Matlock.
Jimmy MatlockRepublican
Lenoir City
Facts
Member of the Tennessee House of Representatives for District 21 (parts of Loudon and Monroe counties) from 2007 to 2018, serving in the 105th through 110th General Assemblies.[4][5]
Chaired the House Transportation Committee during the 2015 legislative session.[5]
Ran in the 2018 Republican primary for Tennessee's 2nd Congressional District and finished second.[5]
Owner of Matlock Tire, a business with locations in Lenoir City, Knoxville, Maryville, Athens, and Hardin Valley.[5][6]
Attended Middle Tennessee State University and the University of Tennessee.[4][5]
Why they're running
In his March 2026 announcement, he said many friends, neighbors, and supporters across Loudon, Anderson, and Knox counties had asked him to run after the incumbent announced his retirement, and that it is an honor to follow in the footsteps of a longtime friend. He said his family has served East Tennessee in business and public service for more than 60 years and is ready to answer the call again.[6]
Platform
No published platform found (checked October 13, 2026).
Arguments
Arguments for
No published arguments found (checked October 13, 2026).
Arguments against
No published arguments found (checked October 13, 2026).
Retired educator who taught for more than 35 years, including in public schools, correctional facilities, and a drug-abuse prevention center; chaired a special education department and taught English as a Second Language.[1][3]
Member of the Anderson County School Board (District 8).[1][3]
Has served as president of three local unions and was elected to the governing board of the Georgia Association of Educators.[1]
Why they're running
He says he has spent his life helping people learn and thrive and is running to fight for strong schools, tax-free groceries, and East Tennessee values that put people first. His campaign, built around the slogan "Let's send a teacher to Nashville," says he will fight for putting people over profits.[3][7]
Platform
Taxes & spending
End the state sales tax on groceries and require corporations to pay their fair share of taxes.[1][2]
Education
Oppose school vouchers and keep public tax dollars in public schools, create universal pre-K, and address the state's last-place ranking in per-pupil spending.[1][2][3]
Arguments
Arguments for
A lifelong teacher and current school board member, he would bring more than 35 years of classroom experience to the state's education decisions.[3][7]
Arguments against
No published arguments found (checked October 13, 2026).
Sources (7)
Listed in numeric order. Numbers match the markers in the text above.