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Dan Howell
Office history
Current office and 2026 campaign
Dan Howell is a Republican member of the Tennessee House of Representatives representing District 22, which includes Meigs and Polk counties along with portions of Bradley County 1214. He first assumed office in September 2013 after winning the August 2014 general election 46. His current term is scheduled to end on November 3, 2026 1.
Howell announced his candidacy for re-election to represent District 22 in the Tennessee House of Representatives during the 2026 cycle 1. He is listed as a Republican candidate on the ballot for the state house race 5. The upcoming Republican primary election for this seat is scheduled to take place on August 6, 2026 1.
In his current legislative role, Howell serves as the Chairman of the Transportation Committee and holds membership on the Calendar & Rules Committee, the Elections & Campaign Finance Subcommittee, and the State & Local Government Committee 13. During the 108th General Assembly, he co-sponsored House Bill 2506, which aims to enhance privacy protections for law enforcement officers engaged in high-risk operations 12. In March 2026, he received the Legislator of the Year award from the County Officials Association of Tennessee 14.
Background and education
Dan Howell was born on October 1 in Gilmore, Arkansas 3. He first moved to Cleveland, Tennessee, in 1971 after graduating from the Radio Engineering Institute in Kansas City, Missouri 11. He later attended Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee 3.
Howell self-describes as a member of the First Baptist Church in Cleveland, Tennessee 3.
Career
Dan Howell moved to Cleveland, Tennessee, in 1971 after graduating from the Radio Engineering Institute in Kansas City, Missouri 11. Prior to his political career, he worked as an anchor for WDE 11. He later served as the Executive Assistant to Bradley County Mayor Gary Davis for a significant period 89.
In addition to his government service, Howell has held various community leadership roles. He has served on the board of directors for the Bradley/Cleveland Chamber of Commerce and the Cleveland/Bradley Greenway Board 1. He is also a past member of the board of directors for the American Red Cross, Hiwassee Chapter 3.
Howell identifies as retired in his official legislative biography 3. He is a graduate of Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee 3.
Office history
Dan Howell announced his campaign for the Tennessee House of Representatives District 22 seat in November 2013, taking a leave from his position as Executive Assistant to Bradley County Mayor Gary Davis 89. He won the Republican primary in August 2014 and assumed office in September 2013, succeeding Eric Watson 46. Howell serves a two-year term for District 22, which includes Meigs and Polk counties and portions of Bradley County 27.
He was re-elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives in November 2016 7. As of May 2026, his current term is scheduled to end on November 3, 2026 1. Howell serves as Chairman of the Transportation Committee and holds membership on the Calendar & Rules Committee, Elections & Campaign Finance Subcommittee, State & Local Government Committee, and Transportation Subcommittee 13. In March 2026, he co-sponsored House Bill 2506 to enhance privacy protections for law enforcement officers 12.
In November 2025, Howell was re-elected to another two-year term in District 22 14. He is currently on the ballot for the Republican primary election scheduled for August 6, 2026, seeking re-election to represent District 22 1.
Legislative record and accomplishments
Rep. Dan Howell serves as Chairman of the Transportation Committee and holds membership on the Calendar & Rules Committee, the Elections & Campaign Finance Subcommittee, and the State & Local Government Committee 13. In March 2026, he co-sponsored House Bill 2506 with House Speaker Cameron Sexton to advance privacy protections for law enforcement officers in limited or undercover circumstances, including during immigration enforcement operations 12.
Howell has consistently supported conservative policy measures, voting in favor of legislation such as the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act (SB 16/HB 1), the Human Life Protection Act (SB 1257/HB 1029), and Governor Leeβs Pro-Life Bill (SB 2196/HB 2263) 15. His legislative record also includes support for the Business Protection Act (SB 364/HB 563) and the School Protection Act (SB 1499/HB 1274) 15.
In recognition of his service, Howell was named Legislator of the Year by the County Officials Association of Tennessee 14. He describes himself as a dedicated public servant who prioritizes constituent engagement and accessibility for the residents of Meigs, Polk, and Bradley Counties 10.
Family
Howell is married and has three children 34. He moved to Cleveland in 1971 after graduating from the Radio Engineering Institute in Kansas City, Missouri 11. In November 2013, he announced his campaign for State House District 22, stating that the community had supported his family during "trying times" and that he sought an opportunity to repay them 89.
Sources
Public filings
Candidates and officeholders are required by law to file campaign finance reports and statements of economic interest. The sites below don't support direct links to an individual record β search by last name on each.
Tennessee β campaign finance (search)
- State offices (Governor, US Senate, US Rep, TN Senate, TN House, State Executive Committee) β Tennessee Registry of Election Finance. Click Search for Candidates and PACs, enter last name “Howell”, and submit.
- County and municipal offices (County Mayor, Commissioner, Sheriff, School Board, court clerks, municipal alderman, etc.) β most major TN counties use the EasyVote portal. Select the relevant county and search by candidate name (“Howell”).
Tennessee β statement of interest
- Required for state and local officials and candidates β Tennessee Ethics Commission Conflict of Interest Search. Enter last name “Howell”and, if needed, select the applicable position.