Jimmy Matlock

Jimmy Matlock is a Republican candidate running for Tennessee State Senate District 5 in the August 6, 2026 primary [1]. He previously served in the Tennessee House of Representatives from 2007 to 2018, representing District 21 [1][9]. Born on February 5, 1959, in Loudon, Tennessee, Matlock attended Middle Tennessee State University and the University of Tennessee [1][9]. He is the owner of Matlock Tire Corporation, a business he has operated since 1982 [1][9]. During his tenure in the state House, Matlock served on several committees, including Insurance and Banking, Transportation, Commerce, and Consumer Affairs [1]. In the 2015 legislative session, he chaired the Transportation Committee [1]. He also held leadership roles within the party, serving as chair of the Loudon County Republican Party [6].

Matlock sought the Republican nomination for Tennessee’s 2nd Congressional District in 2018 but lost the primary to Tim Burchett [3]. The race was marked by heated accusations, with Burchett’s campaign alleging Matlock illegally used his business advertisements to promote his congressional bid [3]. Matlock had been endorsed by former Representative John Duncan Jr. and House Freedom Caucus Chairman Mark Meadows during that contest [3].

Following the retirement of Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally, Matlock announced his candidacy for State Senate District 5 in March 2026 [14]. He stated he was responding to requests from supporters across Loudon, Anderson, and Knox counties [14]. Former candidate Stacey Campfield withdrew from the Republican primary and endorsed Matlock [14]. Matlock’s community involvement includes board memberships with the Tellico Reservoir Development Agency, the Eaton Crossroads Ruritan Club, and the Loudon County United Way [6]. He is a member of the Church of Nazarene and has been married with three children [9].

Sources

• [1] Jimmy Matlock - Ballotpedia
• [2] Endorsements by Jimmy Matlock - Ballotpedia
• [3] Tennessee's 2nd Congressional District election (August 2, 2018 Republican primary) - Ballotpedia)
• [4] Hank Hamblin - Ballotpedia
• [6] Rep. Jimmy Matlock - Tennessee General Assembly
• [7] Rep. Jimmy Matlock - Representatives - TN General Assembly
• [8] Jimmy Matlock - Representatives - TN General Assembly
• [9] Jimmy Matlock - Wikipedia
• [11] Jimmy Matlock (@JimmyMatlockTN) / X
• [12] Jimmy Matlock in people
• [14] Matlock runs for Senate; Campfield bows out of primary | News | news-herald.net
• [16] State Representative Jimmy Matlock | BillTrack50
• [18] Rep. Jimmy Matlock | Tennessee 2013-2014 - Legislative Tracking | PolicyEngage

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 — search by last name on each.

Tennessee — campaign finance

• State offices (Governor, US Senate, US Rep, TN Senate, TN House, State Executive Committee) — Tennessee Registry of Election Finance. Click Search for Candidates and PACs, enter last name “Matlock”, and submit.
• Shelby County and municipal offices (County Mayor, Commissioner, Sheriff, School Board, court clerks, municipal alderman, etc.) — Shelby County Public Campaign Finance Portal. Select the election year and search by candidate name (“Matlock”).

Tennessee — statement of interest

• Required for state and local officials and candidates — Tennessee Ethics Commission Conflict of Interest Search. Enter last name “Matlock”and, if needed, select the applicable position.