Steve Southerland

Current office and 2026 campaign

Steve Southerland is a Republican member of the Tennessee State Senate representing District 9, which encompasses Cocke County, Greene County, Hamblen County, and parts of Jefferson County ⁵. He assumed office on November 8, 2022, after previously serving in the Senate from 2003 to 2022 ¹⁵. His current term is scheduled to end on November 3, 2026 ¹.

Southerland is seeking re-election to the Tennessee State Senate for District 9 as a Republican candidate ¹⁷. He is listed on the ballot for the Republican primary election scheduled for August 6, 2026 ¹. As of May 2026, the outcome of this upcoming election remains unknown ¹.

Background and education

Steve Southerland was born on March 8, 1955, in Morristown, Tennessee ³⁵⁷. He is a Baptist who attends Buffalo Trail Baptist Church ³⁷. Southerland attended Walters State Community College ³⁵⁷.

Career

Before entering public office, Steve Southerland worked as a mortgage broker¹. He is also a licensed real estate broker and the principal owner of Southerland Real Estate¹³. Southerland attended Walters State Community College³.

Southerland has served on the Tennessee Council for Career and Technical Education. He was first appointed to the council in 2018, with his term effective until June 30, 2019¹¹. He was subsequently reappointed by Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally, with a term continuing through June 30, 2027¹⁴.

Office history

Steve Southerland served in the Tennessee Senate from January 14, 2003, to November 7, 2022, representing the 1st district ⁵. During this tenure, he held leadership roles including Senate Deputy Speaker and Chaplain of the Senate Republican Caucus ³. He also chaired the Senate Energy and Environment Committee and served as Vice Chair of the Senate Transportation and Safety Committee ³. In 2018, he was appointed to the Tennessee Council for Career and Technical Education by Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, with his term effective until June 30, 2019 ¹¹.

Southerland assumed office in the Tennessee State Senate representing District 9 on November 8, 2022, following a victory in the 2022 election ¹. His current term is scheduled to end on November 3, 2026 ¹. He serves as Vice Chair of the Commerce and Labor Committee ⁷.

Prior to his legislative career, Southerland worked as a mortgage broker ¹. In 2014, he ran for Florida's 2nd Congressional District as an incumbent Republican but lost the general election to Democrat Gwen Graham, receiving 49.3% of the vote ².

Legislative record and accomplishments

Steve Southerland has served in the Tennessee State Senate since 2003, representing District 1 from 2003 to 2023 and District 9 since 2023 ⁵. He assumed his current term on November 8, 2022, following a victory in the general election that year ¹. During his tenure, he has held significant leadership roles, including serving as Senate Deputy Speaker and Chaplain of the Senate Republican Caucus ³.

Southerland’s committee assignments have shifted with redistricting and chamber leadership changes. In the 2023-2024 session, he was assigned to the Commerce and Labor Committee ¹. Previously, he served as Vice Chair of the Senate Transportation and Safety Committee and Chair of the Senate Energy and Environment Committee ³. He also held the position of Second Vice Chair of the Commerce and Labor Committee in earlier years ⁷.

In terms of legislative priorities, Southerland has been a consistent supporter of pro-life legislation. The Family Action Council of Tennessee awarded him a perfect score on its 2020 Legislative Scorecard, citing his support for bills such as SB 16/HB 1 (Tennessee Sports Gaming Act), SB 1257/HB 1029 (Human Life Protection Act), and SB 2196/HB 2263 (Governor Lee's Pro-Life Bill) ¹⁰. He has also supported measures related to conscience provisions for child-placing agencies and prohibitions on abortion advocacy in schools ¹⁰.

Southerland has advocated for workforce development, notably being appointed by Lt. Gov. Randy McNally to serve on the Tennessee Council for Career and Technical Education ¹¹. This council was established to advocate for quality programs that prepare students for postsecondary education and careers ¹¹. Additionally, he has supported legislation aimed at improving recycling markets, including bills that boost the state's role in connecting recycling programs with private buyers ⁸.

Southerland is currently running for re-election to represent District 9 in the Republican primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 ¹. As of May 2026, this election has not yet occurred, and its outcome remains unknown ¹.

Business interests and wealth source

Steve Southerland’s professional background includes work as a mortgage broker ¹. He self-describes his career experience in this field prior to and during his time in public office ³.

Southerland resides in Morristown, Tennessee, where he maintains a personal address at 4648 Harbor Drive ⁴⁶. His financial disclosures are tracked by LegiStorm, which notes the addition of thirty-five new personal financial disclosures for him in its database updates ⁹. Specific details regarding his business ownership stakes, family wealth sources, or significant sales of businesses are not provided in the available records.

Family

Steve Southerland is married to Cheri³⁵⁷. The couple has two children, Mattea and Mara⁵¹². While some sources list only one child, Mattea³⁷, other records confirm the existence of both daughters⁵¹².

Sources