News Summary
Former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry has announced her decision not to run for the congressional seat vacated by U.S. Rep. Mark Green. In a recent social media video, Barry highlighted the timing as unsuitable for her family and criticized Green for his resignation, calling him a ‘quitter.’ Despite encouragement from supporters to run, Barry has committed to backing the eventual Democratic nominee in the upcoming special election. The election is expected to attract several Republican candidates as well.
Nashville – Former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry has announced that she will not run for the U.S. congressional seat vacated by U.S. Rep. Mark Green. Barry shared her decision through a social media video, stating that the timing is not suitable for her and her family. In her announcement, she criticized Green, labeling him a “quitter” for stepping back from his position.
Barry, a Democrat, previously faced Green in the November election, where she received only 38% of the vote compared to Green’s 59%. Green, a three-term Republican representative, initially declared his intention not to seek reelection in February of the previous year, prompting speculation about his future political career. Influential figures within the Republican Party, including former President Donald Trump, encouraged Green to rethink his decision in an effort to preserve the party’s slim majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. Just seven months after defeating Barry, Green announced his retirement from Congress.
This week, Barry revealed that several supporters had urged her to contend for the congressional seat, but she ultimately chose not to enter the race. She expressed her appreciation for the backing she received and encouraged them to support the eventual Democratic nominee in the upcoming special election.
The special election for the congressional seat is anticipated to take place later this year and will represent rural areas in middle and west Tennessee, including Montgomery County and parts of Davidson and Williamson counties. As it stands, there are several Republican candidates who have declared their intention to run for the seat. These include state Rep. Jody Barrett, Rep. Jay Reedy, combat veteran Matt Van Epps, Montgomery County Commissioner Jason Knight, and U.S. Army Officer John Thorp.
On the Democratic side, state Rep. Bo Mitchell from Nashville is currently the only declared candidate for the congressional seat.
Background on Megan Barry
Megan Barry served as mayor from 2015 until 2018, when she resigned after pleading guilty to felony theft related to an affair with a member of her security detail. Barry’s mayoral tenure was marked by both achievements and controversies, making her a well-known figure in Nashville politics. Despite her previous electoral defeat to Green and the public scrutiny that followed her resignation, Barry has remained engaged in political discourse.
Mark Green’s Political Journey
Mark Green, age 60, has had a significant career in politics, having been elected to Congress in 2018. His initial announcement regarding not seeking reelection was met with mixed reactions, especially as Republican leaders attempted to rally him back into the race. His subsequent retirement announcement raised questions about the future representation for the areas he served, leading to the call for a special election.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming special election presents an opportunity for both parties to influence the political landscape in Tennessee. The eventual nominees will have to address key issues affecting their constituents while also navigating the dynamics of a changing political environment. With several Republican candidates already in the race, the Democratic Party will focus on consolidating support behind their single candidate.
As Nashville and its surrounding regions prepare for this election, the community’s active participation will be essential in shaping their representation in Congress. The unfolding political race signals an important chapter for both local governance and the broader national dialogue as officials and voters engage in this democratic process.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Tennessean: Nashville’s Megan Barry will not run for Congress
- Axios: Megan Barry and the Congressional Race in Tennessee
- Nashville Scene: Opinion on Megan Barry’s Book
- News Channel 5: Voter Guide on Megan Barry
- Wikipedia: Megan Barry
- Google Search: Megan Barry
Author: HERE Nashville
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