I have been
overwhelmed and deeply touched by the number of people -
many of whom I didn't previously know - who have
encouraged me to run for the 2nd congressional district
seat. This is a state and a community that I'm proud
of. I'm proud to have served the people of East
Tennessee in the Legislature. This is where generations
of my family have lived and where we raised our family.
My father started our family business here over 70 years
ago. I care about the people of East Tennessee and how
we are represented.
I have
always had a deep desire to serve the people of East
Tennessee. But I don't believe
serving in elected office is the only or even the best
way for me to serve in this moment. I try to do that
every day in my business, as a member of my community,
and in my role on the Tennessee Higher Education
Commission.
Our country
needs leadership but so does our community and that is
where I want to serve right now. As a business owner, I
see the extensive problems we face in higher education
and preparing the next generation of our workforce.
This shapes the future of East Tennessee - how our
community will grow, be led, and the opportunities our
children will have, here. I believe that's how I can
help make a real difference for the benefit of all
Tennesseans, and that's where l'll focus my public
service energies.
God
bless this great country and the people therein -
Jimmy
Matlock
Former
state Rep. Jimmy Matlock won't challenge
Congressman Tim Burchett in GOP primary
knoxnews.com-U.S. Rep. Tim
Burchett is safe from a Republican primary
challenge from a former opponent.
Jimmy
Matlock, the owner of Matlock Tire Service
and Auto Repair in Lenoir City and a former
state representative, teased a run in
January, telling Knox News former Burchett
supporters told him they wanted another
option.
But Matlock told Knox News on
Feb. 8 he won't enter the race.
"Gosh knows I want to," he said. "It
just felt like it wasn't the right thing
for right now. We prayed and talked it
(through), there's just a lot of things
that change throughout your life."
Matlock ran against Burchett in the
2018 GOP primary and received 36% of
the vote compared to Burchett's 48%.
The Knoxville Republican went on to
win the general election, and never
faced another primary challenger.
Some thought
2024 would be different because of
Burchett's controversial House
votes, including voting
to oust Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Burchett and seven other
Republicans faced national
criticism as it took weeks
of vicious Republican
infighting to secure
McCarthy's successor.
"I have always had a deep
desire to serve the people
of East Tennessee," Matlock
said in a statement. "But I
don't believe serving in
elected office is the only,
or even the best, way for me
to serve in this moment."