Overview
- David Hann, a former state senator and ex–state GOP chair, announced his bid for the seat that Tina Smith will vacate in 2026.
- He is the first Republican in the race with prior elected experience, joining Royce White, Tom Weiler and Adam Schwarze on the GOP side.
- Hann says he will seek the party endorsement but will run in the primary even without it.
- He frames his campaign around affordability, accountability and safety, and he praises President Trump’s border policies as a model for curbing fentanyl and tightening immigration enforcement.
- Democrats including Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Rep. Angie Craig are competing for their nomination, with endorsing conventions set for May and possible August primaries, and reports suggest Michele Tafoya may consider a January GOP entry.