Local and state leaders have mixed emotions about former president Donald Trump’s reelection.
Early Wednesday morning, it was announced that the Republican nominee had procured more than the 270 electoral votes needed to win against Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced on election day that he would be casting a vote for Trump and his running mate J.D. Vance in hopes of restoring “conservative leadership” in the White House.
Once it was announced that Trump was the winner, Lee congratulated him on what he called a “decisive victory.”
“There is no doubt our country will again be stronger with President Trump in office, and as a result, our children and grandchildren will enjoy greater opportunity, security and freedom,” Lee said. “President Trump will unify our country by strengthening the economy, securing our Nation’s border and restoring safety in our communities.”
It was also announced that Marsha Blackburn would be reelected to the Senate, prevailing against Rep. Gloria Johnson. As she celebrated her victory, saying she was excited to “serve in a Republican majority” and “defend conservative values,” she welcomed Trump back to the White House and said the “golden age of America is ahead.”
“Last night, the American people made their choice clear – now it’s time to rebuild our nation with President Donald J. Trump’s leadership,” Blackburn said.
David Kustoff, who had been reelected to represent Tennessee’s 8th congressional district for a fifth term, also celebrated Trump’s win.
“Congratulations to @RealDonaldTrump on being elected the 47th President of the United States! I am looking forward to working together to Make America Great Again!” Kustoff said via X.
While Trump’s reelection signifies a further lean-in toward conservative values — which some see as a win — others see this announcement as a disappointment, fearful of what his administration may mean.
Molly Quinn, chief executive director of OUTMemphis, called the outcome “dreadful” for the LGBTQ+ community. Quinn advised people to take care of themselves and promised unity for marginalized groups.
“Our solidarity is a foundation for our safety and our futures and that’s especially important for trans, Black and brown people, who are most at risk under a MAGA regime,” Quinn said. “[OutMemphis] will be fearless in our defense of one another, and we will hold safe and affirming spaces within our walls.”
Francie Hunt, executive director of Tennessee Advocates for Planned Parenthood (TAPP), called the result a setback and said it wasn’t what they hoped for. Abortion rights proved to be a major issue on the ballot this year. While abortions were outlawed in the state in the aftermath of Roe v. Wade, TAPP along with Planned Parenthood have continued to push for reproductive freedom.
“Let us grieve and then, we begin the fight again. Let this be a chance to rebuild and strengthen our movement. We may have lost this round, but we have not lost our resolve,” Hunt said.
Lisa Sherman Luna, executive director at the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, issued a statement recognizing the next four years as a challenge, but promising to fight back.
“Many immigrant Tennesseans left everything they know to make a better life for their families in our state and are more resilient than Donald Trump could ever imagine,” Luna said. “We’ve been building power and preparing for this moment for more than 20 years, and our members are ready to organize their families, defend their rights, and challenge these dangerous policies at every step. We’re ready to dig deep, fight back, and use every tool in our toolbox to make sure that Tennessee’s immigrant and refugee community has the freedom to thrive and live with dignity.”
