Elected Office · Federal
U.S. Senator
- Level
- Federal
- Area represented
- The entire state of Tennessee
- Term length
- 6 years
- Term limits
- None
- Election cycle
- Awaiting verification
One of 100 people who write federal law, confirm federal judges, and vote on treaties. A U.S. senator represents all of Tennessee — not a district.
A U.S. senator serves in Washington and represents all of Tennessee. A Tennessee state senator serves in Nashville and represents one state legislative district. These offices are often confused and have very different powers.
Main responsibilities
- Votes on federal legislation
- Confirms federal judges, including Supreme Court justices
- Confirms Cabinet members and other presidential appointees
- Votes on treaties
- Participates in impeachment trials
- Helps determine federal spending and taxation
- Helps constituents navigate federal agencies
What this office cannot do alone
- Cannot pass anything alone. One of 100. Most legislation also needs the House and the President.
- Cannot control state law, state taxes, or local policing. Those are state and local.
- Cannot control school curriculum. Education in the U.S. is overwhelmingly state and local.
- Cannot fix your roads directly. Federal transportation money flows through state agencies.
Questions voters should ask
- Which committees would you seek, and why?
- Which of your priorities need 60 Senate votes, and how would you get them?
- What is the actual federal role in the issue you are campaigning on?
On the 2026 ballot
Upcoming election: Tennessee State and Federal General — November 3, 2026
Candidates for the November 3, 2026 general election will be published here as they are verified against the official ballot.