Democrat Roy Herron dropping out of Tennessee governor’s race to run for Congress
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Democratic state Sen. Roy Herron tells The Associated Press he is dropping his gubernatorial bid to instead seek the northwest Tennessee congressional seat being vacated by Rep. John Tanner.
Herron, a Dresden attorney, said in a phone interview Tuesday night that representing the 8th Congressional District has long been a goal of his.
Tanner announced he won’t seek election to a 12th term next year.
Herron was one of five Democrats seeking the nomination to succeed term-limited Gov. Phil Bredesen.
In Herron’s words: “In the morning, instead of campaigning in 95 counties, I’ll be focused on the counties in the 8th Congressional District.”
Former state House Transportation Chairman Phillip Pinion of Union City says he is also strongly considering a bid for the Democratic nomination.
