For more than 16 years, Tennessee has been governed by a Republican supermajority that promised to defend the Constitution and failed to do so. The result is not abstract, theoretical, or harmless. It is concrete, dangerous, and personal. And, worse, it was intentional.

By refusing to repeal or fix unconstitutional gun control statutes, Republican legislators and particularly legislative leadership has denied Tennesseans the full exercise of their Second Amendment rights and the full spectrum of lawful options to defend their own lives and the lives of their families. That denial is not an accident. It is not ignorance. It is the predictable outcome of deliberate choices made by legislators who had both the votes and the authority to act—and chose not to.

In August 2022, a three-judge trial court panel ruled that TCA § 39-17-1307(a) (“intent to go armed”) and TCA § 39-17-1311 (“parks”) are unconstitutional. They did this by applying the Supreme Court’s numerous decisions to these specific Tennessee laws. But, those statutes are only two examples within a larger statutory framework of Tennessee laws that create artificial “gun-free zones” and criminal traps that disarm the law-abiding while empowering criminals.  As you already know, Bill Lee and Jonathan Skrmetti have appealed that ruling.  Some Republican Legislators, like Representative Chris Todd, are supporting the appeal. Others, like Representatives Monty Fritts, Michelle Reneau, Todd Warner and Senators Joey Hensley, Brent Taylor, Page Walley and Ed Jackson signed letters calling for the state to accept the trial court's ruling.

Yet, Republican legislators have had years—not months—to repeal or correct these statutes. Bills were filed. Amendments were offered. Opportunities were abundant.

They were blocked.

For 16 years, Republican leadership and those loyal to leadership have:

When Republicans were in the minority, many told TFA plainly: “Give us the majority and we’ll fix this.”

They got the majority.
They broke their word. 

And, as a result the problems continue to exist.

These laws do not merely inconvenience Tennesseans and visitors to our state. They force law-abiding citizens into defenselessness, expose them to law enforcement detention and prosecution for technical violations, and limit their ability to respond to real-world threats.

Every legislator who voted to block repeal—or who hid behind leadership while it happened—has actively denied Tennesseans the ability to fully protect themselves. That is not conservative governance. It is dereliction of constitutional duty.

In 2026:

These officials have already told us who they are—not by campaign mailers, but by their actions.

TFA is no longer interested in promises or being controlled by demands that it be a “team player” with those who have repeatedly betrayed your rights. Accountability is now the only remedy.

TFA is calling on members and supporters to prepare for 2026 with purpose and resolve:

Leadership should have led the constitutional reforms that were needed. But Leadership is where these bills died. Leadership must be challenged.

It is critical to understand: TFA is not asking you to send this money to TFALAC.
This effort depends on direct, visible, grassroots support for challengers—support that incumbents and party leadership cannot ignore or neutralize.

You should reach out now to your own Legislators and ask them what they have or will do in 2026 to restore your rights and avoid the delay, cost and expense of using taxpayer funds pursue an appeal that seeks to impair your rights. 

If you do not know your Legislators (and have their cell numbers) you can look them up.  Find My Legislator

Then call them, send them a letter or an email and ask for a response.   A possible letter/email can be short and simple, such as:

"A three judge panel has unanimously concluded that Tennessee's "intent to go armed" and "parks" statutes are unconstitutional.   I agree!   Although Bill Lee and Attorney General Skrmetti have betrayed the constitution and are wasting taxpayer funds to fight against my rights, you have the power to fix this now and that is what I want you to do. 

I want to know if you have already filed or will file legislation to eliminate these unconstitutional statutes.  If so, send me a copy.  If not, why not? Please do not betray my constitutionally protected rights by ignoring this important and urgent need for legislative action."

The Republican supermajority has enjoyed 16 years of unchecked control. During that time, they preserved unconstitutional laws that disarm the innocent and embolden the criminal. They have also retaliated against some of their own peers who were working to change the laws and expose the ones where were blocking those efforts. That record cannot be explained away—and it cannot be rewarded.

2026 is not about party loyalty.
It is about constitutional loyalty.

Those who betrayed their oath must be replaced by those who will honor it.