Richard M. Briggs
Candidate for State Senator, 7th District
Background
- Occupation
- State senator; physician
- Lives in
- Knoxville
- Campaign website
- briggsforsenate.com
Heart and lung surgeon and retired U.S. Army colonel who has represented Senate District 7 since 2015 (109th-114th General Assemblies) and chairs the Senate State and Local Government Committee. Served on the Knox County Commission before that.
Documented positions
Taxes & budget
Proposes cutting taxes and regulation to ease living costs.
VOTE411 answer; he listed the cost of living, housing and inflation as his first priority.
ReportVOTE411 Voter Guide: Tennessee Senate District 7 (candidate questionnaire)Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“cut taxes to put more money in our citizens’ pockets”
Public safety
Sponsored law regulating and taxing hemp-derived cannabinoid products.In office
Prime sponsor of SB1413 in the 114th General Assembly (2025-2026). Enacted (Public Chapter 526); it creates licenses and taxes and puts the products under the Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
ReportLegislation sponsored by Senator Richard Briggs, 114th General AssemblyGovernment record · Tennessee General Assembly · Bills Sponsored: SB1413 · wapp.capitol.tn.gov
“provides for the regulation of the manufacturing, supplying, wholesale distribution, and retail sale of hemp-derived cannabinoid products”
Roads & infrastructure
Pledges to address congestion on interstates and main roads.
ReportVOTE411 Voter Guide: Tennessee Senate District 7 (candidate questionnaire)Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“Traffic congestion on our interstate highways and main roads has become a quality of life issue.”
Health & human services
Supports expanding health care access for the uninsured.
ReportIssues - Dr. Richard Briggs, Tennessee SenateCampaign website · Briggs for Senate · briggsforsenate.com
“He has worked tirelessly to improve access to health care for the uninsured and for Tennesseans in underserved areas.”
Opposes abortion, euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide.
ReportIssues - Dr. Richard Briggs, Tennessee SenateCampaign website · Briggs for Senate · briggsforsenate.com
“co-sponsored the Tennessee Human Life Protection Act for the protection of the unborn and also opposes euthanasia and physician assisted suicide”
Government & transparency
Sponsored law requiring E-Verify checks by all government employers.In office
Prime sponsor of SB1922 in the 114th General Assembly (2025-2026). Enacted (Public Chapter 772); local governments that do not comply can lose state funds.
ReportLegislation sponsored by Senator Richard Briggs, 114th General AssemblyGovernment record · Tennessee General Assembly · Bills Sponsored: SB1922 · wapp.capitol.tn.gov
“all state and local governmental employers to verify the work authorization status of each prospective employee through the federal E-Verify program”
Other issues in this race
Other candidates in this race addressed these topics. We found no documented position from Richard M. Briggs on them.
- Courts & justiceNo documented position found.
All sources (8)
- November 3, 2026 State and Federal General Election Candidate Lists (Knox County offices and districts)
Election filing · Tennessee Secretary of State, Division of Elections · sos.tn.gov
- Precinct Sample Ballot, November 3, 2026 State and Federal General Election, Knox County, Tennessee (revised; no municipal candidate contests)
Election filing · Knox County Election Commission · knoxcounty.org
- November 3, 2026 State and Federal General Election Candidate Lists
Election filing · Tennessee Secretary of State, Division of Elections · sos.tn.gov
- Senator Richard Briggs, member page, Tennessee General Assembly
Government record · Tennessee General Assembly · wapp.capitol.tn.gov
- About - Dr. Richard Briggs, Tennessee Senate
Campaign website · Briggs for Senate · briggsforsenate.com
- VOTE411 Voter Guide: Tennessee Senate District 7 (candidate questionnaire)
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
- Issues - Dr. Richard Briggs, Tennessee Senate
Campaign website · Briggs for Senate · briggsforsenate.com
- Legislation sponsored by Senator Richard Briggs, 114th General Assembly
Government record · Tennessee General Assembly · wapp.capitol.tn.gov
Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.