The Gist
State Representative, 15th District
Photo of Sam McKenzie
Sam McKenzieOfficial portrait — Tennessee General Assembly

Sam McKenzie

Candidate for State Representative, 15th District

DemocraticIncumbent

Background

Occupation
State representative; retired Oak Ridge National Laboratory employee
Lives in
Knoxville

State representative for District 15 since 2021 (112th-114th General Assemblies). Retired after 34 years at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and served on the Knox County Commission from 2008 to 2016.

Report

Photo: Official portrait — Tennessee General Assembly

Documented positions

Taxes & budget

  • Sponsored a sales tax exemption for generic food products.In office

    Prime sponsor of HB2437 in the 114th General Assembly (2025-2026). Introduced in 2026; taken off notice in a Finance, Ways and Means subcommittee.

    Legislation sponsored by Representative Sam McKenzie, 114th General Assembly

    Government record · Tennessee General Assembly · Bills Sponsored: HB2437 · wapp.capitol.tn.gov

    “exempts the retail sale of generic food products from the food retail sales tax.”
    Report

Education

  • Sponsored repeal of the 2022 school library materials law.In office

    Prime sponsor of HB1051 in the 114th General Assembly (2025-2026). The "Freedom to Read Act" failed in the House K-12 Subcommittee (March 2025).

    Legislation sponsored by Representative Sam McKenzie, 114th General Assembly

    Government record · Tennessee General Assembly · Bills Sponsored: HB1051 · wapp.capitol.tn.gov

    “enacts the "Freedom to Read Act"; repeals the "Age-Appropriate Materials Act of 2022."”
    Report

Courts & justice

  • Sponsored a 10-year deadline to prosecute vehicular homicide.In office

    Prime sponsor of HB2432 in the 114th General Assembly (2025-2026). Enacted (Public Chapter 793); applies to offenses on or after July 1, 2026.

    Legislation sponsored by Representative Sam McKenzie, 114th General Assembly

    Government record · Tennessee General Assembly · Bills Sponsored: HB2432 · wapp.capitol.tn.gov

    “requires prosecution for vehicular homicide committed on or after July 1, 2026, to commence within 10 years from the date the offense occurs.”
    Report

All sources (5)

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.