TN-2: Rep. Duncan to Retire

Late yesterday, veteran Rep. John J. “Jimmy” Duncan Jr. (R-Knoxville) announced that he will not seek re-election next year.  The Congressman was first elected in a 1988 special election, succeeding his father, Rep. John J. Duncan Sr. (R), who held the seat for 23 years until his death.  The current Rep. Duncan is now serving his 29th year in Congress.  Before Mr. Duncan’s made public his retirement decision, Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett (R) had scheduled a political announcement for later in the week.  He is expected to declare his congressional candidacy.
 
The 2nd District of Tennessee is anchored in Knoxville and Knox County, in addition to including all or part of six other east/central Volunteer State counties.  The district is solidly Republican, voting 65-30% for President Trump, after recording a 67-31% Mitt Romney landslide result over President Obama in 2012.  Mr. Duncan has never dropped below 71% in any general re-election campaign since his original victory. 

--Jim Ellis