Tennessee’s Rep. Reneau, Sen. Watson address redistricting votes

Added: 2026-05-17

[00:00:00]We're hearing from local Tennessee lawmakers for the first time after all of this redistricting measure passed.

[00:00:06]Local 3's Logan Double talked with Senator Bo Watson and Representative Michelle Reno this morning. And Logan, Reno didn't take sides on the measure.

[00:00:15]What did she say? Hey Latrice, good afternoon to you. So you'll remember Reno voted present not voting and she said in a lengthy statement on her website over the weekend that she had concerns about the timing and the process, but also she didn't want to have her vote be interpreted as agreement with the messaging from protesters. So here's what she said this morning at a press conference. That presser was regarding the passage of a bill giving canines access to emergency medical care while in the line of duty.

[00:00:42]And after that presser wrapped, I asked her to explain her stance on redistricting and her message to voters.

[00:00:48]I think I appreciate I shared that on purpose in written form so that everyone had access to it. I don't have anything else to add. I think it's probably a good idea for them to check with their election commission and review their ballots in advance.

[00:00:59]Senator Bo Watson who was also in attendance this morning voted in favor of that redistricting measure and he says that he believes the new maps are fair. Well, the bill is passed. The governor signed it.

[00:01:12]And if if if there's some question about that, then I know there are a number of lawsuits that that have been and will be filed. That's for the courts to settle out. We think we have drawn maps that are fair and reflect the law as it currently exists.

[00:01:27]Now we should note that the on Hamilton County that Meigs and Rhea counties are moving their congressional districts as part of the new map. A Rhea County elections official I talked with on the phone this morning says she doesn't anticipate her employees will have to work significant overtime and that there shouldn't be major costs, but she did say that they will need to print additional ballot templates since part of Rhea County will be split into a separate district. Now you can go to this story on our website and there is a link in there where you can click to go to the comptroller's website. You can type in your address and get your updated congressional districts.

[00:02:00]Latrice?