State Representative Jimmy Matlock (R-Lenoir City), who announced August 3 his campaign to run for the 2nd District Congressional seat, following Representative John J. “Jimmy” Duncan announcement that he will not seek re-election, held a campaign kick-off Saturday at his family farm, with hundreds of supporters in attendance.
Matlock, a small business owner of four-location Matlock Tire Service & Auto repair, has served in the Tennessee House of Representatives since 2007 for District 21, which includes parts of Loudon and Monroe Counties.
Prior to the 2017 session of the General Assembly, Matlock made a run against House Speaker Beth Harwell (R-Nashville), losing by just ten votes.
At his campaign kick-off, Matlock expressed his gratitude, saying “I see so many friends, colleagues and supporters here tonight, and I can’t thank you all enough.”
Matlock spoke of shared values, “This is about what you believe. And it’s what I believe. We believe in America. We believe in the foundations of this country – the Constitution. We believe that the federal government should be very small, and not large. We believe that people should be responsible for themselves, not unelected and unaccountable bureaucrats. We want less government, not more.”
Known for his deep Christian faith, Matlock added, “We want the foundations of liberty to be protected and Christian values to be defended.”
Turning it to the people he wants to represent in Congress, Matlock concluded, “A new season is upon us. We are going to take what you want – what East Tennesseans want – straight to Washington.”
Matlock will face at least one challenger, Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, in the August 2018 Republican primary.
The full statement issued by Matlock for Congress about the event can be read here:
In front of several hundred supporters in Loudon County at the Matlock Family Farm, businessman and State Representative Jimmy Matlock formally kicked off his campaign for U.S. Congress, House District 2. Focusing on his business experience, faith, and conservative values, Matlock made his case to be the Republican nominee to supporters from every county in the district.
“I see so many friends, colleagues, and supporters here tonight, and I can’t thank you all enough.”
“This is about what you believe. And it’s what I believe. We believe in America. We believe in the foundations of this country – the Constitution. We believe that the federal government should be very small, and not large. We believe that people should be responsible for themselves, not unelected and unaccountable bureaucrats. We want less government, not more. We want the foundations of liberty to be protected and Christian values to be defended.”
In speaking about his background, Matlock said, “My life has been so blessed. My background isn’t in politics, it’s in business. Through my path in life, God has allowed me to serve and help so many. A new season is upon us. We are going to take what you want – what East Tennesseans want – straight to Washington.”
