KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Representative Eddie Mannis (R-Knoxville) has announced that he does not intend to seek reelection.
"The recent passing of my dad has truly forced me to do a lot of soul searching. I have heard his final words, 'Follow your heart,' over and over in my head," Mannis said in a statement. "After weeks and weeks of prayer and conversations with my family and friends, I decided not to seek reelection when the 112th [General Assembly] adjourns. It has been a very difficult decision, but I must truly follow my heart."
Mannis was elected to represent District 18 in 2020. He made history as one of the two first openly gay Tennessee legislators.
Republican Knoxville City Council member Janet Testerman has announced she'll seek the seat.
Democrat Gregory Kaplan, a longtime University of Tennessee professor, also has announced he'll run for the seat.
Founded HonorAir
Mannis plans to return to his business ventures. He founded Prestige Cleaners in 1985.
Mannis also announced that he plans to restart HonorAir-Knoxville after a two-and-a-half-year break during the pandemic. HonorAir-Knoxville takes WWII, Korean and Vietnam veterans from East Tennessee to Washington, D.C. for free to visit memorials built for veterans.
"Although this is a bittersweet time for me, I leave hoping that it's obvious that I've tried to make the best decisions possible based on my conscience and my desire to try and do what's right," Mannis said. "I am grateful. Thank you."