NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Sen. Raumesh Akbari and Rep. Jason Powell are leading an effort to change the date of Tennessee’s next presidential primary in 2024 to make it the first out of the gate rather than being held on 'Super Tuesday.'
The lawmakers held a press conference Tuesday afternoon at Cordell Hull to discuss their new legislation.
"We want our voices to be heard and we think this a great step to make us first," Powell said.
Akbari said she thought Tennessee was more diverse than Iowa and New Hampshire – the first two states to kick off the presidential primary season every four years.
"Are we the most diverse state in the nation? Certainly not," she said.
She said she felt Iowa wasn't a true representation of the nation.
Akbari said she also wanted Tennessee to be looked at as a holiday so more people would be getting out and voting.
"This is going to make Tennessee the presidential center of the universe," Powell said.
The two said they think it's a move that would help both Democratic and Republican parties.
"I think there is room for bipartisan buy-in," Akbari said.
As things move forward, Akbari said it would be a continued conversation with lawmakers but the main goal with the bill is so constituents' voices are being heard when it comes to choosing the next president.
According to the legislation, Tennessee's primary would become the first in the nation, moving from March 3 to Jan. 2. It's unclear how far it will get in the Republican-dominated legislature, however.