Tennessee Democratic Party Launches Campaign To End Grocery Tax
October 30, 2026, 3:18 p.m.

NASHVILLE, TN - The Tennessee Democratic Party launched a statewide campaign calling out Republicans for failing to end Tennessee’s grocery tax after nearly two decades in power. Republicans have recently begun touting the issue state-level Democrats have championed for years. The communications campaign featuring billboards, digital advertisements, and more, comes on the heels of State Senator Jack Johnson’s declaration stating, “I will oppose any effort to reduce the sales tax on food.” Johnson is the Senate Majority Leader and frontrunner to be the next Lt. Governor. With election day less than a week away, the Tennessee Democratic Party is reminding voters heading to the polls that Republican leaders have failed to deliver relief from one of the country’s highest taxes on groceries. 

Statement from Aftyn Behn, State Representative for Tennessee State House District 51:
“The campaign to end the grocery tax is not a new one for Tennessee Democrats. Along with State Senator Charlane Oliver and other Tennessee Democrats, we have led the fight to put money back in the pockets of Tennessee families by ending this tax and making corporations pay their fair share. We welcome any of our colleagues who, in good faith, are finally stepping up to put working families first, not using this issue as a last-ditch campaign talking point.”

Statement from Rachel Campbell, Chair of the Tennessee Democratic Party:
“ 60% of businesses filing in Tennessee pay nothing in state corporate income taxes, while working families are stuck paying among the highest sales taxes in the country, including taxes on the food they put on their tables. Tennessee Republicans have repeatedly voted against ending the grocery tax, and now Senator Jack Johnson says he will never vote to end the grocery tax. When they tell you who they are, believe them. But Tennessee Democrats aren't going down without a fight.”

Statement from Luis Mata, Communications & Deputy Executive Director of the Tennessee Democratic Party:
“After nearly two decades of one-party Republican control of our state, Tennessee families are being stretched thinner than ever. Families across Tennessee are working hard, playing by the rules, and still struggling to afford the basics. From Memphis to Mountain City, Tennesseans deserve a tax system that puts working people first. Tennessee families should not have to keep picking up the tab for Republicans’ pattern of leadership failures. On Election Day, Tennesseans will send a resounding rejection to Republicans’ cost-spiking agenda.”