Finney Challenges McLeary for Senate Seat
From Saturday’s Jackson Sun: Local attorney and teacher Lowe Finney on Friday announced his intention to run for the state senate seat held by Republican Don McLeary. Finney, 30, will run as a Democrat for the District 27 seat representing Carroll, Gibson and Madison counties, he said in a release. “Our problems need new solutions from a new generation of leadership,” Finney said in the release. “I’ll fight for better education for our children, better-paying jobs for our adults, and health care for all our citizens. I’ll take fresh ideas and new energy to Nashville to represent your views and values.”
The son of a small businessman and teacher, Finney grew up in rural West Tennessee and is from Jackson, the release said. The deadline to qualify to run for state offices is noon, April 6. The state primary election is Aug. 3 and the state general election is Nov. 7.
McLeary, 58, is also from Jackson. The former Democrat, who recently turned Republican, on Friday said his wife, Mary, taught Finney seventh-grade reading in Dresden.
McLeary said he’d heard some people were talking to Finney about running but wasn’t aware that Finney had decided to run. He figured someone would challenge him, McLeary added.
“He’ll be a good candidate, and I’m sure he’ll do a good job in the campaign,” McLeary said of Finney. “…That’s what it’s all about. It gives people a chance to make a decision about who they want representing them. That’s what makes America great.'’
Finney has a degree in business administration from the University of Tennessee Martin. He earned his law degree from St. Louis University and went on to work for Judge John Everett Williams in Huntingdon.
In his work as an attorney, Finney represents residents in Madison, Carroll and Gibson counties, the release said.
Finney also once served part-time on the faculty at Lane College and still teaches at Lambuth University, according to the release.
“I’m pro-life, pro-gun and against gay marriage,” Finney said in the release. “Representing our West Tennessee values in Nashville will be one of my top priorities.”
Finney attends Jackson’s First Baptist Church.
