List of groups spending $1 million or more in Tennessee politics grows to 193

This story was last updated on Oct. 26, 2023

Over the past 15 years, 193 companies, associations and other groups have spent at least $1 million trying to influence Tennessee’s politics. 

Earlier this year, the Lookout published the initial parts Cash for Clout series examining money’s influence in Tennessee politics, including a donations database and list of groups who have spent $1 million on lobbying, donations and independent expenditures from 2009 to 2023. 

Then, earlier this month, the Tennessee Registry of Election Finance released its latest lobbying reports covering Jan. 1, 2023 to June 30, 2023.

The database and million-dollar club were updated using this information, with the latter growing by 24 members. New groups include nonprofits like the Vanderbilt Medical Center, corporations like Vulcan Materials and Republic Services and interest groups like the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union.

The list includes some new donations from four state House special elections held this summer and because some members didn’t file their latest campaign finance reports on time.

The Lookout added Nashville Democrat Aftyn Behn’s donations to its current elected officials list after she won on election on Sept. 14. Winners in the other three state House races were already on the list because they held the seats in interim capacities before winning elections.

The next database and million-dollar club update will come in January 2024 after the reporting deadlines.