6 stories that will define 2026 in Nashville
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Lindsey Bailey/Axios
Contentious political races. Independent restaurants and music venues on the brink of closing. A pro football team stuck in a perpetual rebuild.
- There are countless reasons to be optimistic about Nashville, but 2026 is also shaping up to be a gritty year.
Driving the news: As we stand at the starting line for a new year, here are the stories we think will define Nashville over the next 12 months.
The governor's race is on
U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn begins 2026 as the heavy favorite to win the governor's race in November and succeed Gov. Bill Lee.
State of play: U.S. Rep. John Rose, Blackburn's top challenger, begins the year as the decisive underdog. Rose has good fundraising numbers, a track record of winning elections and strong political connections.
- In another year, Rose would be among the favorites for the open seat. But Blackburn is a dominant political force in Tennessee politics and this is her race to lose.
The other side: A viable Democrat has yet to enter the race. The most likely Democratic candidates are current state lawmakers.
All eyes on Ogles
Democrats believe their strong showing in last month's District 7 special election is an encouraging sign that they could win the neighboring District 5 seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles.
- The national Democratic Party is targeting Ogles' seat, and Democratic challenger Chaz Molder is off to a strong fundraising start.
- Ogles also has a viable challenger from the right in former Lee cabinet member Charlie Hatcher.
Zoom out: Ogles also vocally supported the immigration crackdown in Nashville last May. Immigrant advocates fear more federal raids could be coming.
Yes, but: Ogles has proven staying power, despite his own fundraising struggles. Even if 2026 brings a blue wave in the House, Ogles will be hard to beat.
Shrinking the Metro Council
The fate of the Metro Council's size is in the hands of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
- It's likely that the court will uphold a law that caps the council at 20 members, which is half of its current size of 40.
- Metro leaders have been working behind the scenes to implement redistricting if the city loses its legal challenge.
Independent music venues and restaurants struggle
Nashville has endured nearly a decade of long-running mom-and-pops closing.
- Fido coffee shop and Margot Cafe and Bar recently announced plans to close.
- We reported how the higher property tax bills are hurting small businesses, especially in the hospitality industry.
What we're hearing: More music venues and restaurants say they may have to close soon as well.
- In response, state and city leaders are expected to ponder new policies to ease the tax burden on these businesses, and perhaps create a financial lifeline to help them stay afloat.
The Titans rebuild drags on
At this point, it's reasonable for Titans fans to wonder what will come first: the opening of the new Nissan Stadium or the team qualifying for the playoffs.
- The stadium is expected to open in 2027, but the Titans don't seem particularly close to being a playoff contender.
- Management is once again looking to hire a new coach to turn things around.
The Titans finished the season 3-14 following a 41-7 shellacking by the rival Jaguars.
Nashville's housing market
Nashville, like most of the rest of the nation, is in the midst of an affordability crisis that has especially hurt the housing market.
- Affordability remains the biggest issue facing the city government, and Mayor Freddie O'Connell says addressing the problem is his top priority.