The Tennessee Conservative · Brandon Lewis

Controversial Bills Coming Up This Legislative Session… Will Democrats Manage To Block A Monument To Unborn Children On Tennessee Capitol Grounds?

January 8, 2026·17 min·1 clip

Brandon Lewis argues that a monument to the unborn forces Democrats to admit these are people, not just objects.

This episode of "The Tennessee Conservative" features host Yaffee and guest Brandon Lewis, founder of the Tennessee Conservative news outlet, previewing the upcoming state legislative session. They focus on several specific bills and political dynamics within Tennessee's Republican supermajority. A primary topic is a privately funded monument to unborn children, approved in 2018 but delayed, which is slated for installation on June 24, 2026. The bill is championed by State Senator Janice Bolling, whom Lewis describes as the most conservative member of the Tennessee Senate. Lewis argues the monument's purpose is to acknowledge the humanity of the unborn and that opposition comes primarily from Democratic lawmakers. Another bill, introduced by Senator Brent Taylor, would require law enforcement to hold individuals for ICE for at least 48 hours, excluding weekends and holidays. Lewis suggests this bill is politically safe for more moderate Republicans to support, even if they oppose stricter immigration measures. A more contentious proposal would allow, or potentially require, public schools to charge tuition for the children of undocumented immigrants. Lewis notes that some local Republican school board members in Hamilton and Knox counties have previously voted to provide free tuition, contrary to their constituents' wishes. He also mentions concerns that the state's new school voucher program could be used by undocumented families. Tennessee has introduced a new driver's license that identifies legal non-citizens, which Lewis supports for election integrity but questions why the state issues licenses to undocumented individuals at all. A surprising moment is Lewis expressing admiration for Tennessee Democrats' consistency in fighting for their campaign promises, even as a small minority, which he contrasts with Republican complacency. He claims over 94% of Republican leadership funding in Tennessee comes from outside a legislator's district, reducing accountability to local voters. Lewis is critical of Governor Bill Lee's conservative record, stating he doesn't believe any successor could be "less conservative." The tone is conversational and opinionated, blending political analysis with advocacy from a staunchly conservative perspective. Listeners interested in Tennessee state politics, immigration policy, and pro-life advocacy would find this episode relevant. Those seeking a neutral or left-leaning analysis of these issues would likely want to skip it.

As heard by us

A brisk, opinionated look at Tennessee's opening session fights, with concrete political detail and a clear conservative tilt.

This episode follows the opening stretch of Tennessee's 2026 session, with Brandon Lewis and the host talking through a monument to unborn children on Tennessee Capitol grounds, the backlash around it, and the larger legislative fight around it.

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Why you'd press play

You want a blunt read on Tennessee's first big legislative fights.

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