Bill Hagerty has represented Tennessee in the U.S. Senate since 2021. Before that, he was U.S. Ambassador to Japan from 2017 to 2019 under President Trump, and he spent years in private equity and state-level economic development. He came into office with both foreign policy credentials and deep corporate ties.
Hagerty’s brand mixes America First nationalism with boardroom-style economic messaging: “bring supply chains home,” “beat China,” “cut red tape.” He’s reliably conservative on border security, regulation, and energy, and he’s aggressively pro-defense and pro-manufacturing.
He positions himself as a Tennessee-first dealmaker on trade, tech, automotive jobs, and national security — especially where it touches the state’s growing logistics and advanced industry base.
Mainstream Conservative
Achievements
- As U.S. Ambassador to Japan, helped strengthen U.S.–Japan security cooperation and economic ties
- Supported VA modernization and veteran mental health resources
- Worked on trade, supply chain, and tech investment policies to benefit Tennessee manufacturing and logistics
- Backed pro-defense, pro-alliance national security measures
- Promoted infrastructure and workforce development tied to high-growth industries in Tennessee
Controversies
- Criticized by Democrats for close alignment with Trump-era policies and rhetoric
- Scrutinized for private equity background and corporate ties
- Questioned on environmental/energy deregulation and climate positions
- Accused of putting foreign policy hawkishness over diplomatic restraint
- Framed by opponents as prioritizing national conservative branding over bipartisan dealmaking at home
Top Donors
| Donor | Total | Individuals | PACs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blackstone Group | $85,600 | $85,600 | $0 |
| HCA Inc | $75,920 | $68,420 | $7,500 |
| State of Tennessee | $73,025 | $73,025 | $0 |
| Apollo Global Management | $71,650 | $71,650 | $0 |
| Rogers Group Investments | $71,400 | $71,400 | $0 |
Amounts shown reflect organization-linked giving; most funds listed here are from individual donors or aligned PACs.
Recent Elections
2020 Margin R +16.2%
2024 Margin R +20.1%