Bo Watson

On next week's episode of Tennessee Today I got to sit down with Beth Kreppein, Chief of Police at BNA and JWN and a former FBI Agent. It's a very educational and important episode, I hope you'll take the time to listen anywhere you get your podcasts on Monday 4/13!

Last Thursday, I had the honor of speaking at the AI Tennessee Summit on how AI is being used across the state, how it can support our mission as leaders, and the policies and safeguards that should guide its implementation. As AI continues to grow in influence, adapting with the times is part of what keeps Tennessee among the best states in the country. Thank you for having me!

On next week's episode of Tennessee Today, I got to sit down with Dr. Patrick Bailey of The Goldwater Institute to discuss healthcare, policy, and legislature. New episode out Monday 3/30! Find it anywhere you get your podcasts or at tennesseetoday.podbean.com

The qualifying period for all candidates is now closed, and it's time to make your voice heard. Make sure you're registered to vote in your county, state, and federal elections. Find dates, polling locations, and more at elect.hamiltontn.gov

On next week’s episode of Tennessee Today, I was honored to sit down with the Chairwoman of the Hamilton County Republican Party, Gail Greene. New episode out Monday 3/16! Find it anywhere you get your podcasts or at tennesseetoday.podbean.com

On this week’s episode of Tennessee Today, I sat down with Justin Owen, President & CEO of The Beacon Center of Tennessee. We discussed the role The Beacon Center and think tanks play in shaping legislation, the recent bills and policies Beacon has helped advance, and where Justin sees the organization heading in the years ahead. I hope you take the time to listen anywhere you get your podcasts or at the link below. tennesseetoday.podbean.com/e/what-you-nee…

TN Lt Governor and Speaker of the Senate Randy McNally announces he will not seek re-election in 2026. His retirement brings an end to an era of legislative leadership and service in the TN General Assembly dating back to when he was first elected to the House in 1978. It has been an honor to serve with him. @hcgoptn

This week on Tennessee Today, I had the pleasure of hosting a particularly challenging guest… myself. I went solo on the latest episode of my podcast, where I covered everything from the new K-9 and property tax bills I’m sponsoring to how the State Senate works and the progress we’re making in parks and recreation. I hope you’ll take the time and check it out at the link below! tennesseetoday.podbean.com/e/property-tax…

I'm proud to share that thanks to the leadership and support of Governor Bill Lee, Hamilton County will welcome a new signature state park at McDonald Farm! With a $45.3 million investment in our parks, this will become Tennessee's 70th state park right here in our backyard. I'm incredibly grateful for this investment in our county and am excited to see how this addition enhances quality of life and creates new opportunities for our community to grow and thrive. Another win for Hamilton County!

Today we gathered at Booker T. Washington State Park to break ground on the new event center. This park has long reflected the spirit and culture of Chattanooga, serving as a place where families, friends, and neighbors come together. This investment strengthens a space that already means so much to our community and will support even more gatherings and celebrations in the years ahead.

Last night I attended the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for The Waymark Hotel. As a lifelong resident of Chattanooga, seeing this historic building revitalized has been amazing and I’m looking forward to watching tourism and economic development benefit because of it! Thank you for having me! Photos: Seth Carpenter, Chattanooga Times Free Press

Yesterday I met with the Tennessee Business Roundtable to discuss their priorities and mine as we continue the 2026 legislative session. Always very valuable to hear directly from statewide leaders working to strengthen Tennessee's economy and communities. Pictured L-R: Melissa Hudson-Gant (Big Brothers and Sisters of Middle Tennessee), Corey Hammonds (Citizens Savings Bank & Trust Co.), Nicole Barranco (Volkswagen Group of America), Missy Acosta (Delta Dental of Tennessee), Jason Allen (Regions Bank), Tasia Malakasis (The Company Lab)

On my latest episode of Tennessee Today I had President and CEO of the @ChattAirport April Cameron, on to talk about the importance of flying local and how CHA is driving our economic development. Listen anywhere you get your podcasts or at the link below: tennesseetoday.podbean.com/e/how-airports…

The TBI hotline, 1-800-TBI-FIND (1-800-824-3463), will operate Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT. It is intended to serve as a centralized, statewide option for people who are concerned about someone’s well-being and would normally request a welfare check through local agencies.

Congratulations to @ChattAirport for reaching a record-breaking 632,384 passengers in 2025. Our airport continues to drive economic and tourism development in Chattanooga, and milestones like this prove the impact our community can have when we show up and support local. Keep choosing Chattanooga. Fly local. Fly CHA!

Check out my recent podcast on Tennessee Today. My guest is TN House Speaker Cameron Sexton. Great guest! I think you’ll find it interesting and informative. You can find it here along w other episodes: bofortn.com

On this week’s episode of Tennessee Today I had the honor to speak with my good friend Cameron Sexton, Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives. We had a great conversation about school choice, healthcare reform, and the future of all Tennesseans. Listen now on any platform you get your podcasts or at tennesseetoday.podbean.com

Today is the first day of session in the Tennessee Senate! I’m looking forward to working alongside my fellow senators to help shape the future of Hamilton County and our great state. Let’s get to work!

Wednesday, I had the opportunity to attend the ribbon cutting for the inaugural direct flight from Chattanooga to Newark, New Jersey, and it was exciting to see another sign of how far our region has come. This new route means more opportunities for our local economy, stronger connections for businesses and families, and continued growth at The Chattanooga Airport.