Former Pleasant View mayor Perry Keenan enters race for open House District 78 seat

Former Pleasant View Mayor Perry Keenan has announced his candidacy in the Republican primary for Tennessee House District 78, setting up a contested race to succeed retiring Rep. Mary Littleton.

Keenan, who currently serves as president of the Cheatham County Republican Party, will face John Louallen, former mayor of Pegram, in the GOP primary. District 78 represents Cheatham County and eastern Dickson County and has long been held by Republicans.

“District 78 is at a crossroads,” Keenan said in a statement announcing his campaign. He said his priorities include lowering the cost of living, strengthening parental rights in education, improving infrastructure and supporting law enforcement.

Keenan’s platform calls for permanently banning a state property tax, advocating for expanded school choice while fully funding public schools, and urging the Tennessee Department of Transportation to prioritize widening Highway 49 and improving safety on Interstates 24 and 40. He also cited his background as a small business owner and emphasized child advocacy and reducing regulatory burdens.

Born and raised in Cheatham County, Keenan is a 1989 graduate of Cheatham County Central High School. He served on the Pleasant View City Council from 2004 to 2008, was mayor from 2012 to 2020, and has held several leadership roles on local and regional boards. He lives in Ashland City with his wife, Misty, and their two children.

Littleton, who has represented the district since 2013, announced earlier this year that she would not seek reelection in 2026, opening the seat for the first time in more than a decade.

The Republican primary election is scheduled for Aug. 6, 2026, with the general election set for Nov. 3, 2026. Voters must be registered at least 30 days before an election to participate – July 7. Early voting will take place July 17-Aug. 1.