NASHVILLE, TN — Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is honoring five members of Tennessee’s congressional delegation with its 2026 Pioneers for Prosperity Award. The award goes to lawmakers who go beyond their words on limited government with action. Each recipient has advanced reforms, supported taxpayers, and worked to clear obstacles to opportunity.
The award recognizes outstanding legislators who turn grassroots free-market ideas into policy. Award consideration looked beyond voting records to a representative’s year-round presence and engagement with constituents in the state.
2026 Pioneers for Prosperity Award Recipients:
-
Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)
-
Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN)
-
Rep. Matt Van Epps (TN-07)
-
Rep. Tim Burchett (TN-02)
-
Rep. Diana Harshbarger (TN-01)
AFP-TN State Director Tori Venable released the following statement:
“Congratulations to Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty and Representatives Diana Harshbarger, Tim Burchett, and Matt Van Epps on being named 2026 Pioneers for Prosperity.
“These five Tennesseans helped deliver tax relief to families, workers, seniors, and small businesses. They pressed for answers on how federal dollars are spent and backed reforms that give innovators and entrepreneurs room to build and grow.
“These benefits reach all Tennesseans. Whether that’s a paycheck that goes further, a small business that can hire, or a government that has to answer for its choices, results like these take persistence, and they don’t come easy.
“On behalf of our activists across the state, thank you for putting Tennesseans first. AFP-TN looks forward to continuing to work with each of you to expand freedom and opportunity in Tennessee.”