Biography
Sheila McMahan is the Democratic candidate for the Tennessee House of Representatives, District 11, in the November 3, 2026 general election.[1] A respiratory therapist from Cocke County, she advanced from the August 6, 2026 Democratic primary unopposed.[1][2]
Sheila McMahan was born in Cosby, Tennessee, and graduated from Cosby High School.[1] She earned an associate degree from Walters State Community College in 2013 and a bachelor's degree from East Tennessee State University in 2022.[1] In a Ballotpedia survey, she described herself as a lifelong resident of Cocke County and a respiratory therapist by trade.[2]
McMahan faces Republican Kenny Cody and independent Larry Brown in the general election.[1] In the survey, she listed her key messages as protecting farmland, forests and waterways while seeking state investment in rural communities, voting on bills according to their effect on District 11 rather than party, and expanding opportunities in education, healthcare and jobs so young people can stay in the area.[2] She also said that her work as a respiratory therapist led her to support accessible, affordable healthcare.[2]
- 1.Sheila McMahan · Ballotpedia Reference
- 2.Sheila McMahan - Candidate Connection survey responses · Ballotpedia Candidate's own words
Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21. Not yet independently fact-checked.
Tennessee House District 11
Sheila McMahan is on the Nov 3, 2026 ballot for Tennessee House District 11 as D. Not researched in depth — candidate list only.