Where does the Speaker of the House live? Democrats want to know after a recent report revealed Rep. Cameron Sexton owns a home in Nashville. The Republican leader represents Crossville, about two hours east of Nashville, but the representative spends a good chunk of his time in the capital.
In Tennessee, residency is determined by where a married person’s spouse and family live. Sexton’s daughter attends a private school in Whites Creek. However, Sexton claims they are only in Nashville during the week.
“I have a home, and my home is in Crossville. I live in Crossville. As you know, we’re here five months out of the year, and then, we go back on the weekends and so forth,” Sexton said.
The allegations were first published in a progressive news outlet run by journalist Judd Legum. He found that Sexton’s wife used a private trust to purchase the Nashville home in her name in 2021.
The report also raised questions about Sexton’s reimbursements. Lawmakers living further outside of Nashville can claim a higher amount — $313 dollars a day — for lodging and food expenses. Sexton’s received $92,071 in reimbursements since 2021.
Already, Democrats are calling out Sexton for going against the spirit of the law by claiming more than necessary. Republicans have not addressed the topic.
Sexton’s leadership has been under more scrutiny after he expelled two young Black Democrats for breaking House rules earlier this month.
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