Trump supporters in Tennessee ‘tickled’ over decisive victory

Jerry Reynolds had been feeling under the weather. The flu, maybe COVID. He wasn’t quite sure. But when Donald Trump won, it was just what his body needed. “It was kind of like a shot of medicine in the arm,” he said.

“Yeah, I’m elated to have Trump back in office in January. And I think he should have been in four years ago.”

Republicans across Tennessee are expressing their relief and enthusiasm in the wake of Trump’s reelection. In the town of Springfield, where Trump won with 75% of the vote, the excitement is palpable.

Reynolds runs a home building business and a knife and antique shop here. Hanging above the register is a Trump 2024 flag.

He said he’s excited for how Trump’s reelection will impact his home building business after the last four years of pandemic price surges and high interest rates. But there is also the bigger picture, which for him is putting America and its citizens front and center. 

“Hopefully, we’ll put American back to work and quit sending money to illegal immigrants, and across the waters, and keep it here where we need it,” he said. “I am tickled to death knowing my taxpaying dollars are going to be benefitting Americans.”

Compared to 2020, every county in Tennessee shifted in Trump’s favor this year. He captured more than 100,000 extra votes, while Harris fell short of Biden by nearly 89,000. Trump’s captured 64.2% of the state.

Robertson County shifted 4 points toward Trump.

Sonny Johnson, who is 77, proudly donned his MAGA hat as he went antiquing with his wife, Sue, also 77. Sonny says he is most excited get Kamala Harris out of the picture and move on from the Biden administration. “I am just glad not to have to see her again,” he said, chuckling about Harris. “I’ll be glad to get rid of all their policies and everything.”

Sue said her chest was tight all night Tuesday. But when Trump won, finally, she could breathe.

“I love his confidence. I love his excitement. I love his energy,” she said. “I love everything about him. I think he’s the best. I think he’ll turn the country around, and he’ll do us right. And I am looking forward to it.”

So are a lot of other people in Springfield. Spending the day here, chatting with Republicans, but also independents, they say they are excited about Trump’s return — especially with the Senate flipping Republican as well.