
Bill Hagerty
IncumbentEndorsedRepublican Candidate for U.S. Senate - Tennessee
About Bill
Business Leader and Diplomat: Bill Hagerty's Journey to the U.S. Senate
Bill Hagerty is a successful businessman, diplomat, and conservative leader who has dedicated his professional life to economic development and public service. Born on August 14, 1959, Hagerty built a distinguished career in private equity before transitioning into government and diplomatic roles that ultimately led him to the United States Senate.
Hagerty began his professional journey in the private sector, co-founding Hagerty Peterson & Company, a private equity investment firm where he served as a managing director. His business acumen and strategic leadership were evident early in his career, demonstrating a keen understanding of economic principles and organizational growth. From 2011 to 2014, he served as commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, where he played a pivotal role in attracting business investments to the state. During this period, he notably led efforts to bring a Major League Soccer franchise to Nashville, showcasing his ability to drive economic and community development.
His national prominence grew significantly during the Trump administration, when President Donald Trump nominated him to serve as the United States Ambassador to Japan. Confirmed by the Senate in an overwhelming 86-12 vote, Hagerty served as the 30th U.S. Ambassador to Japan from 2017 to 2019. In this critical diplomatic role, he worked to strengthen economic and strategic relationships between the United States and Japan, further establishing his reputation as a skilled negotiator and public servant.
In 2020, Hagerty successfully ran for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Lamar Alexander. He won the Republican primary and subsequently defeated Democratic nominee Marquita Bradshaw in the general election, becoming Tennessee's junior United States Senator. As a senator, Hagerty has been a consistent voice for conservative principles, advocating for pro-growth economic policies, strong national defense, and limited government intervention.
Since taking office, Senator Hagerty has been an active member of the Senate, serving on key committees and continuing his commitment to promoting economic prosperity and national security. His unique background in business, diplomacy, and state-level economic development provides him with a comprehensive perspective on policy-making, making him a distinctive and valuable member of the United States Senate.
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Last updated: February 18, 2026
