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Maury County Split Between Two Congressional Districts Under New State Map

Issue #726

May 12, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

☀️ Columbia’s Wednesday Weather - Mostly sunny w/ high of 82, low of 48

📰 Maury County Split Between Two Congressional Districts Under New State Map

📰 Columbia Family Begins Rebuilding After Devastating House Fire

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

✨ Read This Week’s Local Spotlight 👉 For Women with Nowhere Left to Turn: How This Columbia Organization Is Changing Lives across Middle Tennessee

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Maury County Split Between Two Congressional Districts Under New State Map

Maury County is now split between two U.S. Congressional districts following a special session of the Tennessee General Assembly that redrew the state’s congressional map. Gov. Bill Lee signed the new map into law last week. Under the changes, Maury County will be divided between the newly configured District 5 and District 9, with the dividing line cutting through parts of Columbia and surrounding areas.

Supporters of the new map say it better reflects Tennessee’s overall political makeup and could give Maury County added influence by having representation from two members of Congress instead of one. Local Republican leaders and some state lawmakers pointed to past periods when the county shared representation and suggested the arrangement could help secure federal grants and resources.

Opponents argue the move weakens Maury County’s unified voice and raises concerns about representation, especially with the change coming just months before primary elections. Some local officials and Democratic leaders say splitting the county — and even the city of Columbia — could dilute local influence in Washington and make campaigning more difficult across the newly expanded districts.

The Maury County Commission and Columbia city wards remain unchanged at the local and state levels, but several unified areas are now split between two U.S. representatives. Candidates have until May 15 to declare their intentions under the new district lines, and voters are being encouraged to check the Secretary of State’s online map to confirm their new congressional district. *Read Main Street Maury’s full coverage of this story here.

The new congressional map is also facing a legal challenge. The Tennessee Democratic Party, along with several candidates and elected officials, has filed a lawsuit arguing the changes could create voter confusion ahead of the 2026 elections. A federal judge has scheduled a May 20 hearing to consider whether a temporary restraining order will be issued on the new district lines.

Columbia Family Begins Rebuilding After Devastating House Fire

A Columbia family (Jennifer Barnes & Michael Pugh) is counting their blessings after a late-night house fire destroyed the home they had lived in for 15 years. The fire broke out last week around 11 p.m. and quickly spread, forcing the family to rush outside with their children and dog. Everyone made it out safely, though Michael suffered burns and is recovering.

By the next morning, most of their belongings were either burned or heavily damaged. Fire crews were not able to determine an exact cause, but the blaze is believed to have started near the back porch area.

In the days since, neighbors and coworkers have stepped up to help. A GoFundMe campaign was organized to assist with immediate needs as they stay with relatives and begin the process of finding temporary housing and eventually rebuilding.

While they’ve lost nearly everything inside the house, the family says they’re thankful to still have one another — and for the strong show of support from the community during an incredibly difficult time.

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Wednesday, May 13th

Thursday, May 14th

Friday, May 15th

Saturday, May 16th

Sunday, May 17th

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Tuesday, May 12
Songwriters Round - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30 PM

Thursday, May 14
Todd Ciprian - Tito’s, 6–9 PM
Austin Byrd - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM

Friday, May 15
Joey Sykes - The Spot Burgers & Beers, 5–8 PM
TBA - River Terrace, 6–8 PM
The Bird & The Bear - Buck & Board, 6–8 PM
Blue Velvet Jazz - American Barrel, 6–9 PM
Don McKinnon - Grinder’s Switch, 7–9 PM
Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson - McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
Kenny & Bob Acoustic Duo - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Troy Castellano - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM
Glitz and Glory - Boondox, 8:00 PM
Black Hole Sons - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Saturday, May 16
Grasskickers - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3–7 PM
JanaRose & The DeadEnds - The Rebel Bar & Grill, 4 PM
TBA - River Terrace, 6–8 PM
Stevierock Acoustic Duo - McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
Chris Fox - Twisted Copper, 7–8:30 PM
Curated Writers Round - The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
Melanie Dyer - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Down South Band - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM
Chris Loggins - Twisted Copper, 8:30–10 PM

Sunday, May 17
The Cliftones - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 1–5 PM
Todd Ciprian - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 2–5 PM
Maury County Community Band & Merchants of Cool - Ridley 4-H Center, 2 PM

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