Mark Cochran for State Representative

Hunting is such a huge part of our community’s history and culture! I was truly honored to receive this award from TWF! 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻

Rep. Mark Cochran Named Conservation Legislator of the Year

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Mark Cochran, R-Englewood, has been named the 2026 Conservation Co-Legislator of the Year by the Tennessee Wildlife Federation (TWF).

The award recognizes lawmakers for outstanding achievement in conservation legislation that preserves Tennessee’s outdoor and recreational heritage.

“No state rivals Tennessee’s natural beauty or its rich legacy of conservation and recreation,” Cochran said. “Stewarding God’s creation is a responsibility I take seriously, and I was honored to pass critical legislation this year to defend the rights and traditions of hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. I’m grateful to the TWF for this recognition and for their continued work to preserve the Volunteer State’s lands, water and wildlife for future generations.”

Cochran received the award along with State Sen. Adam Lowe, R-Calhoun, in part for passing a new law reaffirming the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission’s authority in regulating hunting across the state. The law seeks to preserve Tennesseans’ hunting rights and the stewardship that hunters and anglers provide.

“Conservation wins don’t happen by accident — they happen because the right people show up and do the work,” said TWF CEO Mike Butler. “Senator Lowe and Representative Cochran did exactly that with HB2017/SB2028, and Tennessee’s sportsmen are better for it. It’s an honor to name them this year’s Co-Legislators of the Year, and Tennessee Wildlife Federation is proud to have allies in both chambers who understand that hunting, fishing, and the outdoor traditions that define this state don’t preserve themselves — they take leaders willing to protect them.”

The TWF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Tennessee’s wildlife and natural resources through proven wildlife management strategies.

Lawmakers this year made significant investments in conservation efforts, including $81.6 million to create three new Tennessee State Parks.

State Rep. Mark Cochran lives in Englewood and represents District 23 in the Tennessee General Assembly, which includes McMinn and part of Monroe counties.

Saturday was warm but a lot of fun! The Tellico Trout Festival, Athens Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, and the Athens VFW car show were all big successes. Never a shortage of events in the 23rd District! 🇺🇸☀️🐟

Spoke to hundreds of people this weekend at MooFest, and the message from them was clear: “Make sure you keep Tennessee conservative!” With your support, I can promise you that’s exactly what we will continue to do! 🐄 🇺🇸🥛☀️

As your state representative, I will continue to keep men out of women’s sports and protect children. There is no place for woke ideology in our communities and schools.

Early voting starts July 17, and the Republican Primary Election Day is August 6. I’d be honored to have your support!

Mark Cochran for Tennessee State Representative Mark Cochran is a proven conservative leader committed to the success of District 23 and the State of Tennessee.

If you saw a party on the hill at midnight last night, we were just celebrating the national champions!!

I was in charge of turning the tassels at yesterday’s Tennessee Home Education Association’s graduation ceremony. These local students have exciting times ahead as they begin their next chapter in life!

Join us tonight to welcome back the National Champs! ⚾️🇺🇸 ⚾️

🏆 WORLD SERIES CHAMPS ARE COMING HOME!

Join us this evening as we welcome home the NATIONAL CHAMPION TWU Bulldogs and celebrate a historic championship season. Let’s pack Bobby Goodfriend Field at Athens Insurance Stadium and show these Dogs the love they deserve!

🗓️ May 31, 2026
⏰ 11:00 p.m.
📍 Bobby Goodfriend Field at Athens Insurance Stadium on the TWU Campus

Congratulations to Josh Flory and his team at Flory Custom Woodworking on being named the Rural Small Business of the Year by the United States Small Business Administration's Tennessee District Office! Josh turned a passion into a thriving small business that now supports numerous families. This is what America and Tennessee are all about!!

A large crowd of local heroes attended this morning’s service at the Athens VFW. I am grateful to all those who served and gave their lives for our freedom. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸