CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Councilperson Deanna McLaughlin has announced her plans to resign as a member of the Clarksville City Council to work for and alongside new Congressman Matt Van Epps.

“This decision was not made lightly. It comes as a result of accepting a significant, unexpected, and profound professional opportunity: I have accepted the position of deputy district director for Congressman Matt Van Epps, who represents Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District,” McLaughlin said in a news release. “While my sincere intention was always to complete my current term, this new role presented an impactful chance to continue serving our community on a broader, regional, and federal scale – an opportunity I felt compelled to accept.”

McLaughlin said it has been the greatest honor and deepest privilege to serve the residents of Ward 2, as well as the entire city of Clarksville.

She told Clarksville Now, “It has meant so much to be selected by my neighbors’ to represent them. It’s humbling when you serve locally because when you’re out at the grocery store, the gas station, you run into the people that you work for. It’s a constant reminder of the position that you’re in to help people.

“I didn’t want to have to resign, but I also didn’t want to put the City of Clarksville in a conflicted position in applying for federal grants, and the role I’ll be serving for Congressman Van Epps is a big role. But the key is I’ll be operating out of Clarksville, I’ll still be in the area, as well as across the district.”

“Councilman McLaughlin has left an indelible, positive mark on our city during her 15 years of service on the City Council,” Mayor Joe Pitts said. “Her passion to do what is best for her constituents and our city made her a very effective legislator.

“I look forward to working with her in this new role, while she continues to serve the people of Clarksville and Congressional District 7,” Pitts said.

What happens next?

McLaughlin’s intent to resign from the Clarksville City Council will be effective end-of-day Saturday, Jan 10, 2026, according to city spokesperson Jimmy Settle.

The City Council will appoint a replacement for McLaughlin from Ward 2, and that schedule has not yet been announced. Ward 2 covers an area of northwest Clarksville bounded roughly by Dover Road on the south, Fort Campbell Boulevard on the east, Purple Heart Parkway on the north, and the city limits on the west.

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