Brent Taylor has defended sending unsolicited nude photographs by calling them “youthful indiscretions,” even though the Tennessee lawmaker was in his fifties when at least one was sent.
Taylor, 58, a Republican state senator now campaigning for Tennessee’s 9th District U.S. House seat, made the admission after the Nashville Scene first reported the sexting allegations. One source told the outlet they received a nude photo from him as recently as 2021, when Taylor was 53.
“As I near 60 years old, the expiration date has come and gone on any of my youthful indiscretions,” Taylor told the Nashville Scene when confronted about his sexting history.
The lawmaker, who has served in the Tennessee Senate since 2023, sought to frame the controversy as a settled private matter rather than an active campaign issue. “Whatever story you think you’ve got, my wife is well aware of and we’ve worked through it a long time ago. My god and my wife have forgiven me, and I would consider everyone else doing the same,” he added.
Taylor confirmed to ActionNews5 that he had sent the photos, though he claimed they went to only one woman. He released a statement expressing confidence that Tennessee voters “aren’t concerned about my family or this type of past nonsense.”
His Democratic opponent, state Rep. Justin Pearson, 31, rejected that framing entirely. Pearson, who gained national attention as one of the “Tennessee Three” expelled from the state House in 2023 after protesting gun violence on the chamber floor, issued a sharp rebuke of Taylor’s conduct.
“Men of faith –– let alone men who are married, in their fifties, and in public office –– have no business sending unsolicited nude photos to women,” Pearson said.
Pearson continued his attack on Taylor’s characterization of the behavior. “Taylor’s belief that sending unwanted naked photos of himself to women at 53 years old is ‘youthful indiscretion’ is a ridiculous and dangerous mischaracterization of the type of predatory behavior that needs to be rooted out of our society and politics,” he fired back.
Taylor also expressed frustration that the resurfaced allegations were forcing his wife to relive the episode. “I’m willing to acknowledge my past indiscretion. The frustrating part is that my wife now has to relive this nonsense we’ve already worked through years ago together and moved on from,” he said.
The 9th District race has drawn heightened attention because the seat represents Tennessee’s only Democratic-held U.S. House district. Incumbent Steven Cohen, who has represented the district since 2007, announced he would retire after Republican-led redistricting dramatically altered the district’s boundaries. The Cook Political Report now rates the reconfigured seat as “Solid R.”
Taylor faces Pearson along with independents Dennis Clark and Michelle Head in the general election. Early voting in Tennessee is currently underway and ends Thursday.
