This post is intended for people who want to vote but honestly don't know much about Tennessee politics.
If you're someone who already knows about all the candidates in all the races, this isn't going to add anything for you.
This post will ONLY feature candidates who appear on the ballot in August.
Therefore, if it is an independent candidate for an election that occurs in November, they won't be in this post.
I will try and do an edition for the November election in late October.
Also, to save space - and because my FB friends are primarily Wilson County residents- this will only feature elections that are in Wilson County.
If you'd like me to comment on other elections, shoot me a private message on Facebook, and I'll talk with you about it.
If you're someone who already knows about all the candidates in all the races, this isn't going to add anything for you.
This post will ONLY feature candidates who appear on the ballot in August.
Therefore, if it is an independent candidate for an election that occurs in November, they won't be in this post.
I will try and do an edition for the November election in late October.
Also, to save space - and because my FB friends are primarily Wilson County residents- this will only feature elections that are in Wilson County.
If you'd like me to comment on other elections, shoot me a private message on Facebook, and I'll talk with you about it.
TL;DR... What is it we're voting for in August?
It is the General Election for offices that serve the Wilson County Government.
Wilson County Mayor, Wilson County Sheriff, Wilson County Commission (basically the county version of Congress),
Wilson County Trustee (basically the accountant who keeps track of the county's money),
Wilson County Clerk (the one in charge of giving official county documents, remember Kim Davis?)
School Board Members and Constables (law enforcement officer with powers of arrest)
It is also the primary election for a few state and federal offices.
Keep in mind that primary elections are only Republican vrs. Republican OR Democrat vrs. Democrat.
No independents are on the ballot. We'll vote again for these offices (with independents) again in November.
Governor of Tennessee
1 US Senate seat (covers all of Tennessee)
US Congressman (all districts)
Tennessee State Senate (only odd-numbered districts, but all of Wilson County is in District 17)
State Representative (serves in the Tennessee General Assembly, so, like, the Tennessee version of Congress)
State Executive Committeeman & State Executive Committeewoman
So, believe it or not, the body that makes the decisions for the Republican Party and Democrat Party are publicly-elected offices.
Like, no matter where you live in Tennessee, you have 2 representatives (1 man, 1 woman) in the Tennessee Republican Party AND in the Tennessee Democrat Party.
Tennessee does not have a system of registering with a party. (Essentially, everyone's registered as an independent.)
So, you when come to the voting booth, you will have the option of voting
in the Democrat primary OR in the Republican primary OR neither (which means only "Wilson County General" stuff)
In Tennessee, anyone has the option of choosing any of those three.
Wilson County Mayor, Wilson County Sheriff, Wilson County Commission (basically the county version of Congress),
Wilson County Trustee (basically the accountant who keeps track of the county's money),
Wilson County Clerk (the one in charge of giving official county documents, remember Kim Davis?)
School Board Members and Constables (law enforcement officer with powers of arrest)
It is also the primary election for a few state and federal offices.
Keep in mind that primary elections are only Republican vrs. Republican OR Democrat vrs. Democrat.
No independents are on the ballot. We'll vote again for these offices (with independents) again in November.
Governor of Tennessee
1 US Senate seat (covers all of Tennessee)
US Congressman (all districts)
Tennessee State Senate (only odd-numbered districts, but all of Wilson County is in District 17)
State Representative (serves in the Tennessee General Assembly, so, like, the Tennessee version of Congress)
State Executive Committeeman & State Executive Committeewoman
So, believe it or not, the body that makes the decisions for the Republican Party and Democrat Party are publicly-elected offices.
Like, no matter where you live in Tennessee, you have 2 representatives (1 man, 1 woman) in the Tennessee Republican Party AND in the Tennessee Democrat Party.
Tennessee does not have a system of registering with a party. (Essentially, everyone's registered as an independent.)
So, you when come to the voting booth, you will have the option of voting
in the Democrat primary OR in the Republican primary OR neither (which means only "Wilson County General" stuff)
In Tennessee, anyone has the option of choosing any of those three.
REGistration and Voting
Well, if you intend on voting in the August election and you're not already registered, you're out of luck.
The deadline was July 3.
If you're not sure if you're registered, or you're not sure where to vote, THIS is your ultimate resource.
It is a verified government website that's designed for this exact purpose.
It will take you to a window that looks like this:
The deadline was July 3.
If you're not sure if you're registered, or you're not sure where to vote, THIS is your ultimate resource.
It is a verified government website that's designed for this exact purpose.
It will take you to a window that looks like this:
I mean seriously, it doesn't get much easier than that. If you're not sure what district you're in for something, it gives you all of the details.
Early Voting
To me, early voting is the best thing ever. I have early voted in all but one election that I've voted in so far.
The lines are much shorter, and it's much more convenient than voting on "Election Day".
For every election, the State of Tennessee provides a 15 day window where you can vote before "Election Day".
The following image describes the details for this year's Early Voting period.
Early Voting
To me, early voting is the best thing ever. I have early voted in all but one election that I've voted in so far.
The lines are much shorter, and it's much more convenient than voting on "Election Day".
For every election, the State of Tennessee provides a 15 day window where you can vote before "Election Day".
The following image describes the details for this year's Early Voting period.
So with that out of the way, let's start getting into who's going to be on the ballot.
Who's Running For Governor of Tennessee?
Republicans
Diane Black US Congress since 2011, TN General Assembly 1998-2010
Randy Boyd TN Economic and Community Development Commissioner 2013-2017
Beth Harwell TN Speaker of the House since 2011, TN General Assembly since 1989
Bill Lee CEO and Chairman of the Lee Company
Basil Marceaux, perennial nutjob, (no really, he's not an extremist, he's just a nutjob)
Kay White, organizer of Tri-City Tea Party
Republican Governor Primary Analysis:
Of course I encourage you to do further research and try and see how each speaks about your biggest issues, but this is how I see it.
You can write off Marceaux and White immediately for having virtually no campaign funds or name recognition.
Voting for Randy Boyd is basically going to be a vote for status quo in Tennessee. If you like what Governor Haslam's done, you can probably expect more of the same from Boyd. And if you don't like Governor Haslam, Randy probably ain't your man.
Bill Lee is the closest thing you're going to get to a TN mini-Trump. He appears to be the most conservative of the big four, and he's also the only one of the big four to never hold a political office. He's endorsed by both Mae Beavers and Joe Carr, if those names mean anything to you.
Diane Black is the quintessential politician. She's sided with Trump at times, other times she's been strongly opposed. She's voted for "the wall", she's voted against "the wall", she's got "Build The Wall" on her website, and she's also quoted saying "You can't build a wall. That won't work." Buuuut.... she's spending a ton of money on ads, so it'll be no surprise if she wins...
Beth Harwell is technically Dr. Harwell because she holds a Vanderbilt Ph.D in Social Science education. Similar to Boyd, you can expect a general continuance of what has happened in TN for the past ten to fifteen years, because she's been near the top for it all.
To me, the biggest distinction between her and the rest of the Republican field is her support of medical marijuana.
Diane Black US Congress since 2011, TN General Assembly 1998-2010
Randy Boyd TN Economic and Community Development Commissioner 2013-2017
Beth Harwell TN Speaker of the House since 2011, TN General Assembly since 1989
Bill Lee CEO and Chairman of the Lee Company
Basil Marceaux, perennial nutjob, (no really, he's not an extremist, he's just a nutjob)
Kay White, organizer of Tri-City Tea Party
Republican Governor Primary Analysis:
Of course I encourage you to do further research and try and see how each speaks about your biggest issues, but this is how I see it.
You can write off Marceaux and White immediately for having virtually no campaign funds or name recognition.
Voting for Randy Boyd is basically going to be a vote for status quo in Tennessee. If you like what Governor Haslam's done, you can probably expect more of the same from Boyd. And if you don't like Governor Haslam, Randy probably ain't your man.
Bill Lee is the closest thing you're going to get to a TN mini-Trump. He appears to be the most conservative of the big four, and he's also the only one of the big four to never hold a political office. He's endorsed by both Mae Beavers and Joe Carr, if those names mean anything to you.
Diane Black is the quintessential politician. She's sided with Trump at times, other times she's been strongly opposed. She's voted for "the wall", she's voted against "the wall", she's got "Build The Wall" on her website, and she's also quoted saying "You can't build a wall. That won't work." Buuuut.... she's spending a ton of money on ads, so it'll be no surprise if she wins...
Beth Harwell is technically Dr. Harwell because she holds a Vanderbilt Ph.D in Social Science education. Similar to Boyd, you can expect a general continuance of what has happened in TN for the past ten to fifteen years, because she's been near the top for it all.
To me, the biggest distinction between her and the rest of the Republican field is her support of medical marijuana.
Democrats
Karl Dean Mayor of Nashville 2007-2015
Craig Fitzhugh Minority Leader of TN House of Reps since 2011, TN General Assembly since 1995
Mezianne Vale Payne retired healthcare employee
Democrat Governor Primary Analysis:
Clearly, it's expected to be either Dean or Fitzhugh.
But admittedly, I'm a sucker for a well thought-out small candidate campaign, and the detail that Payne goes into about her stances on her website is pretty impressive. So, I definitely wanted to give that shoutout and if you're a Democrat, check her out.
Despite holding generic liberal positions, Craig Fitzhugh offers very little detail on how he plans to govern.
On his campaign site, a lot of his issues are basically just "opioid crisis- I'm against it" without really saying how he plans on stopping it or slowing it down.
Karl Dean shows to be a stronger candidate than Fitzhugh. He goes into a bit more detail than Fitzhugh does (though still not as much as Payne) and he ties his experience of managing Nashville to how he'll govern Tennessee. Between the two, Dean has taken a more moderate tone in his campaign, even quoting Ronald Reagan in a speech.
Karl Dean Mayor of Nashville 2007-2015
Craig Fitzhugh Minority Leader of TN House of Reps since 2011, TN General Assembly since 1995
Mezianne Vale Payne retired healthcare employee
Democrat Governor Primary Analysis:
Clearly, it's expected to be either Dean or Fitzhugh.
But admittedly, I'm a sucker for a well thought-out small candidate campaign, and the detail that Payne goes into about her stances on her website is pretty impressive. So, I definitely wanted to give that shoutout and if you're a Democrat, check her out.
Despite holding generic liberal positions, Craig Fitzhugh offers very little detail on how he plans to govern.
On his campaign site, a lot of his issues are basically just "opioid crisis- I'm against it" without really saying how he plans on stopping it or slowing it down.
Karl Dean shows to be a stronger candidate than Fitzhugh. He goes into a bit more detail than Fitzhugh does (though still not as much as Payne) and he ties his experience of managing Nashville to how he'll govern Tennessee. Between the two, Dean has taken a more moderate tone in his campaign, even quoting Ronald Reagan in a speech.
UNITED STATES SENATOR
Keep in mind: Every US state gets two Senators who serve six year terms. The terms are staggered so that every two years, 1/3rd of the Senators are up for election, instead of all them every six.
The last time Tennessee had a US Senate race was 2014 when Lamar Alexander won re-election.
But the last time THIS Senate seat was up for election was 2012 when Bob Corker won re-election.
Bob Corker is not seeking re-election this year.
Republicans
Marsha Blackburn US Congressman since 2003, TN General Assembly 1999-2003
Aaron Pettigrew commercial truck driver
Republican US Senate Primary Analysis
I see no reason to not go ahead and declare Blackburn the Republican nominee.
While probably well-intentioned, Pettigrew doesn't really offer much in his candidacy other than "not being a politician".
Although, I can definitely see where someone would vote for him in order to vote against the establishment. And I gotta give him credit for running a legitimate campaign with a decently-managed website.
Democrats
Phil Bredesen Governor of Tennessee 2003-2011, Mayor of Nashville 1991-1999
Gary Davis financial advisor, perennial candidate
John Wolfe attorney
Democrat US Senate Primary Analysis
Similar to the Republican primary, Davis and Wolfe don't really offer much of a challenge to powerhouse Phil Bredesen. And to put them even a step below Aaron Pettigrew, neither has even bothered to create a campaign website. But I dug deeper and John Wolfe is actually a bit interesting. He basically ran a Bernie Sanders style campaign before it was cool- he challenged Barack Obama from the left in the 2012 Presidential primary. In Arkansas, he actually took 42% of the Democrat vote and won 36 counties.
So, maybe if you're a Bernie Sanders supporter, John Wolfe deserves a look.
However, Bredesen is the Democrats' best shot of actually winning a statewide election in Tennessee.
The last time Tennessee had a US Senate race was 2014 when Lamar Alexander won re-election.
But the last time THIS Senate seat was up for election was 2012 when Bob Corker won re-election.
Bob Corker is not seeking re-election this year.
Republicans
Marsha Blackburn US Congressman since 2003, TN General Assembly 1999-2003
Aaron Pettigrew commercial truck driver
Republican US Senate Primary Analysis
I see no reason to not go ahead and declare Blackburn the Republican nominee.
While probably well-intentioned, Pettigrew doesn't really offer much in his candidacy other than "not being a politician".
Although, I can definitely see where someone would vote for him in order to vote against the establishment. And I gotta give him credit for running a legitimate campaign with a decently-managed website.
Democrats
Phil Bredesen Governor of Tennessee 2003-2011, Mayor of Nashville 1991-1999
Gary Davis financial advisor, perennial candidate
John Wolfe attorney
Democrat US Senate Primary Analysis
Similar to the Republican primary, Davis and Wolfe don't really offer much of a challenge to powerhouse Phil Bredesen. And to put them even a step below Aaron Pettigrew, neither has even bothered to create a campaign website. But I dug deeper and John Wolfe is actually a bit interesting. He basically ran a Bernie Sanders style campaign before it was cool- he challenged Barack Obama from the left in the 2012 Presidential primary. In Arkansas, he actually took 42% of the Democrat vote and won 36 counties.
So, maybe if you're a Bernie Sanders supporter, John Wolfe deserves a look.
However, Bredesen is the Democrats' best shot of actually winning a statewide election in Tennessee.
UNITED STATES CONGRESS - 6th District
Congressmen are up for election every two years.
Every state is allocated a certain amount based on population.
Tennessee is given nine, but (like all the other states with multiple congressmen) they divide the representatives into districts.
I live in Tennessee's Sixth Congressional District, which looks like this:
Every state is allocated a certain amount based on population.
Tennessee is given nine, but (like all the other states with multiple congressmen) they divide the representatives into districts.
I live in Tennessee's Sixth Congressional District, which looks like this:
Republicans
Bob Corlew Chancery Court Judge 1990-2014
Judd Matheny TN General Assembly 2003-present
Christopher Monday conservative social media commentator
John Rose President of Boson Software, LLC
Lavern Vivio former media personality
Republican Congressional Primary Analysis
If it was about money, and let's face it, it's always about money, this race is basically between Rose and Corlew.
This seems no shock given the sheer amount of political ads the two of them have pumped out. Not a day goes by when I don't receive something from one of those two. They really seem to hold generic, right-of-center positions that are pretty much indistinguishable from one another. On the other hand, I feel that way about every Republican in this entire election cycle.
Judd Matheny makes for an interesting Tea Party candidate. Say what you will about "career politicians", but Matheny's distinguishable feature is that he's actually got votes on record of being conservative.
Monday's bid is admirable but doesn't really offer much. And Vivio comes across as the kind of person that lives in a bubble and has basically never met someone with opposing views in person. (Additionally, I kind of snickered at how she campaigns with that "UTurn" moniker and then her leading story on her campaign page is about how we should keep policy exactly as it is.)
Not especially strong "minor candidates" in my opinion.
Democrats
Dawn Barlow healthcare worker
Christopher Finley ???
Peter Heffernan ???
Merrilee Wineinger ordained Methodist minister
Democrat Congressional Primary Analysis
After searching through Google and Facebook, I could find absolutely nothing on Christopher Finley or Peter Heffernan. Actually kind of embarrassing for people allegedly legitimately running for Congress. If you're Democrat/ liberal, don't bother with them.
As for Barlow and Wineinger, they're both "okay", but nothing either of them says is particularly distinguishable. Their platforms are both left of center, but neither of them feels like the next Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. If you're liberal or Democrat, you can't really go wrong voting for either, but there's not really much reason to get "excited" either.
Bob Corlew Chancery Court Judge 1990-2014
Judd Matheny TN General Assembly 2003-present
Christopher Monday conservative social media commentator
John Rose President of Boson Software, LLC
Lavern Vivio former media personality
Republican Congressional Primary Analysis
If it was about money, and let's face it, it's always about money, this race is basically between Rose and Corlew.
This seems no shock given the sheer amount of political ads the two of them have pumped out. Not a day goes by when I don't receive something from one of those two. They really seem to hold generic, right-of-center positions that are pretty much indistinguishable from one another. On the other hand, I feel that way about every Republican in this entire election cycle.
Judd Matheny makes for an interesting Tea Party candidate. Say what you will about "career politicians", but Matheny's distinguishable feature is that he's actually got votes on record of being conservative.
Monday's bid is admirable but doesn't really offer much. And Vivio comes across as the kind of person that lives in a bubble and has basically never met someone with opposing views in person. (Additionally, I kind of snickered at how she campaigns with that "UTurn" moniker and then her leading story on her campaign page is about how we should keep policy exactly as it is.)
Not especially strong "minor candidates" in my opinion.
Democrats
Dawn Barlow healthcare worker
Christopher Finley ???
Peter Heffernan ???
Merrilee Wineinger ordained Methodist minister
Democrat Congressional Primary Analysis
After searching through Google and Facebook, I could find absolutely nothing on Christopher Finley or Peter Heffernan. Actually kind of embarrassing for people allegedly legitimately running for Congress. If you're Democrat/ liberal, don't bother with them.
As for Barlow and Wineinger, they're both "okay", but nothing either of them says is particularly distinguishable. Their platforms are both left of center, but neither of them feels like the next Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. If you're liberal or Democrat, you can't really go wrong voting for either, but there's not really much reason to get "excited" either.
STATE REPRESENTATIVE
Note: I will not discuss the State Senate race here, because each primary only features one candidate. Wait 'til November.
As for the State Rep districts, everyone in Wilson County lives in one of these two:
If you're closer to Mount Juliet, you're definitely in 57. If you're in Lebanon, you're more than likely in 46.
But if you're still not sure after looking at the picture below, scroll back up to the big "THIS" I have near the top.
As for the State Rep districts, everyone in Wilson County lives in one of these two:
If you're closer to Mount Juliet, you're definitely in 57. If you're in Lebanon, you're more than likely in 46.
But if you're still not sure after looking at the picture below, scroll back up to the big "THIS" I have near the top.
District 57 Primary Analysis: There's only one Democrat, so I won't discuss that "primary". But then, there's Susan Lynn and Aaron Shane. This one is juicy. This is third time Susan Lynn has been in a primary (Mae Beavers, 2010; Linda Elam, 2012) since being elected for the first time in 2002. And man, every single one of them has been interesting... and petty. Not just from her, mind you. But yeah, any dialogue involving Susan Lynn and a primary opponent really devolves. Okay, but actual substance... Long story short: Susan Lynn's been in Tennessee politics since 2002, with a brief interruption in 2011. The biggest issue people have with her at the moment is her support for the Improve Act... after saying "I am not for the gas tax, so there is nothing to debate." Aaron Shane, a political newcomer, is basically running against that. His stances are generally either identical to (or sometimes to the right of) Lynn's. But his biggest campaign point is Lynn's Improve Act vote. | District 46 Primary Analysis: To sum up a year of politics in a minute, here we go: So, last year, State Senator Mae Beavers retired from her seat to run for governor. (It didn't work out.) In any case, her political ally Mark Pody sought (and received) her old state senate seat. But that left his State Rep district (District 46) open. When a state rep seat is vacant, instead of an election being held, the county commission from the county the previous rep was from (Wilson) chooses a new state rep to fill the seat. The Wilson County Commission chose a former Beavers' rival: Clark Boyd. Phew. And that's basically it. This primary is between moderate and Pody/Beavers political rival Clark Boyd and Menda Holmes, who's in the conservative McCall family. On the Democrat side, I couldn't find much on Faye Northcutt-Knox. But Mark Cagle wants to straight up legalize marijuana, not just for medicinal purposes. So, if that's your prerogative, go for it. |
State Executive Committeeman/Woman
Just a reminder, because it still feels strange that the public votes on this:
These guys don't make laws. They make policy within their own party.
Each major party gets one man and one woman from each Senate district.
These guys don't make laws. They make policy within their own party.
Each major party gets one man and one woman from each Senate district.
Republican Committeeman Jerry Beavers vrs. Dwayne Craighead Honestly, I can't really find much. Jerry Beavers is, indeed, the husband of Mae Beavers. So that'll give an idea of ideology. Craighead is the Chair of the Clay County Republicans. He ran for this post in 2014 and lost to AJ McCall. | Republican Committeewoman Jennifer Winfree vrs. Terri Nicholson The act of closing a primary is making it so only registered Republicans can vote in Republican primaries. (But still using taxpayer money to fund said elections.) Incumbent Jennifer Winfree voted to keep primaries open. Challenger Terri Nicholson favors closing the primaries. |
Democrat Committeeman & woman
Unfortunately, much like the rest of the Tennessee Democrats, there's only one person running in each of these slots.
No contest.
Unfortunately, much like the rest of the Tennessee Democrats, there's only one person running in each of these slots.
No contest.
WILSON COUNTY MAYOR
Hey! We're done with primaries! Now let's move onto the county-level stuff. (All of this stuff is "final", we won't be voting for this again in November.
Mae Beavers TN General Assembly 1995-2017, Wilson County Commission 1990-1994
Randall Hutto Mayor of Wilson County since 2011
Mayor Randall Hutto ran unopposed in 2014, and he's seeking a third term. His opponent is someone who's been in politics for almost thirty years. So, in other words, if you love political newcomers, this isn't your race.
People who support Hutto feel that he's a relatively nonpolitical government official who's led Wilson County through a period of stable growth.
People who support Beavers feel that the county has mismanaged its budget and that recent property tax increases were unnecessary.
Randall Hutto Mayor of Wilson County since 2011
Mayor Randall Hutto ran unopposed in 2014, and he's seeking a third term. His opponent is someone who's been in politics for almost thirty years. So, in other words, if you love political newcomers, this isn't your race.
People who support Hutto feel that he's a relatively nonpolitical government official who's led Wilson County through a period of stable growth.
People who support Beavers feel that the county has mismanaged its budget and that recent property tax increases were unnecessary.
Wilson County Sheriff
Robert Bryan Wilson County Sheriff since 2012
Ray Justice Mt. Juliet City Council 2000-2008, 2012 to present
Similar to mayor's race, Bryan is seen as a relatively nonpolitical sheriff and Justice wants to push the county in a more conservative direction. I know some are still a bit peeved at how the Sheriff's office handled the Wilson Central food fight of 2014, where eight students were arrested and now have a criminal record, for throwing food. Then there's Ray Justice (father of Kevin and Kendall Justice, for any of my Cracker Barrel friends who read this), who's certainly not without his own controversies.
Ray Justice Mt. Juliet City Council 2000-2008, 2012 to present
Similar to mayor's race, Bryan is seen as a relatively nonpolitical sheriff and Justice wants to push the county in a more conservative direction. I know some are still a bit peeved at how the Sheriff's office handled the Wilson Central food fight of 2014, where eight students were arrested and now have a criminal record, for throwing food. Then there's Ray Justice (father of Kevin and Kendall Justice, for any of my Cracker Barrel friends who read this), who's certainly not without his own controversies.
WILSON COUNTY COMMISSION
Honestly, I don't really want to take the time to even give a half-ass analysis of every single county commission race. Maybe I just feel that way because I don't mind my commissioner AND he's not being challenged. But because ballots (and often campaign websites) don't make incumbents clear, here's a little chart for you. Once again, if you're not sure what county commission district you're in, click the link near the top of the page that says "THIS".