The Trial Court Vacancy Commission began accepting applications for the Circuit Court Judge in the 16th Judicial District, which covers Rutherford and Cannon counties, on December 18, 2019. After the January 7, 2020 deadline, two candidates had applied, leaving the Commission unable to provide the governor with the names of three persons qualified to fill the vacancy in accordance with Tenn. Code Ann. § 17-4-308(h).

Under the law, the governor can now fill the vacancy with any person who is qualified to serve as a judge of the circuit court in the 16th judicial district. The Commission sent the two applications it did receive to the governor. This vacancy was created by the retirement of the Honorable Royce Taylor, effective March 3, 2020.