RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WGNS) - Election officials are reporting a slow start for the May 5th primary as the early voting period reaches its final days. Through this past Saturday, a total of 7,866 residents had cast a ballot. With over 201,000 registered voters in Rutherford County, current participation sits at approximately 3.9 percent.
Rutherford County Election Administrator Alan Farley says current turnout is up by 2,696 voters compared to the 2022 primary at this same stage. However, the overall pace remains low. The May 2022 election eventually finished with a total turnout of just 10.3 percent. These local figures stand in stark contrast to the 66 percent turnout seen during the state and federal general election in November 2024 which included the presidential race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.
While federal elections often draw the most attention, these local primary contests determine who will set Rutherford County’s tax rates, manage the public school systems, and oversee the local courts. These officials are responsible for passing the laws and budgets that directly affect the community's daily operations and local infrastructure.
Several key races will be effectively decided this election because no opposing party candidates qualified for the August ballot. In the race for County Mayor, incumbent Republican Joe Carr faces a challenge from Craig Harris and Randy Allen. Since no Democrats are running, the GOP primary winner will secure the office. The race for Circuit Court Clerk is hotly contested, as Republican incumbent Melissa Harrell is challenged by Jeff McKinney; the winner of this primary will run unopposed in the August general election.
In the Sheriff’s race, incumbent Mike Fitzhugh is not seeking another term. The Republican primary features Kenneth Barrett, Trey Mansfield, and Steve Spence. The winner will advance to the August 6th General Election to face independent candidates Kevin Dodds and James Rankin.
Other contests narrowing the field for August include:
-
School Board Zone 1: Incumbent Tammy Sharp (R) vs. Chuck Isbell (R). The winner meets Jeanice McCord (D) and Sumatra Drayton (I) in August.
-
School Board Zone 4: Incumbent Katie Darby (R) vs. Clarissa Smith (R). The winner meets Brian Hall (D) and Dayna Nichols (I) in August.
-
School Board Zone 7: Incumbent Frances Rosales (R) vs. Julie Wishing (R). The winner meets Jonathan Yancy (D) in August.
-
Commission District 1: David Gammon (R) vs. Jamie Knight (R). The winner meets incumbent Hope Oliver (D).
-
Commission District 4: Incumbent Robert Peay (R) vs. Brian Burns (R) and Michael Rodgers (R). The winner meets Will Lehew (D).
-
Commission District 6: Incumbent Jonathan Beverly (R) vs. Eddie Arnold (R). The winner meets Danielle Nadeau (D).
-
Commission District 8: Bill Tollett (R) vs. John Gaessler (R). The winner meets Jennifer Burke (D).
-
Commission District 21: A double primary features Republicans Jeffery Lloyd vs. Clarence Santini and Democrats Ashley Benkarski vs. Laura Blackwell-Clark. The winners from each party will face off in August.
Early voting continues through this Thursday (April 30th). Election Day is Tuesday, May 5th.
