Tennessee to Hold Special Election for State Representative

Cooper Moran

 

Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett has set a date for a special election to fill the open State Representative position for District 29.

The primary election is scheduled for July 27 and the general for September 14. Candidates can pick up petitions immediately, and the qualifying deadline is noon on June 17 — Hargett said in a tweet on Wednesday. Hargett accepted the writ of election from Governor Bill Lee on Tuesday afternoon.

The special election will replace Rep. Mike Carter, who passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer earlier this month. Carter was first elected to the General Assembly in 2012 and served four terms in the state House of Representatives. He most recently has served as the chairman of the civil justice committee.

Prior to his time in the state legislature, Carter worked as an attorney in the area for many years. Further, he was chosen to serve as a Hamilton County General Sessions Court judge.

Before the special election takes place, Hamilton County officials are considering appointing someone in an interim position.

“I realize the Tennessee General Assembly has concluded its business for this calendar year, but I think we all have heard speculation that the governor may call the legislature back to Nashville for a special session. Just in case such a special session is called prior to the special election being held, I hope the members of this body will agree with me that someone should be authorized and available to represent the citizens of the 29th legislative district,” Hamilton County Commissioner Chairman Chip Baker said.

Of those considered is Joan Carter, Carter’s widow. The Hamilton County commissioners will vote on her interim appointment at their upcoming meeting on June 9.

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Cooper Moran is a reporter for the Star News Network. Follow Cooper on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].

 

 

 

 

 

 

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