Ogles, Lee win elections; All four state referendums pass

BY KATE COIL

TML Communications Specialist

The state of Tennessee has one new member of its congressional delegation while incumbents dominated other federal races and the gubernatorial contest.  

In perhaps what was the most contested federal race, Republican Andy Ogles defeated Democrat Heidi Campbell for the U.S. House District 5 seat with Ogles garnering nearly 56% of the vote to Campbell's 42%. Ogles, who presently serves as Maury County mayor, will take the seat that was formerly held by Democrat Jim Cooper who decided not to seek re-election following redistricting.  

In other federal races, the remaining eight U.S. congressional seats for the state of Tennessee were retained by incumbent candidates. With Ogles election, U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen becomes the only Democrat among Tennessee’s nine-member congressional delegation.  

Incumbent Republican Bill Lee defeated Democratic challenger Jason Martin and other eight independent challengers for governor. Lee garnered nearly two-thirds of the vote (64.9%) of the vote while Martin earned nearly one-third (32.9%). The remaining 2% was spread among the field of seven other independent candidates. 

In other state elections, Tennesseans will see new faces in three Senate districts and 17 House districts. New members of the Senate include Republican J. Adam Lowe in District 1, Democrat Charlane Oliver in District 18, and Republican Brent Taylor in District 31.  They will join four other freshmen lawmakers elected to the State House in August: Bryan Richey, R-District 20; Kevin Raper, R-District 24; William Slater, R-District 35; and Justin Jones, D-District 52. 

 New State House members include Republican Robert Stevens in District 13, Republican Elaine Davis in District 18, Republican Greg Martin in District 26,  Republican Monty Fritts in District 32, Republican Michael Hale in District 40, Democrat Caleb Hemmer in District 59, Republican Gino Bulso in District 61, Republican Jack McCalmon in District 63, Republican Jody Barrett in District 69, Republican Kip Capley in District 71, and Republican Brock Martin District 79. In District 41, Republican Ed Butler defeated incumbent Independent candidate John Windle.  

With the death of State Rep. Barbara Cooper, D-Memphis, prior to the election, the State House 86 race will also see a new face. The oldest serving lawmaker in the Tennessee Legislature, Cooper’s funeral was held Saturday. The Shelby County Democratic Party will decide who will fill Cooper’s seat.  

Tennesseans also decided the results of four statewide referendums that would amend the Tennessee Constitution with all four amendments passing. The first referendum would add the state’s right-to-work law to the state constitution. The measure received approval from 70% of voters with nearly 30% against. 

The second referendum question regards the transfer of power if the governor should become unable to perform his or her duties. Voters approved the measure with 74% voting for it and 25% against.

The third referendum would outlaw slavery or involuntary servitude in the state of Tennessee.  Tennessee is one of five states that had a referendum of this nature on the ballot this November. The measure was approved with 79% of voters for and 20% against, the widest margin of any of the four amendments. 

The fourth referendum is to repeal an old law that forbid ministers from holding a position in the Tennessee General Assembly. A little more than 63% voters cast their ballots for the measure while 36% voted against, making it the amendment with the narrowest margin of victory.  

Governor and Federal Races

State Senate and House