Ahead of Aug. 4 primaries, some state races already decided

With early voting already underway and the August primary just days away, some races have already been decided due to no challenger either in the primary or general elections.  

We already know the following lawmakers will return to office.  

STATE SENATE

In the State Senate a total of 5  incumbents will be returning without any challengers. They are: 

• TN Sen. Dist. 11    Bo Watson  
• TN Sen. Dist. 15   Paul Bailey  
• TN Sen. Dist. 17   Mark Pody  
• TN Sen. Dist. 23  Kerry Roberts  
• TN Sen. Dist. 29  Raumesh Akbari 

Those who will most likely return include Sen. Jeff Yarboro (Dist. 21) and Sen. Ed Jackson (Dist. 25). They both have challengers from an independent candidate but not from a major party.  

STATE HOUSE

In the State House a total of 42 incumbents will be returning without any challengers.  They are: 

Those who will most likely return include Rep. Tim Hicks (Dist. 6), Rep. Dale Carr (Dist. 12), Rep. Patsy Hazlewood (Dist. 27), Rep. Rush Bricken (Dist. 47), and Rep. Debra Moody (Dist. 81)  

They all have challengers from an independent candidate but not from a major party.