After filing deadline passes, Nashville has new U.S. House candidates in three districts
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The stage is set — at least for now — in the races to represent Nashville's three new U.S. House districts.
Why it matters: Following redistricting, many of the city's voters were drawn into new districts. Candidates had days to decide if they wanted to run in the Aug. 6 primary.
Of note: The controversial Rep. Andy Ogles would no longer represent any portion of Davidson County under the new maps.
Driving the news: Although a batch of legal challenges could still throw out the newly approved congressional map, here's where things stand after the qualifying deadline passed last week.
District 4
Incumbent U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais, a Republican, has never represented Nashville before. DesJarlais' district covers the southeast corner of the county.
- He is the heavy favorite in the Republican primary.
- Nashville Councilman Mike Cortese was contending in District 5 prior to redistricting, but is now running in District 4.
District 6
Incumbent U.S. Rep. John Rose is not seeking reelection because he's running for governor.
- State Rep. Johnny Garrett and former Congressman Van Hilleary are the top candidates in the Republican primary. The district is considered a likely Republican seat.
- Former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry pulled a petition to run last week, but decided against it.
- The Democratic candidates are relative newcomers Lore Bergman, Mike Croley, Christopher Martin Finley, Miriam Leibowitz and Chaney Mosley.
District 7
U.S. Rep. Matt Van Epps won a special election last year to represent the largest section of Nashville, including northern and western parts of town.
- Van Epps is the heavy favorite in the GOP primary.
- The top Democrats seeking to unseat him are state Rep. Vincent Dixie, Darden Copeland and Saletta Holloway.