Tennessee's Aug. 6 ballot includes races for governor and U.S. House
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Tennessee voters will decide the Republican and Democratic nominees for governor when they head to the polls Thursday.
- Voters will also choose the party nominees for nine U.S. House races, including the three seats that now represent Nashville.
Closer to home, Nashville voters will choose new judges, school board members and a new county clerk.
Here's what we'll be watching closely when the results come in.
Can Hatcher pull the upset?
Former state official Charlie Hatcher earned late endorsements from the last two Tennessee governors as he tries to unseat District 5 U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles.
- Gov. Bill Lee announced his support for Hatcher late Wednesday, which followed former Gov. Bill Haslam's endorsement.
The newly drawn fifth district covers significant rural areas, and Hatcher has deep ties to the state's agricultural industry. Recent polls also show a close race.
Yes, but: Ogles has the ultimate trump card: President Trump reiterated his support for the embattled congressman.
Speaking of upsets
From the moment U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn entered the race for governor, she was perceived as the favorite. The question is whether U.S. Rep. John Rose can stage an upset.
- Some recent polling suggests Rose is within striking distance, but Blackburn's campaign insists she's up double digits.
Will Tennessee soon have its first female governor?
If Blackburn wins the GOP primary, her most likely opponent in November will be Democrat Jerri Green.
- That means Tennessee would be assured of electing a woman as governor for the first time in state history.
The District 59 Democratic primary
Four Democrats are vying to replace outgoing state Rep. Caleb Hemmer in one of the few competitive primary elections in Nashville.
- Political insiders expect a close race between Rick Ewing, Angie Lawless, Mark Proctor and Beth West.
All eyes on Memphis
The state legislature frantically redrew Tennessee's congressional map in May to give the GOP a 9-0 advantage.
- Democrats are fighting on. Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder has raised significant funds in hopes of defeating the winner of the Ogles-Hatcher primary.
- The District 5 seat now represents a portion of Shelby County.
The latest: Then on Wednesday, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee announced it was also focusing on the new District 9 Memphis-area seat.
- Two Democratic lawmakers are facing off in that primary election — state Sen. London Lamar and state Rep. Justin Pearson. The likely Republican primary winner is state Sen. Brent Taylor.
Go deeper: Read our election preview.