Tennessee Election Day brings governor's race, redrawn congressional map
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Tennesseans head to the polls Tuesday to choose a new governor and vote under a congressional map that reassigned more than 2.4 million residents to different districts.
- Polling places are open 7am-7pm.
Why it matters: The election will shape Tennessee's political leadership for years and deliver the first general-election test of a Republican-drawn map designed to expand the party's representation in Washington.
A historic first is likely in governor's race
Gov. Bill Lee is term-limited. Republican U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn and Democratic Memphis City Councilmember Jerri Green are vying to replace him.
- If either major-party candidate wins, she would become Tennessee's first woman governor.
- Independent candidates like David Hatley have also mounted muscular campaigns this year.
A new map reshapes congressional races
An estimated 34.7% of Tennessee residents were reassigned to different congressional districts under the new boundaries Republican lawmakers redrew in May, according to a Protect Democracy analysis using 2020 Census data.
The big picture: The map split Memphis among three districts, dismantling the Democratic-held district represented by longtime U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, who is not seeking reelection.
Zoom in: Davidson County remains divided among three congressional districts, but the new map places voters in Districts 4, 6 and 7 instead of 5, 6 and 7.
- Republican Scott DesJarlais faces Democrat Victoria Broderick in District 4; Republican Johnny Garrett faces Democrat Mike Croley in District 6; and Republican Matt Van Epps faces Democrat Darden Copeland in District 7.
Also on the ballot
Three proposed constitutional amendments being put to voters would expand judges' authority to deny bail, prohibit a state property tax and expand crime victims' rights.
Tennessee's U.S. Senate race pits Republican U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty against Democrat Marquita Bradshaw.
Voters will also choose state lawmakers and decide some local races.