Four Tennessee House Districts are up for election Thursday. While it’s not an election year for most state representatives, two expulsions, one death and a resignation led to special elections this summer.
Democrats Justin Jones and Justin J. Pearson, two members of the Tennessee Three, were expelled in April for leading a protest from the House floor. While both were appointed less than a week later, rules required there be a special election to determine who would be elected to the seats.
Both won their primaries quite easily: Jones was not challenged, while Pearson beat out his opponent by winning nearly 95% of the vote.
The third race is for Tennessee House District 51, previously held by Democrat Bill Beck since 2014. He died in June following a heart attack.
That election is in the primary stage. Aftyn Behn and Anthony Davis are facing off for the Democratic nomination. Republican David Hooven is running unopposed.
The fourth seat up for grabs is District 3 in Hawkins County. It was left vacant after Scotty Campbell resigned amid sexual allegations. Kingsport Republican Timothy Hill and Democrat Lori Love are facing off for the seat.