Middle Tennessee Races: Escobar Wins Judge Seat In Nashville; Ketron Takes Nod In Rutherford County

Beyond the transit proposal, Democratic voters in Davidson County also had a long list of primary elections to decide.

In a highly watched contest, prosecutor Ana Escobar bested former Metro Councilman Nick Leonardo for the nomination to a General Sessions judge position. Leonardo had been appointed to the seat in January, but Escobar was favorite of the Nashville Bar Association and used her expertise on domestic violence as a central point in her campaign. The General Sessions Court Division III focuses on domestic violence.

Two other former Metro Council members fared better in two other races of note: Sam Coleman held on to the judgeship he was appointed to a year ago, and Lonnell Matthews took a narrow lead to win for juvenile court clerk over state Representative Sherry Jones.

And in the race for register of deeds — the custodian of legal property records in Nashville — current Metro Councilwoman Karen Johnson won by nearly 20 points.

But the most resounding victories of the night went to Criminal Court Clerk Howard Gentry and Sheriff Daron Hall. Both incumbents won with more than 80 percent of the vote.

There were no candidates on the ballot for any Republican primaries in Davidson County.

Ketron, Anderson Win Mayoral Nominations

In the Rutherford County mayoral primary, Republican state Senator Bill Ketron defeated Randy Allen and Tina Jones. He hopes to succeed Ernest Burgess, who is running for Ketron’s state Senate seat. He’ll face independent Heather Ann Brown in the general election. No Democrat is on the ballot for the general election.

Meanwhile, Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh won a decisive victory with 80 percent of the vote in the Republican primary. He’ll take on independents Deric Haynes and Bill West in the general election.

In Williamson County, Mayor Rogers Anderson won another term. The 16-year incumbent easily defeated challenger Kenneth Eaton in last night’s Republican primary. Anderson is unopposed in August’s general election.

Brentwood resident Jerry Lyle says been satisfied with Anderson’s performance.

“I voted for Rogers,” Lyle said shortly after casting his ballot Tuesday at the Brentwood Library. “I’m happy with what he’s done so far, and it seems like he’s in tune with what’s going on.”