Few of Tennessee’s state legislative races could truly be considered competitive Tuesday night. There are five exceptions though, all coming from select House races.
House Districts 18, 59, 67, 90, and 97 all provided competitive races with education serving on the forefront of some the campaigns.
In the open House District 18 in Knox County, Republican Elaine Davis defeated Democrat Gregory Kaplan with 54 percent of the vote. In a recent debate, Kaplan proposed eliminating public funding for public charter schools. This move would put the future of public charter schools in question across the state, as well as displace over 30 thousand students. Davis campaigned on her support for public charter schools and acknowledged their positive impacts on Tennessee students.
“Thank you to the 18th District,” said Davis on her campaign Facebook page following the election. “I look forward to serving and carrying your voice to Nashville!”
In Davidson County’s House District 59, Democrat Caleb Hemmer defeated Republican Michelle Foreman with 52 percent of the vote. The newly redrawn District 59 became an open seat after Democrat Jason Potts decided not to seek re-election.
In House District 67, Democrat Ronnie Glynn of Clarksville edged out opponent Tommy Vallejos for the seat by just 153 votes. Glynn has campaigned on advocating for teacher’s rights, prioritizing classroom resources, adequate salaries, and protecting retirement however, he also promised to oppose efforts to create “charter schools that gamble with our tax dollars and children’s education.”
On his campaign Facebook page, Glynn shared his winning moment with supporters during a live stream, later writing on Twitter, “I’m so thankful for this opportunity to serve Tennessee. Let’s get to work!”
District 67 became an open seat after Democrat Jason Hodges decided not to seek re-election.
Democratic incumbent Gloria Johnson defeated Republican David Poczobut in the House District 90 seat for Knox County. Johnson won with nearly 58 percent of the vote, reclaiming her current role.
“I want to thank my amazing team and the wonderful voters in House District 90 that put their trust in me with their vote, it’s an honor,” Johnson posted to Twitter shortly after the election, “I look forward to working for you all!”
Throughout the campaign, Johnson emphasized education as one of her three top issues however she has expressed opposition to the established system of using public dollars to support public charter schools and she was one of the few members of the General Assembly who voted against the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA). The legislation puts a billion new dollars into public education and changes the way schools are funded to a student-based formula that’s utilized by most states, including California and Texas.
Republican incumbent John Gillespie defeated Democrat Toniko Harris for the House District 97 seat in Shelby County with more than 56 percent of the vote.
Gillespie took to Twitter after the election to thank his supporters, “District 97, I am once again honored and thankful for your re-election and continued support! I will continue to represent the conservative values of the district. Now it’s time to get back to work!”
Gillespie has a history of supporting legislation to improve education and has advocated for technical training and education in Tennessee schools to ensure students are learning applicable skills for future careers. Representative Gillespie also voted in support of the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement Act last session.
All five House District winners will serve in the 113th General Assembly that convenes at noon in Nashville on Tuesday, January 10, 2023.
