House Bill 855, sponsored by State Rep. Lee Reeves, R-Franklin, requires political parties to use primary elections, not conventions or caucuses, to nominate candidates for county partisan races such as county commissioners or school board members.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The General Assembly has approved legislation to ensure county political candidates are chosen by voters through primary elections.
House Bill 855, sponsored by State Rep. Lee Reeves, R-Franklin, requires political parties to use primary elections, not conventions or caucuses, to nominate candidates for county partisan races such as county commissioners or school board members. Current Tennessee law already requires positions like governor, state legislators and U.S. senators and representatives to be nominated by primary election.
“This bill ensures Tennessee voters, not party insiders, choose their candidates,” Reeves said. “I’m proud to stand with the busy parents, deployed service members, first responders, senior citizens and other Tennesseans who want their voice heard. The voters of Tennessee stand with me on this issue and want accessible, transparent and fair opportunities to choose their nominees.”
Any statewide political party that used non-primary methods to nominate candidates in 2022 or 2024 may continue doing so for county offices.
“At the heart of House Bill 855 is one simple, time-tested principle: the people who vote should be the ones who decide who represents them. That’s the Tennessee way and that’s what this bill protects,” Reeves said.
Constituents within the military community have voiced their support for this legislation, recognizing its role in protecting their right to have a say in candidate selection. The Volunteer State is home to 18,160 active-duty service members and 26,857 National Guard and reserve members, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.
Tennessee leads the nation in election integrity with strong election laws from the General Assembly and strict enforcement across all 95 counties.
House Bill 855 now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.
Lee Reeves represents House District 65 which includes part of Williamson County.
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