Gov. Bill Lee has signed legislation by State Rep. Lee Reeves, R-Franklin, to ensure county political candidates are chosen by voters through primary elections.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Gov. Bill Lee has signed legislation by State Rep. Lee Reeves, R-Franklin, to ensure county political candidates are chosen by voters through primary elections.
The new law 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 law protects the voice of Tennessee voters and puts an end to backroom politics,” Reeves said. “It reinforces trust in our elections by guaranteeing a process that is fair, accessible and transparent. I’m proud to stand with the hardworking Tennesseans who want their voices heard and support President Trump’s mission to restore election integrity across the nation.”
Any statewide political party that used non-primary methods to nominate candidates in 2022 or 2024 may continue doing so for county offices.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order in March calling for strict enforcement of election laws to prevent fraud, foreign interference and improper voting.
Tennessee leads the nation in election integrity due to strict elections laws passed by the General Assembly and strong enforcement across all 95 counties.
Lee Reeves represents House District 65 which includes part of Williamson County.