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Tennessee Primary Election Results

TN Employer Benefits Alliance

Tennesseans had their say during the Aug. 1 primaries for state and federal offices, and the results are in.  

 

Within the state, several tight races unfolded: 

  

  • The TN Senate: 

 

  • District 4: Incumbent Jon Lundberg lost his Republican seat to Bobby Harshbarger, son of U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger, by 872 votes. 

  • District 8: Incumbent Frank Niceley lost his Republican seat to Jessie Seal. 

 

  • The TN House of Representatives: 

 

  • District 27: Republican incumbent Patsy Hazelwood lost her seat to Michele Reneau.  

  • District 33: Republican incumbent John Ragan lost his seat to Rick Scarbrough by 258 votes. 

As a group looking out for the best interests of businesses and families in Tennessee, we’ve been paying close attention to these races. Harshbarger taking Lundberg’s seat adds another pharmacist to the mix of legislators. With so many pharmacists and healthcare providers in the legislature, we’re curious if Harshbarger is going to advocate for keeping healthcare costs low or lining the pockets of Big Pharma? 

 

Additionally, these results will usher in significant leadership changes within the Tennessee Legislature. The defeat of Lundberg opens the chair of the Education Committee, while the loss of Hazelwood leaves the Council on Pensions chair and the Finance, Ways and Means Committee chair vacant. Additionally, the Government Operations Committee chair is now open following Ragan’s defeat.  

 

TEBA remains steadfast in its mission to advocate for policies that allow businesses to manage healthcare costs effectively and without undue government interference. The recent primary results highlight the dynamic nature of Tennessee’s political landscape, which underscores the importance of staying engaged and informed.  

 

With these four races being the only changes in the Legislature, it is safe to assume we will have the same fight for lower healthcare benefits costs and minimal government overreach that we had last session. Making it much more important to educate legislators on legislation negatively impacting the lives of Tennesseans and their businesses. 



Looking Ahead 

 

The fight for seats isn’t over yet.  

 

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5, and it is crucial Tennesseans show up and vote. Until then, advocate for the causes that matter most to you. Educate your representatives about the need to avoid policies that interfere with Tennessee businesses, especially when they impact healthcare costs.  

 

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