by Capitol Resources, LLC and Natalie Jones, Director of Advocacy and Research, Tennessee Nonprofit Network
Tennessee recently held its State and Federal Primary elections on August 1, 2024, featuring significant developments across the state’s political landscape. Nonprofit professionals in Tennessee can benefit from understanding these changes as they impact policy, funding, and community engagement efforts.
Key Results from State Legislative Races
All 99 districts for the State House of Representatives and 16 of the 33 districts for the State Senate were on the ballot. Notably, four incumbent state legislators lost their primary bids, a marked increase from the two incumbents who lost two years ago. This shift included Senate Education Chairman Jon Lundberg, House Finance Ways & Means Chairman Patsy Hazlewood, House Government Operations Chairman John Ragan, and Senator Frank Niceley, all Republicans.
Impactful Changes in the State Senate
- East Tennessee saw several significant contests:
- Senate Education Chair Jon Lundberg was defeated by Bobby Harshbarger, a pharmacist and son of U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger. Lundberg’s loss is notable as he was a key proponent of school voucher legislation.
- Senator Frank Niceley lost to Jessie Seal, who benefited from substantial pro-school voucher funding.
- Middle Tennessee experienced a noteworthy race in District 18, where Speaker Pro Tempore Ferrell Haile secured a decisive victory over Chris Spencer.
- West Tennessee races included Senate Appropriations Chair John Stevens winning by a significant margin and Senator Sara Kyle maintaining her seat against Erika Pearson.
Open House Seats and New Nominees
Seven incumbents in the State House decided not to run for re-election. Notable new nominees include:
- Renea Jones for District 4 (Unicoi and part of Carter County).
- Shaundelle Brooks, a passionate advocate for gun violence prevention, for District 60 (part of Davidson County).
Federal Election Outlook
In the U.S. Senate race, incumbent Senator Marsha Blackburn (R) will face State Representative Gloria Johnson (D) in November. Blackburn is a strong favorite to retain her seat. Additionally, all nine U.S. Congressional incumbents won their primaries and are not expected to face significant challenges in the general election.
Implications for Nonprofits
These primary results suggest potential shifts in legislative priorities, particularly concerning education and school voucher policies. Nonprofit organizations focused on education, healthcare, and community development should stay informed about the new legislative members and their platforms.
Strategies for Nonprofit Engagement:
- Build Relationships with New Legislators: Engage with new candidates to understand their priorities and how they align with your organization’s mission.
- Advocacy and Policy Influence: With changes in key committee positions, particularly in education, nonprofits have an opportunity to influence policy discussions. Prepare to advocate for policies that benefit your community and get on the radar with new candidates now.
- Monitor Funding Changes: Changes in legislative leadership could impact funding for various programs. Stay proactive in understanding potential shifts and advocating for continued or increased support for essential services.
- Community Outreach: Educate your constituents about the potential impacts of these elections. Foster community discussions to ensure their voices are heard in policy-making processes.
The general election will be held on Tuesday, November 5, with early voting beginning on October 16. Nonprofits should encourage community participation in these critical elections to ensure that their interests are represented.
In summary, the 2024 Tennessee Primary elections have set the stage for potential shifts in policy and legislative focus. Nonprofit professionals must remain engaged, informed, and proactive to navigate and leverage these changes effectively for their communities.