Early voting for the August election begins in 59 days! Our Republican local and judicial candidates are ‘on-deck’ for hitting a home run and they need our help to win against Democrat and Independent candidates! Inform family, friends and neighbors, volunteer to help make calls or knock on doors, and make campaign contributions! Things may be a little slow right now in the post-primary lull, but check in with your candidates and HELP! Things will be picking up after Memorial Day!

This edition is dedicated to the Republican judicial candidates (including attorney general and public defender positions) on the August 4th ballot. Seven Upper Cumberland and Sequatchie Valley Republican candidates are listed below in the order of the judicial district numbering. In four of the races, incumbents that have previously run on the Democrat ballot are now running for re-election as Independents. Only one Democrat incumbent is retaining Democrat party status. Check out these terrific candidates and keep scrolling past the candidate list for even more details provided by the candidates! Links to their social media and websites are included.

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12th Judicial District Republican Candidates

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13th Judicial District Republican Candidates

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General Sessions Republican Judicial Candidates – Cumberland and Overton Counties

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31 Judicial District Republican Candidates

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⬇⬇ Check out the details provided by the Candidates! ⬇⬇

Courtney Lynch, Republican candidate for 12th Judicial District Attorney General

I want to serve you as the District Attorney General for the 12^th Judicial District of Tennessee (Bledsoe, Franklin, Grundy, Marion, Rhea and Sequatchie counties).  I am a Republican candidate and the right person for the job.  I have the knowledge, experience, character and conservative values to make our district safe.

In 1998 I graduated summa cum laude from the University of Alabama with a degree in Business Administration.  I graduated from Vanderbilt University Law School in 2001.  I had a law practice in Winchester until I went to work for the State of Tennessee as an Assistant District Attorney in 2012. I work primarily in Franklin County, but I am familiar with the other courts in the district.  Over the last 10 years I have handled all types of criminal cases from misdemeanors in General Sessions Court to high level felonies including many homicides in Circuit Court.  I have been honored to teach classes to law enforcement officers and other prosecutors.

I was raised and now I am raising my family in Franklin County.   I have been married to Brooks Lynch for twenty-three years and we have three teenagers – Isaac (18), Olivia (16), and Evan (16).  As a Christian I have been very involved in our church and in our community.  I have the integrity and strong moral compass to make the tough decisions that are often necessary.  I will work tirelessly to protect our communities for your family and mine.  I will vigorously prosecute crime, work to prevent crime, seek justice for victims, and support law enforcement.

While recognizing that the accused have constitutional rights that should be protected, my office will vigorously prosecute crime.  The past couple of years have shown us that there are those who wish to eliminate personal accountability.  In 1904, Justice Oliver Wendall Holmes said, “At the present time in this country there is more danger that criminals will escape justice than they will be subjected to tyranny.” Kapner v. United States, 195 U.S. 100, 134 (1904).  Over a century later that statement aptly describes the state of law enforcement in much of our country.  In Tennessee we have been relatively insulated from such movements, largely due to the efforts of strong conservative leaders in all three branches of our state government.   I pledge to apply those same conservative principles.  I will carry a caseload in addition to administrative duties to make the office run more efficiently. 

I will enthusiastically work to prevent crime by collaborating with community shareholders.  Rehabilitation is an essential component of crime prevention.   I pledge to work closely with the recovery court, the re-entry program, and similar organizations in our district.  

I will prioritize seeking justice for victims.   District Attorneys are public servants first.  Victims are likely going through the most difficult period of their lives.  They deserve empathy, respect, communication and resources.  I will make sure that child support obligations are fully enforced. I will aggressively prosecute crimes that victimize the most vulnerable of our society.  I will utilize the district’s Child Advocacy Centers in the prosecution of crimes against children, and I will offer my full support to them in their effort to help victims heal.  I will employ statutes that significantly increase the penalty for crimes against elderly and vulnerable adults to hold offenders fully accountable.

I will support law enforcement in seeking the truth.  Prosecutors are held to a higher standard than other attorneys.  Our job is to seek the truth, not just a win.  That standard applies to law enforcement as well.  My grandfather worked in law enforcement for fifty-four years until dying while on duty at the age of 76.  Our law enforcement heroes are dedicated to order, peace and public safety.  Working closely with so many of them as an Assistant District Attorney, I have seen the personal sacrifices they make for their community.  They often go beyond what the job requires.  As in any profession there are a few exceptions, but the overwhelming majority are honest, humble and professional.  I promise to advocate for and support them by offering increased educational opportunities from and access to my office.  As District Attorney I will work to create new relationships and repair old ones by improving communication with law enforcement at all levels – local, state and federal.

I humbly ask for your prayers, your support and your vote in the Republican Primary on May 3^rd.

Follow candidate Courtney Lynch on Facebook here

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Ted Engel, (R) candidate for 12th Judicial District Public Defender

A tenth-generation Tennessean with roots in Rhea County stretching back two centuries, Ted grew up just outside the small, rural town of Dayton. He was raised by two hardworking parents who taught him the importance of integrity, honesty, and a full day’s labor. As a child living in the town famous for the Scopes Trial of 1925, Ted dreamed of becoming an attorney from a very young age.

After finishing high school as the valedictorian of his class, Ted attended Tennessee Technological University, graduating in three years of study with a Bachelor of Science, magna cum laude, in political science. He then proceeded to the University of Tennessee College of Law, where he earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence, cum laude, with a concentration in advocacy and dispute resolution. After graduation, Ted returned to his hometown of Dayton and opened a small business offering legal services to the community with a practice consisting primarily of family law, estate planning, and criminal defense.

In 2013, Ted joined the Hamilton County District Public Defender’s Office as an assistant public defender. Since that time, he has represented thousands of clients accused of crimes ranging in severity from public intoxication to first degree murder. Ted rose through the ranks of his office, eventually becoming a supervisor managing a team of five other attorneys responsible for representing defendants in ten different courts with jurisdiction over the fourth most populous county in the state. He also initiated the office’s first in-house training program designed to develop and foster trial skills among his fellow assistant public defenders.

In 2018, Ted became a founding team member of the Hamilton County General Sessions Recovery Court. This program was initiated to fill a critical gap in the treatment options available to criminal defendants who suffer from drug and alcohol dependency, targeting those charged with misdemeanor offenses for intervention to hopefully divert them from the criminal justice system and help prevent more serious criminal conduct. Ted serves as the Public Defender’s representative on the Court, advocating for the needs, interests, and wishes of those enrolled in the program.

After nearly a decade of practicing law, Ted decided to further develop his litigation skills by pursuing a Master of Laws in trial advocacy from the Temple University Beasley School of Law, widely considered to be the best such program in the entire country. There, he joined students from around the world in receiving intense instruction in trial skills training from many of America’s most skilled trial attorneys. Continuing to work full-time as an assistant public defender throughout the program, Ted earned his Master of Laws, with distinction, and was awarded the Faculty Award, recognizing him as his graduating class’ most outstanding student in courtroom presentation and performance.

A staunch advocate of the rule of law, small government, and individual rights, Ted is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Chattanooga Bar Association, the Rhea County Republican Party, the Gun Owners of America, and the Second Amendment Foundation. Ted is a life member of the National Rifle Association.

Ted lives in Dayton with his wonderful wife, Ashley, an emergency room nurse and doctoral student. They live on a small farm with their son, Theodore, and two large dogs, Remington and Daisy, where they raise chickens, ducks, and endangered Narragansett turkeys. Ted is passionate about history, promoting individual liberty and advancing conservative political ideals. In his spare time, he enjoys working on his farm, hiking, and sport shooting.

Learn more about Ted Engel at his website tedengel.com or on social media Facebook , Twitter or Instagram.

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William T. “Will” Ridley, (R) candidate for 13th Judicial District Circuit Court Judge, Part I

William “Will” Ridley, a Republican candidate, recently announced his candidacy for the Circuit Court Judge, Part 1 position in the 13th Judicial District. The Judgeship is currently held by a Democrat who was appointed by Governor Bredesen in 2008.

Will and his family reside in Cumberland County. His wife, Tiffany, is a 4th grade teacher at Stone Elementary School, and they have two daughters, Rylee (5) and Madison (2). “I own and operate the Law office of William T. Ridley and love helping my clients find success.”

Aside from his private practice, Will also serves as the Crossville City Attorney and the Crossville Tax Attorney. “My family and I are active members of Cumberland Fellowship Baptist Church in Crossville. We love our church and our small group. I enjoy spending time with my family, working to improve our farm in Grassy Cove, and spending time on the lake.”

Will is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University and obtained his law degree from the Nashville School of Law. Will worked full time while attending law school at night. He worked for Congressman Scott DesJarslais as a Field Representative and for Senator Ken Yager as a Legislative Assistant. “These jobs taught me valuable skills that I use every day. They taught me how to really listen to people and help solve their problems.” “I love my community, and I want to serve it by putting my experience and my conservative values to work for the people of the Upper Cumberland.” 

For more info about Will Ridley, check his Facebook page or website

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Amanda Worley, (R) candidate for Cumberland County General Sessions Judge

Amanda Worley, Republican, is seeking the position of General Sessions Judge, currently held by the Honorable Larry Warner, who will not be seeking reelection.

Worley is a Crossville native, who currently serves as an Assistant District Attorney in the 13th Judicial District. She has served in this role for nearly 14 years since graduating from Nashville School of Law, obtaining her Doctorate of Jurisprudence in 2007.

She is a proven prosecutor, handling thousands of cases in Juvenile, General Sessions, and Criminal Courts. She has conducted jury trials concerning Homicide, Rape of a Child, Rape, Burglary, DUI, and Drugs. She is a strong constitutional originalist and believes in conservative judicial principles.

“One of the most important roles of a judge is an understanding of the rules of evidence and the ability to apply them in difficult situations, which I have done during numerous trials and motion hearings. I have stood up for those who have been wronged and victims of crimes” said Worley, and “I want to bring that experience to the General Sessions Bench, where consistent application of justice will be the key to the safety of your family and mine.”

Worley was also grateful to be involved in bringing the first “Facility Dog” to the 13th Judicial District. Facility dogs can accompany witnesses, especially children, to the witness stand to comfort them as they testify. Worley has completed numerous trainings including those concerning Adverse Childhood Experiences. She looks forward to using that knowledge to help our General Sessions Courts become more trauma informed. One such possibility is with the creation of child friendly spaces for child witnesses and spaces to keep victims of crimes in a separate area from their alleged offenders.

Worley was honored to be elected as Chairman of the Cumberland County Republican Party in 2019 and was elected as Secretary of the Cumberland County Republican Women’s Club in 2017. Both positions she held until 2021, when stepping down to begin her campaign for General Sessions Judge. Additionally, Worley is on the Board of Directors for the Fair Park Senior Center.

Amanda resides in Crossville with her husband, Travis and daughter Sophia. She is the proud step-mother to Ethan Worley, a recent high school graduate.

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Will Mullins, (R) candidate for Overton County General Sessions Judge

“My name is Will Mullins and I am running as a Republican candidate for General Sessions Judge of Overton County, Tennessee. My parents are Bryan Mullins and Lynda Patterson of Overton County. My grandparents are James Willard Winningham and Carol Winningham of Livingston and also Thomas Landon Mullins and Doris Mullins of the Independence community. I have resided in Overton County for my entire life and still currently reside in Livingston. I am married to my wife, Shenna Pendergrass Mullins of Rickman and we have three daughters, Ivy Mullins, Piper Mullins, and Saylor Mullins.

“Prior to becoming a lawyer, I was a law enforcement officer in Overton County. During my tenure as a law enforcement officer, I had an opportunity to meet a lot of great people as well as serve the county I have called home for my entire life.

“In today’s society, it is important that we have conservative judges administering justice. As a lifelong conservative, I have always supported and defended the Constitution. As Judge, I pledge to make decisions that align directly with the Constitution, and that will administer justice fairly for every individual in Overton County. I would greatly appreciate your support and your vote, and I look forward to earning your trust.”

Follow Will Mullins’ campaign:

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Quentin Scott Horton, (R) candidate for 31st Judicial District Circuit Court Judge

SCOTT HORTON FOR CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE 31^ST JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF WARREN & VAN BUREN COUNTIES

A CONSERVATIVE WITH AN UNMATCHED RECORD OF EXPERIENCE, DEDICATION, AND SERVICE

CONSERVATIVE: Scott believes our courts should be objective, fair and abide by the rule of law. He is committed to the principle that as your Circuit Court Judge, his job will be to enforce the law and protect your Constitutional rights. He is committed to Christian and Family Values and protecting all families.

EXPERIENCE: As an experienced and accomplished attorney, Scott has practiced law in circuit, chancery, general sessions, juvenile, and municipal court cases. He understands the need for all citizens to be properly represented and for society to be protected from crime.

DEDICATION: Scott was raised in Warren County. He loves his home and people and that’s why he wants to be your next Circuit Court Judge. He understands that the courts immediately affect the lives of every citizen and he wants to give back to his community by providing consistent, objective and fair judicial decisions.

SERVICE: Scott has devoted his entire adult life to serving the people of Warren County. He believes serving the public is a great privilege and honor, not a right or entitlement, and he is committed to keeping our community a great place to live, work, and raise a family. He has sat on private school boards to serve the community.

EDUCATION: Scott graduated from Warren County High School, attended Tennessee Tech and graduated from David Lipscomb College. He attended and graduated seminary in Memphis at the Harding School of religion before going to law school. He graduated from the Nashville School of Law in 1990. Currently he practices domestic, family, civil law as well as criminal litigation at Horton & Horton Attorneys at Law in McMinnville.

OBJECTIVE AND PHILOSOPHY: Scott Horton, is seeking the office of Circuit Judge for the 31^st Judicial district being in Warren and Van Buren counties. Scott decided to run for the Republican nomination for Circuit Judge because he supports and advocates conservative values. He has been active in the Republican Party and served on the Board for the Warren County Republican Party for several years until he launched his campaign for Circuit Court Judge.

Scott Horton believes that our judges and judicial system must be objective so that all who come to court—being litigates or lawyers—are treat fairly according to the law. Please visit HortonforJudge.com for more information on Scott Horton’s campaign for Tennessee’s next Circuit Court Judge for the 31st District.

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Chris Stanford, (R) candidate for 31st Judicial District Attorney General

Chris Stanford has been your neighbor down the street, your friend from high school, and your trusted attorney when you needed legal advice. Now, he is the man who wants to protect our families and make our communities safer. As District Attorney, that’s exactly what he will do. Chris’s legal knowledge, work ethic, honest nature, and commitment to blindly pursuing Justice make him the clear choice to represent Warren and Van Buren citizens in the office of District Attorney. Chris is uniquely positioned to fulfill the demands of this role in pursuing justice and improving the lives of our people as shown by his wonderful family and successful business.

Chris is a man with local roots. Born in Knoxville, Chris grew up in McMinnville where he attended Morrison Elementary School and later graduated from Warren County High School in 1999. His dad worked at Carrier and his mom was a teacher at Warren County Middle School. After becoming a lawyer, Chris founded a law firm with his wife, Christina, which successfully services counties across Middle Tennessee. Despite his busy work schedule, Chris’s first priorities are God and family. Chris and Christina are raising four boys in Warren County. The Stanfords are members of Westwood Church of Christ in McMinnville, and Chris’s boys are active sports fanatics. Chris has enjoyed coaching and cheering on his kids in their local sports and other activities.

Chris remembers a stronger, safer, happier McMinnville from his youth, and his concern for his family’s safety and future in his hometown led him to run for the office of District Attorney. Chris remains committed to improving Warren and Van Buren Counties so that families can once again thrive and prosper in our community. Change begins at the local level, and Chris is determined to use his particularized skills as a trial attorney and successful business owner to effectuate positive change in the District Attorney’s Office.

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