In this issue:
- 2026 – Time to file for local races
- Candidate Resources
- Bona Fide Republican – What You Need to Know
2026 – Time to File for Local Races
Most local offices are on the May 5th primary ballot. Are you willing to serve in your community? There’s still time!
County Offices on the ballot:
- County Mayor
- County Commission
- Trustee
- Sheriff
- Circuit Court Clerk
- County Clerk
- Register of Deeds
- Constable
- Board of Education – some districts (varies by county)
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 – State and County Primary Election
County Elected Offices
| First Day to Pick Up Petitions | Monday, December 22, 2025 |
| Qualifying Deadline* | Thursday, February 19, 2026, 12:00 Noon |
| * This qualifying deadline applies to primary candidates, candidates nominated by caucus, and independent candidates for the offices on the May primary ballot. | |
| Withdrawal Deadline | Thursday, February 26, 2026, 12:00 Noon |
| Voter Registration Deadline | Monday, April 6, 2026 |
| Early Voting Period | Wednesday, April 15 – Thursday, April 30, 2026 |
| Absentee Ballot Request Deadline | Saturday, April 25, 2026 |
| ELECTION DAY | Tuesday, May 5, 2026 |
Candidate Resources
Need a little help sorting through the “how” of running? These resources were highlighted during our December Candidate Education Forum, courtesy of SEC Committeewoman Linda Clark.
Bona Fide Republican – What You Need to Know
The “Exploring a Run” document summarizes the standards required to qualify as a Republican candidate in Tennessee.
The “3-out-of-4” Rule
For nine years, the Tennessee Republican Party (TNGOP) bylaws have required candidates to be “bona fide” Republicans. This typically means:
- You have voted in at least 3 of the last 4 statewide Republican primaries.
- You are actively involved and registered with the party.
For full technical details, please review Article IX of the TNGOP bylaws at TNGOP.org.
Navigating Your Path
If you do not currently meet these standards, you cannot run in the Republican primary this cycle. However, you can still bring your message to the voters by running as an Independent.
If you have already picked up a Republican petition, simply visit your local election commission office and request an Independent petition instead.
A Foundation for the Future
Choosing the Independent path when you fall short of the bylaws is a strategic move that protects your political future. By following the rules as they are written today, you ensure you are not penalized in future Republican primaries.
Abraham Lincoln once said:
“Character is like a tree, and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.”
I will always stand by a candidate who chooses the path of honesty. By aligning your actions with the rules today, you are strengthening the “tree” of your political character for every election to come.
