In this issue:
- Local Ballots Finalized Soon for May 5th Primary
- Key Dates to Remember
- March Meetings and Upcoming Events
Local Ballots Finalized Soon for May 5th Primary
The Tennessee Republican Party notified candidates who were potentially disqualified for the primary ballot this past week. Candidates may have been disqualified for not meeting the bona fide voting requirements or nonpayment of candidate filing fees. Some candidates remained on the Republican primary list even after filing to run as independent candidates. All candidates that have been recommended for removal from the ballot by the state party have received certified letters as written notification. All appeals will be resolved and the final ballot names clarified by Thursday, March 5th.
Key Dates to Remember
Local parties are busy conducting candidate forums and planning Reagan Day dinners. Be sure to stay in touch with the local parties by joining their email lists, following social media and, best of all, attend their meetings! Also be on the alert for candidates hosting their meet-and-greet events. Informed voters are the best voters! Note the highlighted dates in the key dates schedule below:
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 |
March Meetings and Upcoming Events
CAUTION! Winter weather in the Upper Cumberland can vary significantly in a very few miles – even in March! Be sure to check for weather cancellations prior to setting out for the gatherings.
Putnam County GOP
Tuesday, March 3rd @ 5:30 pm FB link
Potluck at 5:30 pm
(please bring a covered dish)
90 E Spring St, Cookeville, TN 38501
Cumberland Co Republican Women
Tuesday, March 12th @ 5:30 pm FB link
Program: TN Speaker of the House and OUR State Representative, Cameron Sexton
Note: Meeting date adjusted to avoid a conflict with spring break.
TCAT Upper Cumberland, Bldg 1
910 Miller Ave
Crossville, TN 38555
Rep. Women of the Upper Cumberland
Tuesday, March 10th @ 12 pm (noon) FB link
RSVP and details: tnrwuc.org
J&S Construction Building Conference Rm. (Behind Holiday Inn)
1844 Foreman Dr., Cookeville
Overton County GOP
Tuesday, March 10th @ 6:30 pm FB link
Program: TBA
Livingston-Overton Chamber of Commerce
222 East Main St
Livingston, TN
Van Buren County GOP
Thursday, March 12th @ 6 pm FB link
Potluck Dinner
Program: TBA
Burritt College
445 College St, Spencer, TN 38585
Smith County GOP – Meetings TBA FB link
Next meeting in April! Check out the details for the Reagan Day Dinner in March (below).
Warren County GOP – Thursday, March 19th at 6 pm FB link
Monthly Party Meeting
Warren County Admin building, Early Voting room
201 Locust Street McMinnville, TN 37110
Cumberland County GOP – Tuesday, March 17th at 6 pm FB link
Doors open at 5:30 pm
Program: Local Candidate Meet & Greet
County Community Complex
1398 Livingston Rd
Crossville, TN 38571
White County GOP – Monday, March 23rd @ 6:00 pm FB link
3rd Floor, White County Courthouse
1 East Bockman Way, Sparta, TN38583
Jackson County GOP – Tuesday, March 24th @ 6:30 pm FB link
Location: New Hope Baptist Church
311 N. Murray St, Gainesboro TN 38562
Bledsoe County GOP – TBA FB link
Pikeville, TN 37367
