We’re Calling Local Democratic Primaries for 2026
Yesterday, we filed our official notice with the Anderson County Election Commission: in 2026, Democrats will hold local primaries.
This decision came after debate and discussion at our August Executive Committee meeting. We understand the realities of where we are. We also agree (unanimously) on where we’re going.
We’ve said it before: we love local. And if we want to change the map, it starts in our own backyard.
Anderson County is a 65/35 Republican county. Those numbers line up almost exactly with Tennessee as a whole. That means if we can prove the work here, we can prove the work anywhere.
We know the energy that comes with a presidential year. We believe in what our candidates at the top of the ballot stand for — the top-of-ticket candidates’ picture of what our country and our state can be. But excitement alone won’t flip this county. The only way we win is by showing that Democrats are doing the work right here at home — on school boards, on county commission, on city councils.
That’s what these primaries are about: giving Democrats across Anderson County a choice in who represents them. Building a bench of local leaders who people know by name. Showing that our values aren’t just talked about — they’re lived out.
Yesterday we made it official. Read the full text of our letter to the Anderson County Election Commission below.
Now comes the work of recruiting candidates, training them and supporting them.
If you’ve ever thought about running, this is your moment. Find out more here.
Want to see what it takes? Start with our Run for Something Real guide.
If you want to help build the team, we need you too. Get involved with our efforts here.
And here’s the other truth: none of this happens without resources. Running local primaries, recruiting and training candidates, supporting them once they step up — it all takes a serious investment.
Every dollar we raise for our campaign war chest stays right here in Anderson County to build the kind of party infrastructure we’ve never had before.
Chip in today to fuel this fight. Make a immediate difference here.
This is our mission. We debated it. We voted on it.
We’re united in making it happen — and with your help, we will.
8/22/2025
To: Anderson County Election Commission
Jane Miller, Chair | William Stephenson | David Bradshaw | William Gallaher | Marion StanfordVia: Mark Stephens, Administrator of Elections
Subject: Notice of Democratic Primary Election – May 5, 2026Dear Chair Miller, Administrator Stephens, and Members of the Anderson County Election Commission,
In accordance with state law and the guidelines provided by the Anderson County Election Commission, the Anderson County Democratic Party Executive Committee hereby notifies you of our intent to call for a Democratic County Primary Election on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
This primary shall include all county offices placed on the Thursday, August 6, 2026, general election ballot and any vacancies that may occur and be applicable under state law.
Additionally, we are notifying you in writing of our County Executive Committee’s decision to call for Democratic primary elections on Thursday, August 6, 2026, for all offices placed on the Tuesday, November 3, 2026, general election ballot including any possible vacancies that may occur in Anderson County.
These offices include, but are not limited to, the Clinton School Board and Oak Ridge Board of Education.
This notification is made prior to the August 25, 2025 deadline and is signed by the required officers of the Anderson County Democratic Party Executive Committee.
We appreciate your cooperation and respectfully request confirmation of receipt of this notice for our records.
Chase Lindsey
Chair, Anderson County Democratic Party
chair@andersondems.org
P.O. Box 5085
Oak Ridge, TN 37831
If you have any questions, please call me at (731) 608-5119 or call the Tennessee Democratic Party (TNDP) at (615) 327-9779.
Respectfully
Chase Lindsey, Chair
Amanda Mantooth, Treasurer
