Nashville, Tennessee, October 4, 2025
News Summary
Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District is experiencing low early voting turnout for a special election to fill the seat left vacant by retired U.S. Rep. Mark Green. With fewer than 14,000 votes cast and participation at under 3% in Davidson County, the election presents a crowded ballot with nineteen candidates. Political controversies, including recent legislative proposals, are influencing the election climate ahead of the scheduled primary on October 7.
Nashville, Tennessee – Less than 14,000 people have voted during early voting for a special election to fill the vacancy left by retired U.S. Rep. Mark Green in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District. Early voting, which is ongoing, has seen particularly low turnout among registered voters. In Davidson County, for instance, fewer than 3% of the 116,330 eligible registered voters have participated, totaling 3,343 votes.
The primary election for this special election is scheduled for October 7, and a notable feature of the ballot is a crowded field of nineteen candidates, which includes 11 Republicans, four Democrats, and four independents. Voter participation has been unevenly split between parties, with approximately 54% participating in the Republican primary and 46% in the Democratic primary.
Political Climate and Related Issues
The context surrounding this special election includes wider political controversies. U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn has introduced the “Chloe Cole Act,” which aims to ban chemical and surgical gender transition treatments for minors. This proposed legislation would codify an existing executive order to prevent such treatments for children and permit legal action from individuals who regret their transition.
The Chloe Cole Act reflects ongoing national debates surrounding gender-affirming care. Tennessee’s Attorney General Pam Bondi has expressed support for Blackburn’s legislation, citing stories of families affected by what she describes as “mutilative medical procedures.”
Additional Political Developments
In related education news, Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds of the Tennessee Department of Education remains enrolled in the Educator Preparation Program at UT Martin despite criticism over not holding a Tennessee teaching license. The law mandates that education commissioners be “qualified” teachers, yet the Tennessee Attorney General has ruled that certification is not necessary for this position.
A recent state audit has highlighted issues within the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, indicating that the department lacked sufficient controls over the spending of over $64 million in grant funds. Despite governing 13 grant programs, the department failed to provide necessary accountability data, raising concerns about oversight. Following these findings, Gov. Bill Lee appointed Andy Holt as the new Agriculture Commissioner on September 25.
Community and Legal Updates
Rep. Andy Ogles has made headlines with his comments about restoring a “Christian Republic” in the United States, which have sparked discussions in light of the recent assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. Ogles’ spokesperson has defended these statements as a call for cultural renewal rather than a push for a religious establishment.
In the judicial arena, the Tennessee Supreme Court is set to hear a case regarding the size of the Metro Nashville Council, which is currently being challenged due to legislation that proposes to reduce its size from 40 to 20 members. Additionally, Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Holly Kirby has announced her retirement, effective June 30, 2026, after serving since 2014.
In other news, Jo Ann Davidson, the first female speaker of the Ohio House, has passed away at the age of 97. Davidson is being remembered for her contributions to mentorship and female leadership in Ohio politics.
A new state audit has revealed opportunities for improvement in monitoring grant programs, which follows increased oversight measures by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, highlighting ongoing efforts for better management of public funds.
Key Takeaways
- Less than 14,000 early votes recorded in TN’s 7th Congressional District.
- Low participation in Davidson County at under 3% of eligible voters.
- Nineteen candidates on the primary ballot.
- Political controversies influencing the election climate.
FAQ Section
What is the early voting turnout in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District special election?
Less than 14,000 people have voted across 14 counties in early voting for a special election to fill the vacancy left by retired U.S. Rep. Mark Green in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District.
What percentage of eligible voters participated in Davidson County?
In Davidson County, fewer than 3% of the 116,330 eligible registered voters participated, with 3,343 total votes.
What are the key features of the special election?
The primary election is scheduled for October 7, with early voting ongoing. Nineteen candidates are on the ballot, including 11 Republicans, four Democrats, and four independents.
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Additional Resources
- Tennessean: Tennessee Politics and Low Turnout
- NewsChannel 5: Tennessee Special Election Coverage
- Politico: North Carolina Political Landscape
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Politics
- WXII 12: North Carolina Election Results
Author: HERE Nashville
The NASHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENashville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Nashville, Davidson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as CMA Fest, Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, and Nashville Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and Nashville Health Care Council, plus leading businesses in healthcare, automotive, and technology that power the local economy such as HCA Healthcare, Bridgestone Americas, and Asurion. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HEREMemphis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
