Elizabethton Prepares for Upcoming City Council Elections

It’s that time again in Elizabethton, where the local community gears up for the upcoming city elections. Four candidates have filed their qualifying papers for three coveted City Council seats, amid a slew of other important races set for November 5th.

Among these candidates are two incumbents who are well within the familiar sights of the community. Kimmie L. “Kim” Birchfield, a two-term member of the Council, first elected in 2016, is back in the race. Birchfield, a retired law enforcement professional, hasn’t been a small player. He currently serves on several boards including the Parks and Recreation Board, Surf Betsy Advisory Board, and the 911 Emergency System Board. He’s even known for his brief stint on the Elizabethton City School Board and a couple of unsuccessful runs for Carter County Sheriff.

Meanwhile, Jeffrey C. Treadway is another familiar face, attempting to keep his seat. Treadway, a long-time incumbent, was first elected back in 2012. His dedication goes beyond the Council; he’s involved with the Bonnie Kate Theatre Board, the Historic Zoning Commission, and the Main Street Board.

The fresh faces in this race include Deborah B. Gouge and David Richard Tester. Gouge, a retired educator, is chasing her first political role. She’s certainly no stranger to community interaction after serving as Elizabethton High School’s fine arts chair and choral director for an impressive 37-year tenure. Tester, on the other hand, is attempting a comeback. Previously a City Council member until unseated in 2018, he’s remembered for his role as the board chairman of Carter County Tomorrow, dissolved in 2019.

But that’s not all the excitement Elizabethton faces. The city judge race is another one to watch, between incumbent Jason L. Holly and Teresa Murray Smith. This will be a rematch of sorts, as Holly was initially appointed as interim city judge in 2020, a seat left vacant by T.J. Little Jr.’s sudden death. Holly and Smith have been battling back and forth ever since, with Holly currently holding the position after a contentious election in November 2020.

The local school board race has its own drama, with three candidates vying for three open seats. Incumbents David Phil Isaacs and Jamie M. Schaff are back in the running, with Dr. Robert Wayne Lewis Jr., a well-known local dentist, joining the fray.

The Watauga City Commission race appears more straightforward with three incumbents – Dennis G. Hicks, Richard D. McCracken, and Albert Mitchell Thomasson – all running for the available three seats.

What Else is on the Ballot?

Beyond city-level intrigue, local ballots will feature several key state and federal races:

• **District 3 state House race**: Incumbent Republican Timothy Aaron Hill will face Democrat Lori Love. Both candidates sailed through their respective primaries on August 1st unchallenged.
• **U.S. Senate**: Incumbent Republican Marsha Blackburn, in office since 2019, faces Democrat Gloria Johnson, who emerged victorious in her primary race.
• **1st District U.S. House of Representatives**: Republican Diana Harshbarger will compete against Democrat Kevin Jenkins, who won his primary against Bennett H. Lapides.
• **4th District state House of Representatives**: Renea Jones, now the official Republican nominee after defeating longtime Mayor Curt Alexander in the primary, has essentially secured her seat since there’s no Democratic challenger in sight.

Important dates are looming for both candidates and voters. For candidates, the deadline to withdraw from consideration is set for noon Thursday, August 23. For voters, the registration deadline is Monday, October 7, while early voting runs from Wednesday, October 16, through Thursday, October 31. Those planning to vote absentee must request their ballots by Tuesday, October 29.

Stay Updated

As the excitement builds, Elizabethton residents are encouraged to stay informed and participate actively. Whether you’re supporting incumbents, backing fresh faces, or simply keen on the developments, this election season promises to be one to remember. Get ready, Elizabethton, for a season of civic duty, community debates, and the exhilarating process of local democracy!