Elizabethton City Council Race Heats Up with Four Candidates Competing for Three Seats
The political climate in Elizabethton is beginning to stir as four candidates have officially filed their paperwork to run for three seats on the City Council. The deadline for submissions was noon on Thursday, and now the race is on to see who will secure these coveted positions on November 5th. Notably, this election coincides with both state and federal election cycles, adding to the anticipation.
Among those vying for a seat is Kim Birchfield, a two-term incumbent. Birchfield, a retired law enforcement professional, first earned the trust of Elizabethton residents in 2016. Aside from his council duties, he is active in the community, serving on the Parks and Recreation Board, Surf Betsy Advisory Board, and the 911 Emergency System Board. Birchfield’s resume also includes a stint on the Elizabethton City School Board and various campaigns, including some unsuccessful runs for Carter County Sheriff.
Running against him is Deborah B. Gouge, a recent retiree from Elizabethton’s city school system. Gouge spent 37 years as the fine arts chair and choral director at Elizabethton High School, and is considered a novice in the realm of politics. However, her long-standing commitment to the local education system is likely to resonate with many voters.
Then there’s David Richard Tester, who is no stranger to City Council. Tester previously served but was unseated in the 2018 midterm election. With a career that includes serving as the board chairman of Carter County Tomorrow (dissolved in 2019), he is aiming for a comeback.
Completing the list is Jeffrey C. Treadway, a long-standing incumbent, first elected in 2012. Treadway is engaged in various roles within the community via the Bonnie Kate Theatre Board, Historic Zoning Commission, and the Main Street Board. His extensive experience could be a key advantage in the upcoming election.
Judicial and School Board Contests
Aside from the City Council race, the ballot will also feature two candidates for the city judge position: incumbent Jason L. Holly and Teresa Murray Smith. Holly was originally elected as the interim city judge in February 2020 following the death of T.J. Little Jr. Holly, however, lost a write-in bid to Smith for Little’s unexpired term but went on to defeat her in a later 2020 election. This year’s contest between the two is already drawing significant attention.
The city school board race has three candidates for its three open seats: incumbents David Phil Isaacs and Jamie M. Schaff, and new challenger Robert Wayne Lewis Jr., an Elizabethton dentist. The lack of competition for these seats suggests a smoother path for the incumbents, but Lewis offers a fresh face on the ballot.
Meanwhile, three incumbents Dennis G. Hicks, Richard D. McCracken, and Albert Mitchell Thomasson are eyeing re-election for the three open seats on the Watauga City Commission. Their continuous run hints at the community’s confidence in their ongoing service.
State and Federal Representation
The elections also hold some intriguing matchups at the state and federal levels. In the District 3 State House race, incumbent Timothy Aaron Hill, a Republican, will go up against Democrat Lori Love. The district includes Johnson County and portions of Carter, Hawkins, and Sullivan counties, including Blountville.
On the federal stage, Senator Marsha Blackburn will seek re-election against Democrat challenger Gloria Johnson of Knoxville. Blackburn has held her Senate seat since 2019 and is a prominent Republican figure.
In the 1st District race, incumbent Republican Diana Harshbarger will face Democrat Kevin Jenkins of Sneedville. Harshbarger ran unopposed in her primary, while Jenkins had to defeat Bennett H. Lapides in his party’s primary to claim a spot on the November ballot.
Lastly, Renea Jones emerged victorious in the Republican primary against long-term Elizabethton Mayor Curt Alexander for the 4th District House of Representatives seat. Jones is set to head to Nashville unopposed, with no Democratic challenger in sight. The 4th District spans Unicoi County and part of Carter County.
Key Dates to Remember
With the anticipation building, it’s crucial for voters to note key dates. The deadline for candidates to withdraw from the race is noon on Thursday, August 23. The voter registration deadline is set for Monday, October 7. Early voting will be available from Wednesday, October 16, through Thursday, October 31. Additionally, those planning to vote by absentee ballot must submit their request by Tuesday, October 29.
As Elizabethton prepares for an eventful election season, these races promise to bring significant changes to the local, state, and national stages. Stay tuned for more updates as the campaigns unfold.
