Andy Berke

Most local voters aren’t looking for change when it comes to their representation in Nashville, according to preliminary totals showing that the only two contested state legislature races were dominated by incumbents.

Unofficial results show Sen. Andy Berke, D-Chattanooga, handily defeating Republican challenger Oscar Brown in Hamilton and Marion counties Tuesday to retain his District 10 seat.

In Hamilton County, Sen. Berke, 40, led the 55-year-old Mr. Brown 40,545 votes to 15,145. In Marion County — Mr. Brown’s home county — the senator led 6,683 to 4,067.

Sen. Berke, who won a special election in November 2007 to finish the term of resigned Democratic Sen. Ward Crutchfield, D-Chattanooga, said he is pleased that voters approve of his record, which includes involvement in education and long-term care issues.

“Certainly, my priorities are going to remain to ensure that every child is provided an excellent education, that we promoted health care opportunities for our people and that we look at energy alternatives in our economy,” he said.

Democratic Rep. JoAnne Favors, of Chattanooga, defeated her Republican opponent, Basil Marceaux Jr., of Chattanooga. The 66-year-old incumbent maintained control of her District 29 seat in Hamilton County, beating Mr. Marceaux, 33, by a margin of 15,941 to 5,958.

Rep. Favors said she is excited to take on “more of an active leadership role” in her next term. “As always, I will be working on health care issues, but even more so on economic development this time, especially with Volkswagen coming (to build its new American plant in Chattanooga),” she said.

Five incumbents retained their seats after appearing on the ballot without opposition:

* House District 26 (Hamilton County) — Rep. Gerald McCormick, 46, R-Chattanooga

* House District 27 (Hamilton County) — Rep. Richard Floyd, 64, R-Chattanooga

* House District 28 (Hamilton County) — Rep. Tommie Brown, 74, D-Chattanooga

* House District 30 (Hamilton County) — Rep. Vince Dean, 49, R-East Ridge

* House District 31 (Hamilton and Rhea counties) — Jim Cobb, 58, R-Spring City

The legislators’ new terms will begin when the Tennessee General Assembly convenes in January.