NASHVILLE — Republicans were taking early leads Tuesday in their attempt to strengthen their control of the General Assembly.
GOP challengers against Democrat incumbents in both chambers were leading in early election returns.
Republican Gary Steakley was leading in his race against Democrat Sen. Charlotte Burks, of Monterey. With 45 percent of the precincts reporting, Steakley had 14,168 votes, or 45 percent of the vote, to Burks’ 12,471, or 39 percent. Joe Wilmoth, an independent, had 5,121, or 16 percent.
Republican state Rep. Stacey Campfield was leading against Democrat Randy Walker for an open Senate seat in Knoxville.
With 67 percent of precincts reporting, Campfield had 13,737 votes, or 57 percent of the vote, to Walker’s 8,959, or 37 percent. Chuck Williams, an independent, had 1,523 votes or 6 percent.