With 130 of 130 precincts reporting, Robin Smith received 7,767 votes in the Republican primary for District 26, but it’s going to be up to a judge whether the 55-year-old political strategist stays on the ballot to face Democrat David Jones, 64, in November.
In a campaign oddity, Democrat Jean-Marie Lawrence, whose name was on the ballot even though she left the district and didn’t campaign, outpolled Jones by around 300 votes.
Tennessee Democrats have filed suit to have Smith’s name removed, saying the Hamilton County Election Commission shouldn’t have reopened qualifying after incumbent Gerald McCormick withdrew late in the season.
The district includes part of Chattanooga, Harrison, Lakesite, Red Bank and Soddy-Daisy.
Tennessee House members are paid $22,667 per year plus a per diem for expenses.