As election activities ramp up around the Chattanooga region, the Republican district attorney and two Republican challengers will face off in a forum in McMinn County on Thursday in preparation for the March 5 state primary election for 10th Judicial District attorney general.
Incumbent Shari Tayloe, appointed by Gov. Bill Lee to hold former District Attorney Steve Crump's post when he vacated it in July to take over as the executive director of the Tennessee District Attorney Generals Conference, will face primary opponents Steven Hatchett, who has run for the post twice before, and Jeff Miller, a former state senator and Cleveland attorney who is a first-time candidate for the position, according to county Election Commission officials and an announcement released by the McMinn County Republican Party.
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The 10th Judicial District is comprised of Bradley, Polk, McMinn and Monroe counties.
Key election dates
— Primary election: March 5.
— For: Presidential preference primary, county primary.
— Voter registration deadline: Feb. 5.
— Early voting period: Feb. 14- 27.
— Absentee ballot request deadline: Feb. 27.
Source: McMinn County Election Commission
The election will be for the remainder of Crump's eight-year term.
The forum is set for 6 p.m. Thursday at McMinn Central High School in Englewood, according to the notice.
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Tayloe, while having been appointed to the post, hasn't sought elected office before, said TeAnna McKinney, McMinn County's administrator of elections. Miller served 12 years as state senator, while Hatchett sought the DA's seat in 2014 and 2022 but hasn't held elected office before, McKinney said.
The winner in August's general election will serve until the unexpired term ends in 2030, according to McKinney.
Contact Ben Benton at bbenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6569.