A Chattanooga state senator got in a heated argument during a committee meeting this week over legislation that would generally require political party nominations to be decided in primary elections with secret ballots — not at caucuses or conventions where activists can publicly rally around candidates of their choice.
Senate bill 799 is sponsored by state Sen. Jack Johnson, R-Franklin, and his proposal was contained in an amendment.
Steve Hickey, leader of the Williamson County GOP, attended the committee meeting in Nashville to oppose the amendment. His “Elevate 2025” candidate slate was recently elected to lead the county party, similar to the “Activate Hamilton” slate that was elected in Hamilton County.
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Hickey and his supporters are vocal advocates for closed primary elections and party registration. Hickey said Johnson’s legislation was an assertion of state power into local business, and he cited concerns over ensuring the integrity of the party’s nomination process.