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Free Press Opinion: Local first-term incumbents aren’t sure bets but are mighty close

Contributed photo / State Rep. Michele Reneau, R-Hixson, is sworn into the Tennessee House of Representatives on Jan. 14, 2025.
Contributed photo / State Rep. Michele Reneau, R-Hixson, is sworn into the Tennessee House of Representatives on Jan. 14, 2025.

How powerful is incumbency?

Try this.

Since the turn of the 21st century, no first-term Hamilton County legislator has lost a seat.

Over the same period, only one first-term Hamilton County commissioner has lost a seat.

Over that time, only three first-term Hamilton County Board of Education members have lost a seat — all in one election.