NASHVILLE - Incumbent Tennessee Republican U.S. Reps. Chuck Fleischmann of Ooltewah and Scott DesJarlais of Sherwood turned back Democratic challengers to win their re-election bids in Tuesday's general election.
The Associated Press called the 3rd Congressional District contest for Fleischmann, an attorney, in his contest with Democrat Meg Gorman of Chattanooga as well as for DesJarlais, a physician, in his 4th Congressional District contest with Democrat Christopher Hale of Murfreesboro.
Fleischmann, 58, was seeking his sixth term in the 3rd Congressional District. The district includes all of Hamilton County, a portion of Bradley County and all or parts of nine other counties stretching north to the Kentucky border.
"I am humbled to continue to serve the great people of Tennessee's Third Congressional District," Fleischmann said in a statement.
The congressman, who serves on the House Appropriations Committee, touted his support for President Donald Trump as well as his work on the Appropriations Committee, where he says he has looked after Tennessee's interests in areas ranging from funding for Oak Ridge National Laboratory to the Chickamauga Lock replacement project. He also cited "protecting our conservative values," his opposition to abortion and commitment to "keeping our communities safe" as well as support of gun rights.
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Fleischmann largely sought to ignore Gorman, who ran as an unabashed progressive who said she supported "people over profits" as well as expanded health care and reproductive rights, "common-sense gun laws" and putting an end to the for-profit prison industry.
Fleischmann raised $972,733 and spent $345,919, according to his most recent Federal Election Commission filing. Gorman raised $79,989 and spent $52,700, according to her FEC filings.
DesJarlais, 56, faced a spirited challenge from Hale in the sprawling 4th Congressional District which is comprised of all or parts of 16 counties in East and Middle Tennessee, including Marion, Rhea and Grundy counties and part of Bradley County.
The congressman raised $312,578 and spent $217,291, according to his latest FEC disclosure. Hale, who described himself as a "pro-life" Democrat, raised $238,737 and spent $212,098.
All vote totals, which include federally mandated provisional ballots, are unofficial until certified by the Tennessee Division of Elections.
Members of Congress, who are paid $174,000 annually, have two-year terms. The new 117th Congress convenes Jan. 3, 2021.
Contact Andy Sher at asher@timesfreepress.com or 615-255-0550. Follow on Twitter @AndySher1.
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