Campbell County set to hold local primary election in May 2026

By SUSAN SHARP

CAMPBELL COUNTY, TN. (WLAF)- Campbell County has not held a local primary in a county election in 30 years. That is about to change.

“This primary election is being held after both recognized political parties in Campbell County formally requested a primary to determine candidates for the county general election that will be later held in August of 2026,” said Campbell County Administrator of Elections Mallory Rosenfield. The county primary is slated for May 5, 2026, she said.

It will be the first county primary since March 1996.

The call for a primary was set in motion in a letter sent to the election commission by the Democratic Party of Campbell County.

“People think there is no competition out there,” said Joann Vaughn, chairman of the Campbell County Democratic Party. The Democrats have been attending community events and Vaughn said the reception has been “great.” 

“There is not just one party,” she said.

A letter was also sent by the Republican Party calling for a county primary election.

Party affiliation and adhering to its values should start at the local level, said Aaron Evans, chairman of the Campbell County Republican Party.

Candidates can opt to run as an Independent but would forfeit any support that could come with a party affiliation, both Evans and Vaughn said.

The following county position term limits are up for election in 2026:

• County Mayor
• County Clerk
• County Commission, three (3) per district, there are five (5) districts
• County Attorney Circuit Court Clerk
• County Trustee
• Register of Deeds
• Sheriff
• School Board Member, one (1) per district, there are five (5) districts
• Constable, one (1) per district, there are five (5) districts

The first date to pick up petitions, for all candidates, Democrat, Republican or Independent will be on Mon., Dec. 22. The qualifying deadline will be noon on Thu., Feb. 19, 2026. Voter registration deadline will be Mon., April 6, 2026.

The county general election will be held Thu., Aug. 6, 2026. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 9/8/2025-6AM)