May Primary ballot has three contested races; one decided with primary

Early voting begins Wednesday. Campbell County will elect a sheriff in May, not in August.

By Jim Freeman

CAMPBELL COUNTY, TN (WLAF)- There will be three contested races in the May 5, Primary Election, Campbell County’s first primary since 1996. However, one of those races, the sheriff’s race, will be decided in May.

The May ballot’s contested races feature Darryl Chapman for sheriff versus the current office holder, Eddie Wayne Barton, II.

There are two other contested races in May. Maria Partin and Lance J. Wilson are vying for the Republican spot on the August ballot for county clerk while Emily Suzanne Gaylor and Christopher James Lee Honeycutt eye to be on the Republican ticket in August for School Board District 2.

Everyone else on the May ballot will automatically advance to the August ballot, if they get at least one vote in the May Primary.

For the May 5, 2026, County Primary Election, District 2 in Campbell County will be the only district appearing on the Democratic Ballot with Marvin T. Rutherford for school board. Voters are encouraged to review their sample ballot in advance and contact the Campbell County Election Commission with any questions 423.562.9777.

Here’s how the May ballot will look when you step into the ballot booth.

(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-04/13/2026-6AM)