Knox County Republicans to reflect after 2026 election
By Ken Lay
Although there were many winners present, celebrations were few for the Knox County Republican Party Tuesday night at its watch party at the Crowne Plaza in Downtown Knoxville.
The night, which began as an evening of high hopes for area Republicans, quickly transformed into an occasion for concern and reflection as the numbers rolled in.
“I think this all came down to two factors,” said Knox County Republican Party Chairman Martin Daniel. “The electorate is changing in Knox County. We have people coming in from other places.
“And you have some national problems. The war in Iran is causing oil prices to go up, and that makes things more expensive, and people are blaming it on the people in charge.”
Most of the incumbents, however, were able to win and serve another term.
The first declared winner was state Representative Dave Wright (District 19). He’s grateful and honored to return to Nashville for another term.
“It’s an honor to stand in front of you, friends and neighbors,” Wright said. “It’s an honor to represent Knox County, and I’ll keep going back as long as the people will send me.”
Richard Briggs won another term in the state Senate (District 7) as he edged Democrat Bryan Langan by earning 52.7% of the vote.
Before Briggs was declared the winner of the close race, he admitted to being a bit apprehensive.
“I won’t be completely confident until the last vote is counted,” he said.
Minutes later, he won another term. He, however, knew that the party had a rough go at the polls.
“Anytime you win an election, it’s an honor,” he said. “But we’re going to have to get our Republicans out to vote.
“We’re not going to give up. Weak people give up, and we’re a strong party.”
United States Representative Tim Burchett (District 2) defeated Democrat Michaela Barnett, Independent Bruce Fine and Independent Adam Heimerman. He was pleased, but immediately called for reflection.
“I know things look pretty grim tonight, and they are, but this is when real Republicans come together. We have to reflect. We have to look at what we did and what we did wrong.
“I remember one time, I was with my dad and we’d just gotten walloped in an election, and he said that this was still the best country in the world. This is still the best dang country in the world, so let’s take it back.”
Justin Lafferty also won re-election to the state House (District 89) as he defeated Democrat Randy DeBord.
“It’s an honor to continue to serve the people of District 89,” he said. “This is a little different for me. I’m used to being up here during high times.”
Michele Carringer (District 13) and Jason Zachary (District 14) won re-election to the state House and District 5 Jimmy Matlock was elected to the state Senate.
