Election night 2026: Blount County GOP celebrates Election Day ahead of polls closing
Members of the Republican Party of Blount County flocked to Green Meadow Country Club in Alcoa to celebrate Election Day Tuesday, Nov. 3. The evening featured food, drink and conversation as attendees counted down the minutes before polls closed. Chairman Jim Bradley told The Daily Times he hoped to see a “red wave” in Blount County. Accompanied by several dozen guests Tuesday, he said he was optimistic. “We’re looking for good results, and hopefully we’ll have a red wave in our town,” he said. The gathering followed a strong showing for local Republicans in August, when GOP candidates swept all 11 contested County Commission races, seven countywide offices and two contested county school board seats, according to previous coverage from The Daily Times. Tuesday’s ballot featured several closely watched statewide contests, including the race for governor between Republican Marsha Blackburn, Democrat Jerri Green and 13 other candidates, including independent challenger David Hatley. U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty, a Republican, also faced Democratic challenger Marquita Bradshaw and eight independent candidates. In the 2nd Congressional District, Republican incumbent Tim Burchett faced Democrat Michaela Barnett. On Tuesday, Tom Stinnett, Representative for Blount County in the Tennessee General Assembly, chose to hold his enthusiasm until