Sumner Democrats Call for Runoff Election in County Commission Race

District 13 race was tied on Election Night, could now have runoff election in November

Following an August 4th election that saw a tie vote between Democrat Brenda Dotson and Republican Terri Boyt for the District 13 County Commission seat, Sumner County Democrats are calling on the new group of County Commissioners to call a runoff election to decide the outcome of the race.

The County Commission will be sworn-in on September 1st - all except for the District 13 seat. At that time, the new Commission will be tasked with making a decision about District 13. The group has two options. Tennessee law allows Commissioners to choose from one of the two candidates OR the body can ask voters to decide in an election that would coincide with the planned November statewide elections.

Democrats are calling on Commissioners to give voters the final say in who represents them.

In an email to supporters, the Sumner County Democratic Party (SCDP) outlined why they support a new election.

No current commissioner represents District 13 since it was formed during the 2020 redistricting. This means there is no one on the current commission who lives within this district and knows the will of the people in this district.

A November runoff election will not be costly our county since we already have a November general election scheduled. The runoff election could take place on the same day which would save the county money and increase turnout for the special election.

The non-partisan choice is to return this election to the registered voters in District 13. To choose either the Republican or Democratic candidate as the winner undermines the rights of citizens to elect their representation.

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