Interim TN House 69 rep chosen by Dickson commission. 'Ask me to serve, then I will do that'

Brian Ragan was chosen to serve as interim state House District 69 representative by the Dickson County Commission on Monday night. 

Ragan will serve in that role until following the November election.

Ragan was chosen by 11-1 vote over the other nominee, Martha Shepard, the wife of longtime District 69 representative David Shepard. 

Previous District 69 representative Michael Curcio, a Dickson Republican, resigned in May and joined Nashville lobbying firm Talbert Government Relations.

“As this body knows, it’s not a position that I solicited or contacted any of you about,” said Ragan to the commissioners. “I have great admiration for the Shepard family. If that’s what the commission wants, if they ask me to serve, then I will do that. I appreciate being considered.”

Ragan, who is the Dickson County Government’s attorney, is with law firm Reynolds, Potter, Ragan & Vandivort. 

Martha Shepard, who is the Middle Tennessee vice chair of the state’s Democratic Party Executive Committee, said she sought the interim seat mostly in honor of her late husband. David Shepard died in February last year. 

“I want to do this in the memory of my husband, David. I would like to take a part of him back to the Legislature, which he so loved serving,” Shepard told commissioners. “The good news for you is that I cannot present any legislation and I more than likely will not vote for any deals, so you won’t have to worry about me.” 

“I can take calls from constituents that might have issues, and I can send them in the right direction,” she added. “So, I humbly ask you for your vote.” 

Commissioner Linda Hayes recommended both Shepard and Ragan as nominees. Also, two audience members recommended Shepard. 

Under state law, the county commission where the representative resides – in this instance, Dickson County – can vote for an interim representative. The state General Assembly has adjourned for this year. However, a special session could be called by the governor.

August election

In the upcoming Aug. 4 primary election — early voting is July 15-30 — the following candidates are running for the state House District 69 seat: 

Republican primary 

Jeff Eby

Jody Barrett 

Brian Johnson

Angela Redden 

Democratic Primary 

Candie Hedge

Val Sloan

Independent

Lenny Ladner (no party listed)