Hamilton County, you deserve a hat tip. 🎩
After ranking last in the state for early voter turnout earlier this summer, we may be seeing a new trend of more locals getting to the polls.
More Hamilton County citizens cast ballots in Tuesday’s election than in the past three midterms. And Tuesday’s turnout numbers were comparable to that of the last three presidential elections. That’s a big deal. 👍
In general, midterm elections draw fewer voters because they aren’t choosing a commander in chief.
This week, after early voting, Hamilton County Administrator of Elections Kerry Steelman said the numbers may signal a paradigm shift in local turnout.
Here’s a look at the Hamilton County numbers for perspective.
🇺🇸 2006 midterms: 109,424 (This was a big turnout, competitive year. It was the first time Sen. Bob Corker was elected, and Gov. Phil Bredesen’s re-election)
🇺🇸 2008 presidential year: 148,480
🇺🇸 2010 midterms: 87,817
🇺🇸 2012 presidential year: 142,161
🇺🇸 2014 midterms: 83,193
🇺🇸 2016 presidential: 145,049
🇺🇸 2018 midterms: 134,361
The results below are how Hamilton County voted in the major races. For statewide and district totals, click here.
🗳️ Governor
Bill Lee, Republican: 74,386
Karl Dean, Democrat: 57,720
☑️ Fast fact: There were 26 independent candidates on the ballot for this race.
🗳️ U.S. Senate
Marsha Blackburn, Republican: 67,108
Phil Bredesen, Democrat: 65,032
☑️ Fast fact: 160 Hamilton County voters wrote in a candidate in this race.
🗳️ Tennessee Senate District 11
Bo Watson, Republican: 51,047
Randy Price, Democrat: 27,295
🗳️ House of Representatives District 26
Robin Smith, Republican: 19,165
Jean-Marie Lawrence, Democrat: 10,734
☑️ Fast fact: Rep. Gerald McCormick vacated this seat.
🗳️ House of Representatives, District 27
Patsy Hazlewood, Republican: 18,346
Brent S. Morris, Democrat: 9,869
🗳️House of Representatives, District 28
Yusuf A. Hakeem, Democrat: 16,699
Lemon C. Williams, Republican: 4,119
☑️ Fast fact: Hakeem is a former Chattanooga City Council member.
🗳️ House of Representatives, District 29
Mike Carter, Republican: 18,806
Tammy Magouirk, Democrat: 8,707
🗳️ House of Representatives, District 30
Esther Helton, Republican: 14,422
Joda Thongnopnua, Democrat: 10,245
