Tennessee's 4th Congressional District election, 2024

2026 → ← 2022
Tennessee's 4th Congressional District
Democratic primary Republican primary General election
Election details
Filing deadline: April 4, 2024
Primary: August 1, 2024 General: November 5, 2024
How to vote
Poll times: Varies by county Voting in Tennessee
Race ratings
Cook Political Report: Solid Republican DDHQ and The Hill: Safe Republican Inside Elections: Solid Republican Sabato's Crystal Ball: Safe Republican
Ballotpedia analysis
U.S. Senate battlegrounds U.S. House battlegrounds Federal and state primary competitiveness Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2024
See also
Tennessee's 4th Congressional District U.S. Senate • 1st • 2nd • 3rd • 4th • 5th • 6th • 7th • 8th • 9th Tennessee elections, 2024 U.S. Congress elections, 2024 U.S. Senate elections, 2024 U.S. House elections, 2024 Alabama U.S. House racesAlaska U.S. House racesArizona U.S. House racesArkansas U.S. House racesCalifornia U.S. House racesColorado U.S. House racesConnecticut U.S. House racesDelaware U.S. House racesFlorida U.S. House racesGeorgia U.S. House racesHawaii U.S. House racesIdaho U.S. House racesIllinois U.S. House racesIndiana U.S. House racesIowa U.S. House racesKansas U.S. House racesKentucky U.S. House racesLouisiana U.S. House racesMaine U.S. House racesMaryland U.S. House racesMassachusetts U.S. House racesMichigan U.S. House racesMinnesota U.S. House racesMississippi U.S. House racesMissouri U.S. House racesMontana U.S. House racesNebraska U.S. House racesNevada U.S. House racesNew Hampshire U.S. House racesNew Jersey U.S. House racesNew Mexico U.S. House racesNew York U.S. House racesNorth Carolina U.S. House racesNorth Dakota U.S. House racesOhio U.S. House racesOklahoma U.S. House racesOregon U.S. House racesPennsylvania U.S. House racesRhode Island U.S. House racesSouth Carolina U.S. House racesSouth Dakota U.S. House racesTennessee U.S. House racesTexas U.S. House racesUtah U.S. House racesVermont U.S. House racesVirginia U.S. House racesWashington U.S. House racesWest Virginia U.S. House racesWisconsin U.S. House racesWyoming U.S. House racesSubmit

All U.S. House districts, including the 4th Congressional District of Tennessee, held elections in 2024. The general election was November 5, 2024. The primary was August 1, 2024. The filing deadline was April 4, 2024. The outcome of this race affected the partisan balance of the U.S. House of Representatives in the 119th Congress. All 435 House districts were up for election.

At the time of the election, Republicans held a 220-212 majority with three vacancies. As a result of the election, Republicans retained control of the U.S. House, winning 220 seats to Democrats' 215. To read more about the 2024 U.S. House elections, click here.

In the 2022 election in this district, the Republican candidate won 70.6%-25.7%. Daily Kos calculated what the results of the 2020 presidential election in this district would have been following redistricting. Donald Trump (R) would have defeated Joe Biden (D) 67.9%-30.2%.

For more information about the primaries in this election, click on the links below:

• Tennessee's 4th Congressional District election, 2024 (August 1 Democratic primary)
• Tennessee's 4th Congressional District election, 2024 (August 1 Republican primary)

Candidates and election results

General election

General election for U.S. House Tennessee District 4

Incumbent Scott DesJarlais defeated Victoria Broderick, Keith Nolan, and Earnest Ensley in the general election for U.S. House Tennessee District 4 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Scott DesJarlais (R)	70.0	219,133
		Victoria Broderick (D)	26.8	83,832
		Keith Nolan (Independent)	1.8	5,601
		Earnest Ensley (Independent)	1.5	4,689

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 313,255
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Kathleen Cosgrove (Independent)

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 4

Victoria Broderick advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 4 on August 1, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Victoria Broderick	100.0	11,708

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 11,708
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 4

Incumbent Scott DesJarlais defeated Thomas Davis and Joshua James in the Republican primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 4 on August 1, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Scott DesJarlais	72.5	30,425
		Thomas Davis	19.0	7,988
		Joshua James	8.4	3,535

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 41,948
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Joe Doctora (R)
• Rickey Minton (R)
• Olson Parker (R)

Candidate profiles

This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.

Victoria Broderick

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "I'm a Bi/Pan mother of two, working class woman who wants to see better representation and protections for the rights of US taxpayers. I believe our government should work for us and represent us."

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Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

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Reproductive Freedom. Every person deserves the right to choice. Every fetus/baby deserves to be born into a home, society with the best tools to help them thrive. Let’s work to better support children and families.

---

Pro-Public Education. Public Education is vital to our communities. Teachers deserve proper funding, better pay & students have a right to equal and equitable education. Private schools are private for a reason, if they want public funding, they’ll need to meet public education standards.

---

Pro- Gun Reform. Our children’s rights are at risk. Children deserve the right to attend school without the fear of a “Bad” Guy with a gun. Our job as responsible gun owners, is to protect them.

This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. House Tennessee District 4 in 2024.

Earnest Ensley

Party: Independent

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "Born in a family of 15 that included 10 brothers and 2 sisters all from the same mother and father. Married to Sheila with 2 sons, 2 daughters, 13 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. One daughter deceased and 1 granddaughter deceased. I am a born-again believer in Christ and attends an Independent Baptist Church in Winchester. I have a Master’s degree from Covenant College in Wilmington, NC. I spent most of my life employed in the yarn and carpet industry in North Georgia specializing in print and dye as a certified technician. I was raised on a farm in Cleveland, TN and I can milk a cow, pick cotton, fry chicken, and change the brakes on my car. I do not use profanity, tobacco, and have never drank alcohol."

---

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

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Foreign Aid: Stop all Foreign Aid for five years or longer until the national debt is paid down and we have a balanced budget; never spend more than you take in.

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Illegal Immigration: Close the border and stop all migration of illegal immigrants into the United States. Eradicate the cartels. Start deportation of illegal immigrants immediately.

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Social Security: Leave Social Security alone! Medicare: Single person with total income of $25,000 or less, no monthly insurance premiums. Married couple with combined total income of 40,000 or less, no monthly insurance premiums.

This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. House Tennessee District 4 in 2024.

Keith Nolan

Party: Independent

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "Hello, I am a 37-year-old solopreneur electrician who has spent most of his life in TN. I've had a calling to serve this nation since I was a kid but I was never cut out for the military. This is the next highest honor I can do, now or never. I've been involved in politics since 2012 and my family has a history of civil service in TN which further inspired me to become involved growing up. I never thought I would need to step up but we are heading in the wrong direction as a nation. What's worse, powerful institutions seem to be on autopilot with individuals more interested in their careers than their constituents. I hope to help remedy this and work with liberty-minded individuals wherever I can find them."

---

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

---

The constitution is specifically designed to hinder institutional power over every individuals natural rights.

---

The political spectrum isn't just left vs right, its institutional power vs you.

---

The working class is incredibly resilient yet directly effected by the manipulative policies of the Treasury and Federal Reserve. Inflation is yet another tax on wages and is considered a "hidden tax" since the effects arrive years after the bad fiscal policies are rolled out. The working class is the engine of this economy and I think its time institutions stop biting the hands that feed them.

This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. House Tennessee District 4 in 2024.

Voting information

See also: Voting in Tennessee

Election information in Tennessee: Nov. 5, 2024, election.

What was the voter registration deadline?

• In-person: Oct. 7, 2024
• By mail: Postmarked by Oct. 7, 2024
• Online: Oct. 7, 2024

Was absentee/mail-in voting available to all voters?

No

What was the absentee/mail-in ballot request deadline?

• In-person: Oct. 29, 2024
• By mail: Received by Oct. 29, 2024
• Online: Oct. 29, 2024

What was the absentee/mail-in ballot return deadline?

• In-person: N/A
• By mail: Received by Nov. 5, 2024

Was early voting available to all voters?

Yes

What were the early voting start and end dates?

Oct. 16, 2024 to Oct. 31, 2024

Were all voters required to present ID at the polls? If so, was a photo or non-photo ID required?

N/A

When were polls open on Election Day?

Varies - 7:00 p.m. (CST)

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Expand all | Collapse all

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Victoria Broderick (D)

Reproductive Freedom. Every person deserves the right to choice. Every fetus/baby deserves to be born into a home, society with the best tools to help them thrive. Let’s work to better support children and families.

Pro-Public Education. Public Education is vital to our communities. Teachers deserve proper funding, better pay & students have a right to equal and equitable education. Private schools are private for a reason, if they want public funding, they’ll need to meet public education standards.

Pro- Gun Reform. Our children’s rights are at risk. Children deserve the right to attend school without the fear of a “Bad” Guy with a gun. Our job as responsible gun owners, is to protect them.

Earnest Ensley (Independent)

Foreign Aid:

Stop all Foreign Aid for five years or longer until the national debt is paid down and we have a balanced budget; never spend more than you take in.

Illegal Immigration: Close the border and stop all migration of illegal immigrants into the United States. Eradicate the cartels. Start deportation of illegal immigrants immediately.

Social Security: Leave Social Security alone! Medicare: Single person with total income of $25,000 or less, no monthly insurance premiums.

Married couple with combined total income of 40,000 or less, no monthly insurance premiums.

Keith Nolan (Independent)

The constitution is specifically designed to hinder institutional power over every individuals natural rights.

The political spectrum isn't just left vs right, its institutional power vs you.

The working class is incredibly resilient yet directly effected by the manipulative policies of the Treasury and Federal Reserve. Inflation is yet another tax on wages and is considered a "hidden tax" since the effects arrive years after the bad fiscal policies are rolled out. The working class is the engine of this economy and I think its time institutions stop biting the hands that feed them.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Victoria Broderick (D)

Reproductive Freedom, Voting Rights Protection, Pro-Public Education, Pro-Gun Reform, LGBTQAI+ Rights

Earnest Ensley (Independent)

I am adamant about preserving the constitution, pro-1st amendment, pro-2nd amendment with no red-flag laws, pro-law enforcement, and pro-life unless birth of a child would endanger the mother’s life or it was a case of rape or incest.

Keith Nolan (Independent)

I am personally passionate about Economics, The Military Industrial Complex, Individual Liberty, Transportation, and Healthcare.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Keith Nolan (Independent)

Ron Paul was called for military service and then to Congress when Nixon "temporarily" suspended gold-to-dollar convertibility. He continued serving in Congress while running two campaigns for President in 2008 and 2012. He inspired a whole generation of young people to look into Austrian Economics and noninterventionist foreign policies. I hope I can continue to keep that legacy alive.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Earnest Ensley (Independent)

No.

Keith Nolan (Independent)

The Law by Frederic Bastiat. Nation, State, and Economy by Ludwig von Mises. Enough Already Time to End the War on Terrorism by Scott Horton. Obedience to Authority by Stanley Milgram. Economics in One Lesson by Henry Hazlitt. End the Fed by Ron Paul. The Progressive Era by Murray N. Rothbard. Social Democracy by Hans-Hermann Hoppe. Natural Law by Lysander Spooner.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Victoria Broderick (D)

Truth. Honor. Duty. Respect. Empathy. Compassion

Earnest Ensley (Independent)

Integrity with a strong moral foundation.

Keith Nolan (Independent)

Elected officials should be able to separate fact from fiction. Honesty is the best policy; if being honest gets you rejected from the halls of power, so be it. As an elected official your duty is to your constituents first including the ones who didn't vote for you.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Victoria Broderick (D)

Duty, honesty and responsibility.

Earnest Ensley (Independent)

High integrity with strong morals and faith.

Keith Nolan (Independent)

I'm honest, I'm studious, I question institutional norms, I distrust authority by default, I do not participate in dominance hierarchies, and I don't see cooperation as a weakness.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Victoria Broderick (D)

Listening to constituents.

Earnest Ensley (Independent)

Control spending and stop the "pork". Support the needs of the people that I represent.

Keith Nolan (Independent)

Principles over party. As a representative, you are an employee of your constituents. Political parties are vehicles they shouldn't be the destination. I'm sick of only hearing from my representatives around election time or when they have a photo op for a groundbreaking they voted against. I want opportunities to cooperate or give feedback. This is why I plan to use a modernized website to open up more channels for direct communication with my district.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Victoria Broderick (D)

A protected Democracy and rights for all.

Keith Nolan (Independent)

I hope to leave a legacy of serving TN district 4 as an honest man who did the job to the best of his abilities and left graciously. I do not want to be known as a career politician but rather a statesman.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Victoria Broderick (D)

Princess Diana's death. I was 5.

Earnest Ensley (Independent)

Assassination of President John F. Kennedy. I was 11 years of age.

Keith Nolan (Independent)

The first historical event I remember was the Oklahoma City Bombing in 1995. I was 9 at the time.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Victoria Broderick (D)

Daycare worker at my church for 3 years.

Earnest Ensley (Independent)

Employee of KFC for 1 year.

Keith Nolan (Independent)

My first job was cameraman for a local news organization. I stayed there for 2 years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Victoria Broderick (D)

Pride and Prejudice

Earnest Ensley (Independent)

Bible. It guarantees eternal life.

Keith Nolan (Independent)

The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert Heinlein is my favorite book because he is a fantastic science fiction writer. I love the premise and the details he puts into the world he creates.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Earnest Ensley (Independent)

Perry Mason!

Keith Nolan (Independent)

Bruce Wayne

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Victoria Broderick (D)

Bluey theme song.

Earnest Ensley (Independent)

Amazing Grace.

Keith Nolan (Independent)

Take On Me by A-ha

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Keith Nolan (Independent)

Finding rewarding work and staying independent has always been a struggle. I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit but the game keeps changing. If it's not a recession in 2007 it's inflation in 2022. I want the political class to stop tinkering with the private sector and let it breathe.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

Earnest Ensley (Independent)

Appropriation and controlled spending.

Keith Nolan (Independent)

The House has the power of the purse. It's also the body most connected to reality since their terms are two years. The exception to this is career congressmen. Congress also has the power to declare war but that power has been evaded many times since World War 2. It has the power to raise and provide public money and oversee its proper expenditure, Impeach and try federal officers, approve presidential appointments, approve treaties negotiated by the executive branch, oversight, and investigations.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Earnest Ensley (Independent)

Yes, beneficial but not necessary.

Keith Nolan (Independent)

It can be or it can mean they are more beholden to institutional connections instead of their constituents. For the House, I believe it's better if they are fresh from the private sector.

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Victoria Broderick (D)

Protecting voting rights and reproductive freedom.

Earnest Ensley (Independent)

Balancing the budget and control wasteful spending and coming together as one nation.

Keith Nolan (Independent)

Our position at the top of the unipolar world order is threatened by the same thing every empire in history is threatened by. Over-expansion of our military, debasing of our currency, societal rot, over 35 trillion in debt, and a depleted middle class.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Earnest Ensley (Independent)

Yes.

Keith Nolan (Independent)

Yes

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Victoria Broderick (D)

I believe in term limits for all elected officials for all offices.

Earnest Ensley (Independent)

Should be discussed and revised.

Keith Nolan (Independent)

The best term limiters are the voters. The two parties have cooperated as gatekeepers against third parties for so long many people who are eligible to vote simply see no path to change. I have faith that my generation dares to break out of the cycle of the lesser of two evils voting. It's time to start voting FOR candidates instead of AGAINST other candidates.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Earnest Ensley (Independent)

No.

Keith Nolan (Independent)

Ron Paul, Thomas Massie, Tulsi Gabbard,

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Keith Nolan (Independent)

When I talk to folks in my district, the main item of discussion is the cost of healthcare. Getting Cancer isn't necessarily a death sentence but it is a debt sentence. The Affordable Care Act did give many people insurance. However, it's also a handout to major health institutions. There has to be a better way to utilize the market to lower costs without tax and spend policies. I will work with my colleagues to find a market-based solution.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Keith Nolan (Independent)

Money doesn't buy happiness, but you've never seen somebody frowning on a Jet-ski.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Earnest Ensley (Independent)

Yes.

Keith Nolan (Independent)

Good ideas don't require force. I know the difference between principled and stubborn. I will not compromise with stubborn people. I also do not see compromise as a weakness. When you're dealing with people who don't agree with you, sometimes compromise is necessary but not desirable if they can't meet halfway. As an independent, I'll be pressured by both parties so principles will be crucial.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

Keith Nolan (Independent)

This is very important to me. There are more creative ways for the federal government to raise revenue without legally plundering the private sector.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

Keith Nolan (Independent)

They should be principled, based on law, and not based on partisanship. The GOP and Democrats are dancing on the edge of a slippery slope with lawfare. Each one daring the other to go a little further.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Victoria Broderick (D)

TNDP LGBTQ+ Caucus

Keith Nolan (Independent)

The Libertarian Party of Tennessee

What committees interest you?

Keith Nolan (Independent)

Small Business, Transportation and Infrastructure, Education and Workforce,

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Victoria Broderick (D)

I believe in being transparent in who donates to candidates, what is being lobbied.

Earnest Ensley (Independent)

Full transparency and accountability on all levels of the government.

Keith Nolan (Independent)

The Government Accountability Office unfortunately is very necessary. The press and the voters are also an effective way to shine light on institutional misdeeds. Unfortunately it seems qualified immunity or executive privilege is used too often at a certain level. Like most things sunlight is a good disinfectant. Accountability is rare.

Campaign finance

Name	Party	Receipts*	Disbursements**	Cash on hand	Date
Scott DesJarlais	Republican Party	$305,905	$255,950	$366,018	As of December 31, 2024
Victoria Broderick	Democratic Party	$111,893	$104,290	$7,692	As of December 31, 2024
Thomas Davis	Republican Party	$9,737	$7,898	$2,140	As of December 31, 2024
Joshua James	Republican Party	$5,080	$6,495	$0	As of September 30, 2024
Earnest Ensley	Independent	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Keith Nolan	Independent	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Source: Federal Elections Commission, "Campaign finance data," 2024. This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC). * According to the FEC, "Receipts are anything of value (money, goods, services or property) received by a political committee." ** According to the FEC, a disbursement "is a purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit or gift of money or anything of value to influence a federal election," plus other kinds of payments not made to influence a federal election. *** Candidate either did not report any receipts or disbursements to the FEC, or Ballotpedia did not find an FEC candidate ID.

General election race ratings

See also: Race rating definitions and methods

Ballotpedia provides race ratings from four outlets: The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, Sabato's Crystal Ball, and DDHQ/The Hill. Each race rating indicates if one party is perceived to have an advantage in the race and, if so, the degree of advantage:

• Safe and Solid ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge and the race is not competitive.
• Likely ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge, but an upset is possible.
• Lean ratings indicate that one party has a small edge, but the race is competitive.
• Toss-up ratings indicate that neither party has an advantage.

Race ratings are informed by a number of factors, including polling, candidate quality, and election result history in the race's district or state.

Race ratings: Tennessee's 4th Congressional District election, 2024
Race tracker	Race ratings
	November 5, 2024	October 29, 2024	October 22, 2024	October 15, 2024
The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter	Solid Republican	Solid Republican	Solid Republican	Solid Republican
Decision Desk HQ and The Hill	Safe Republican	Safe Republican	Safe Republican	Safe Republican
Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales	Solid Republican	Solid Republican	Solid Republican	Solid Republican
Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball	Safe Republican	Safe Republican	Safe Republican	Safe Republican
Note: Ballotpedia reviews external race ratings every week throughout the election season and posts weekly updates even if the media outlets have not revised their ratings during that week.

Ballot access

The table below details filing requirements for U.S. House candidates in Tennessee in the 2024 election cycle. For additional information on candidate ballot access requirements in Tennessee, click here.

Filing requirements for U.S. House candidates, 2024
State	Office	Party	Signatures required	Filing fee	Filing deadline	Source
Tennessee	U.S. House	All candidates	25	N/A	4/4/2024	Source

District analysis

Click the tabs below to view information about voter composition, past elections, and demographics in both the district and the state.

• District map - A map of the district in place for the election.
• Competitiveness - Information about the competitiveness of 2024 U.S. House elections in the state.
• Presidential elections - Information about presidential elections in the district and the state.
• State party control - The partisan makeup of the state's congressional delegation and state government.

• District map
• Competitiveness
• Presidential elections
• State party control

Below was the map in use at the time of the election. Click the map below to enlarge it.

See also: Primary election competitiveness in state and federal government, 2024

This section contains data on U.S. House primary election competitiveness in Tennessee.

Tennessee U.S. House competitiveness, 2014-2024
Office	Districts/ offices	Seats	Open seats	Candidates	Possible primaries	Contested Democratic primaries	Contested Republican primaries	% of contested primaries	Incumbents in contested primaries	% of incumbents in contested primaries
2024	9	9	0	31	18	4	2	33.3%	3	33.3%
2022	9	9	1	36	18	4	4	44.4%	3	37.5%
2020	9	9	2	45	18	6	2	44.4%	3	42.9%
2018	9	9	2	49	18	6	7	72.2%	5	71.4%
2016	9	9	2	48	18	4	6	55.6%	5	71.4%
2014	9	9	0	39	18	3	8	61.1%	8	88.9%

Post-filing deadline analysis

The following analysis covers all U.S. House districts up for election in Tennessee in 2024. Information below was calculated on May 2, 2024, and may differ from information shown in the table above due to candidate replacements and withdrawals after that time.

Thirty-one candidates ran for Tennessee’s nine U.S. House districts, including 19 Democrats and 12 Republicans. That’s 3.4 candidates per district, less than in the previous three election cycles. There were 4.0 candidates per district in 2022, 5.0 candidates per district in 2020, and 5.4 in 2018.

The number of candidates who ran for the U.S. House in Tennessee in 2024 is also lower than any other year this decade.

No seats were open in 2024, meaning all incumbents ran for re-election. The last time all incumbents ran for re-election in Tennessee was in 2014.

Six candidates—five Democrats and one Republican—ran for the 8th Congressional District, the most candidates who ran for a seat in Tennessee in 2024.

Six primaries—four Democratic and two Republican—were contested in 2024, the fewest this decade. There were eight contested primaries in 2022, eight in 2020, 13 in 2018, 10 in 2016, and 11 in 2014.

Three incumbents—one Democrat and two Republicans—were in contested primaries in 2024. That’s the same as the previous two election cycles.

Candidates filed to run in the Republican and Democratic primaries in all eight districts, meaning no seats were guaranteed to either party.

Partisan Voter Index

See also: The Cook Political Report's Partisan Voter Index

Heading into the 2024 elections, based on results from the 2020 and 2016 presidential elections, the Cook Partisan Voter Index for this district was R+22. This meant that in those two presidential elections, this district's results were 22 percentage points more Republican than the national average. This made Tennessee's 4th the 30th most Republican district nationally.

2020 presidential election results

The table below shows what the vote in the 2020 presidential election would have been in this district. The presidential election data was compiled by Daily Kos.

2020 presidential results in Tennessee's 4th based on 2024 district lines
Joe Biden	Donald Trump
30.2%	67.9%

Inside Elections Baselines

See also: Inside Elections

Inside Elections' Baseline is a figure that analyzes all federal and statewide election results from the district over the past four election cycles. The results are combined in an index estimating the strength of a typical Democratic or Republican candidate in the congressional district. The table below displays the Baseline data for this district.

Inside Elections Baseline for 2024
Democratic Baseline	Republican Baseline	Difference
28.9	68.4	R+39.6

Presidential voting history

See also: Presidential election in Tennessee, 2020

Tennessee presidential election results (1900-2020)

• 15 Democratic wins
• 16 Republican wins

Year	1900	1904	1908	1912	1916	1920	1924	1928	1932	1936	1940	1944	1948	1952	1956	1960	1964	1968	1972	1976	1980	1984	1988	1992	1996	2000	2004	2008	2012	2016	2020
Winning Party	D	D	D	D	D	R	D	R	D	D	D	D	D	R	R	R	D	R	R	D	R	R	R	D	D	R	R	R	R	R	R

See also: Party control of Tennessee state government

Congressional delegation

The table below displays the partisan composition of Tennessee's congressional delegation as of May 2024.

Congressional Partisan Breakdown from Tennessee
Party	U.S. Senate	U.S. House	Total
Democratic	0	1	1
Republican	2	7	9
Independent	0	0	0
Vacancies	0	1	1
Total	2	9	11

State executive

The table below displays the officeholders in Tennessee's top three state executive offices as of May 2024.

State executive officials in Tennessee, May 2024
Office	Officeholder
Governor	Bill Lee
Secretary of State	Tre Hargett
Attorney General	Jonathan Skrmetti

State legislature

Tennessee State Senate

Party		As of February 2024
	Democratic Party	6
	Republican Party	27
	Other	0
	Vacancies	0
Total		33

Tennessee House of Representatives

Party		As of February 2024
	Democratic Party	24
	Republican Party	75
	Independent	0
	Other	0
	Vacancies	0
Total		99

Trifecta control

The table below shows the state's trifecta status from 1992 until the 2024 election.

Tennessee Party Control: 1992-2024
Five years of Democratic trifectas  •  Fourteen years of Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

Year	92	93	94	95	96	97	98	99	00	01	02	03	04	05	06	07	08	09	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24
Governor	D	D	D	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R
Senate	D	D	D	D	R	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	R	R	S	S	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R
House	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R

District history

The section below details election results for this office in elections dating back to 2018.

2022

See also: Tennessee's 4th Congressional District election, 2022

General election

General election for U.S. House Tennessee District 4

The following candidates ran in the general election for U.S. House Tennessee District 4 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Scott DesJarlais (R)	70.6	122,401
		Wayne Steele (D)	25.7	44,648
		Mike Winton (Independent)	1.6	2,834
		Clyde Benson (Independent)	1.0	1,806
	Submit photo	David Leighton Jones (Independent)	0.4	708
		Tharon Chandler (Independent)	0.3	585
	Submit photo	Joseph Magyer (Independent)	0.3	455

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 173,437
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 4

Wayne Steele defeated Arnold White in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 4 on August 4, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Wayne Steele	65.1	11,168
	Submit photo	Arnold White	34.9	5,994

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 17,162
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 4

Incumbent Scott DesJarlais advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 4 on August 4, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Scott DesJarlais	100.0	60,699

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 60,699
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Gerald Hood (R)
• Doug Meyer (R)
• Charles Dean Smith (R)

2020

See also: Tennessee's 4th Congressional District election, 2020

General election

General election for U.S. House Tennessee District 4

Incumbent Scott DesJarlais defeated Christopher Hale in the general election for U.S. House Tennessee District 4 on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Scott DesJarlais (R)	66.7	223,802
		Christopher Hale (D)	33.3	111,908

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 335,710
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 4

Christopher Hale defeated Noelle Bivens in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 4 on August 6, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Christopher Hale	58.9	16,152
		Noelle Bivens	41.1	11,249

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 27,401 (100.00% precincts reporting)
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Jacob Anders (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 4

Incumbent Scott DesJarlais defeated Doug Meyer and Randy Sharp in the Republican primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 4 on August 6, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Scott DesJarlais	71.1	55,194
	Submit photo	Doug Meyer	18.3	14,184
	Submit photo	Randy Sharp	10.7	8,289

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 77,667 (100.00% precincts reporting)
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

2018

See also: Tennessee's 4th Congressional District election, 2018

General election

General election for U.S. House Tennessee District 4

Incumbent Scott DesJarlais defeated Mariah Phillips and Michael Shupe in the general election for U.S. House Tennessee District 4 on November 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Scott DesJarlais (R)	63.4	147,323
		Mariah Phillips (D)	33.6	78,065
		Michael Shupe (Independent)	3.0	7,056
		Other/Write-in votes	0.0	7

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 232,451
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 4

Mariah Phillips defeated Christopher Hale and Steven Reynolds in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 4 on August 2, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Mariah Phillips	47.5	15,474
		Christopher Hale	34.7	11,309
		Steven Reynolds	17.8	5,788

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 32,571
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 4

Incumbent Scott DesJarlais defeated Jack Maddux in the Republican primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 4 on August 2, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Scott DesJarlais	70.0	61,994
		Jack Maddux	30.0	26,580

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 88,574
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

See also

Tennessee	2024 primaries	2024 U.S. Congress elections
Tennessee congressional delegation Voting in Tennessee Tennessee elections: 2024 • 2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018	Democratic primary battlegrounds Republican primary battlegrounds U.S. Senate Democratic primaries U.S. Senate Republican primaries U.S. House Democratic primaries U.S. House Republican primaries	U.S. Congress elections U.S. Senate elections U.S. House elections Special elections Ballot access

External links

• Search Google News for this topic

Footnotes

[show]

Tennessee's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Marsha Blackburn (R)

Bill Hagerty (R)

Representatives

District 1

Diana Harshbarger (R)

District 2

Tim Burchett (R)

District 3

Charles Fleischmann (R)

District 4

Scott DesJarlais (R)

District 5

Andy Ogles (R)

District 6

John Rose (R)

District 7

Vacant

District 8

David Kustoff (R)

District 9

Steve Cohen (D)

Republican Party (9)

Democratic Party (1)

Vacancies (1)

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