Dawn Deaner
Dawn Deaner (Democratic Party) is running for election for the Division III judge of the Tennessee 20th Judicial District Criminal Court. Deaner is on the ballot in the Democratic primary on May 5, 2026.[source]
Deaner was the Davidson County Public Defender in Tennessee. Deaner left office in 2018.
Elections
2026
See also: City elections in Nashville, Tennessee (2026)
General election
The primary will occur on May 5, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. General election candidates will be added here following the primary.
Democratic primary
Democratic primary for Tennessee 20th Judicial District Criminal Court Division III
Dawn Deaner (D), Ronald Dowdy (D), and Jim Todd (D) are running in the Democratic primary for Tennessee 20th Judicial District Criminal Court Division III on May 5, 2026.
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| Dawn Deaner | ||
| Ronald Dowdy | ||
| Jim Todd | ||
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Endorsements
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Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
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Campaign website
Deaner's campaign website stated the following:
Meet Dawn
For nearly 30 years, Dawn Deaner has served the people of Nashville as a public defender and founder of Choosing Justice Initiative working to improve how justice is delivered in our city. She has spent her career inside the criminal courts—representing people without wealth, advocating for fairness, and working to reform systems that too often fail the very people they are meant to serve.
Through that work, Dawn has learned that justice is not just about outcomes—it is about process. It is about how decisions are made, how people are treated, and whether courts operate with fairness, dignity, and accountability. Judges play a critical role in shaping that process, from bail decisions and case scheduling to the appointment of counsel and the everyday culture of the courtroom.
Today, Nashville’s Criminal Court bench lacks the perspective of a former public defender. None of the current judges have held that role, and most are former prosecutors. Public defense teaches lessons about justice, humility, and humanity that cannot be learned elsewhere—and those lessons matter deeply on the bench.
Dawn is running for Division III Criminal Court Judge because justice still matters, and because she knows the courts can do better. She brings decades of experience, a deep understanding of the system’s strengths and failures, and a commitment to fairness, accountability, and respect for every person who enters the courtroom. She is ready to serve with courage, perspective, and an unwavering belief that the justice system must work for everyone.
— Dawn Deaner's campaign website (March 14, 2026)
See also
2026 Elections
External links
Footnotes
Federal courts:
Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals • U.S. District Court: Eastern District of Tennessee, Middle District of Tennessee, Western District of Tennessee • U.S. Bankruptcy Court: Eastern District of Tennessee, Middle District of Tennessee, Western District of Tennessee
State courts:
Tennessee Supreme Court • Tennessee Court of Appeals • Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals • Tennessee Circuit Court • Tennessee Chancery Courts • Tennessee Criminal Court • Tennessee Probate Court • Tennessee General Sessions Court • Tennessee Juvenile Court • Tennessee Municipal Court
State resources:
Courts in Tennessee • Tennessee judicial elections • Judicial selection in Tennessee
