Image Credit: Jefferson County Post & Canva
The Tennessee Conservative [By David Seal] –
Each time the Jefferson County Post has held a primary debate or candidate forum preceding an election, it has been standing room only at the Historic Courthouse in Dandridge, Tennessee.
This year’s Primary Debate is likely to set a record for attendance, mainly because a record number of candidates are working to complete qualifying petitions in 10 different Jefferson County voting districts. Other counties across the state are seeing increased interest by potential candidates seeking to hold local office.
“Scheduled for March 2, 2026, the debate will once again bring together candidates seeking public office in Jefferson County, offering voters a clear and respectful platform to evaluate their choices. Produced entirely by the Jefferson County Post, the event reflects the paper’s longstanding dedication to regional coverage and community service.” – said Kristin Depew, News Director, Jefferson County Post
Distinguished veteran and orthopedic surgeon Dr. John McGraw will moderate the debate. McGraw’s bio includes many medical and military accolades as well as service as a Jefferson County Commissioner from 2014 to 2018. To see a full description of McGraw’s qualifications as debate moderator, a link is provided here.
The Jefferson County Post Primary Debate is the signature event for the on-line newspaper. This year’s debate is the 4th installment of the popular political forum.
The editor stated in part “As Jefferson County continues to grow and evolve, the [Jefferson County] Post remains committed to fostering informed dialogue and transparent democracy through fair and formal candidate engagement.”
Beginning January 2026, the Jefferson County Post will open its public submission portal, inviting residents to submit questions for consideration. These questions will help shape the debate and ensure that the concerns of Jefferson County voters are front and center.
The debate will include democrat, republican, and independent candidates. Both the democrat and republican parties in Jefferson County have formally called primary elections for all races in the May 5, 2026, Primary Election. Independent candidates automatically advance to the County General Election set for August 6, 2026.
The Tennessee State Primary Election is held concurrently with the County General Election in August.
Copies of each political party call letter are featured below, which detail the specific offices that are primaried.
Jefferson County voters are urged to save the date of March 2nd, 2026, for the debate and note the address location as: Historic Courthouse, 212 W. Main Street, Dandridge, Tennessee.
About the Author: David Seal is a retired Jefferson County educator, recognized artist, local businessman, 917 Society Volunteer, and past Chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party. He has also served Jefferson County as a County Commissioner and is a citizen lobbyist for the people on issues such as eminent domain, property rights, education, and broadband accessibility on the state level. David is also a 2024 winner of The Tennessee Conservative Flame Award & has received an accolade from the Institute For Justice for successfully lobbing the TN legislature to protect property rights. David can be reached at david@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
