2014 United States House of Representatives elections in Tennessee
Summary
The 2014 United States House of Representatives elections in Tennessee was held on Tuesday, November 4, 2014, to elect the nine U.S. representatives from the state of Tennessee, one from each of the state's nine congressional districts. The elections coincided with the elections of other federal and state offices, including a gubernatorial election and an election to the U.S. Senate.
2014 United States House of Representatives elections in Tennessee
The primary election for House seats was held on August 7, 2014. Following the general elections, no seats changed hands, leaving the Tennessee delegation at a 7-2 Republican majority.
Incumbent Republican Scott DesJarlais, who had represented the district since 2011, ran for re-election.
Republican primaryedit
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DesJarlais was considered one of the most vulnerable Congressmen after revelations emerged in October 2012 that he had prescribed drugs to a patient with whom he was having an affair, and had pressured his former wife and former mistress to have several abortions. He was re-elected in 2012 with a reduced majority.[6]
State SenatorJim Tracy challenged DesJarlais in the primary.[7] As of the end of June 2013, Tracy had raised nearly $750,000 (including over $300,000 in the second quarter of 2013) for his bid.[8] He raised an additional $150,000 in the fourth quarter and reported $840,000 cash-on-hand.[6] By contrast, at the end of September, DesJarlais reported $170,000 cash-on-hand.[6]
Despite his vulnerabilities, in the final days before the August 7 primary, DesJarlais seemed to have a chance at holding onto his seat, according to GOP operatives who thought voters had forgiven his poor behavior.[9]
After all precincts reported, DesJarlais led Tracy by just 33 votes, which widened to 38 after provisional ballots were counted. Tracy contemplated a challenge to the election. However, the Monday after the election, he issued a statement conceding to DesJarlais, saying, "A contest would not be the right thing for the Republican party and the conservative cause in Tennessee."[15]
^ abcdefghijklmnopq"August 7, 2014 Official Election Results". Tennessee Secretary of State. Archived from the original on September 11, 2014. Retrieved September 15, 2014.
^ abcdefghi"State General" (PDF). State of Tennessee. Retrieved January 14, 2023.
^Alex Isenstadt (January 13, 2014). "Weston Wamp to challenge Chuck Fleischman again". Politico. Retrieved March 31, 2014.
^ abcEmily Cahn (January 27, 2014). "DesJarlais Primary Challenger Flush With Cash for 2014". Roll Call. Retrieved January 28, 2014.
^Sher, Andy (January 3, 2013). "Tracy kicks off campaign to take on DesJarlais". Chattanooga Times Free Press. Retrieved January 6, 2013.
^Trygstad, Kyle (July 10, 2013). "DesJarlais Challenger Posts Big Fundraising Haul #TN04". Roll Call. Retrieved July 11, 2013.
^Cahn, Emily. "Scott DesJarlais' Re-Election Hopes Rise, Despite Abortion Scandal". www.rollcall.com. Roll Call. Retrieved July 31, 2014.
^"Murfreesboro TCAT Instructor Running Against Dejarlais". WGNS Radio. October 15, 2013. Retrieved October 22, 2013.
^Sher, Andy (December 20, 2012). "State Rep. Joe Carr exploring run against Scott DesJarlais". Chattanooga Times Free Press. Retrieved January 6, 2013.
^"State Rep. Joe Carr announces Alexander challenge - News Politics - Boston.com". Archived from the original on August 23, 2013.
^Sher, Andy (November 27, 2012). "Kevin Brooks eyes 2014 GOP primary bid against Scott DesJarlais". Chattanooga Times Free Press. Retrieved January 6, 2013.
^Sher, Andy (November 17, 2012). "Three may challenge DesJarlais". Chattanooga Times Free Press. Retrieved January 6, 2013.
^Alexandra Jaffe (August 25, 2014). "DesJarlais triumphs in primary by 38 votes". thehill.com. The Hill. Retrieved May 4, 2023.
External linksedit
U.S. House elections in Tennessee, 2014 at Ballotpedia