Republican and Democratic Primary Set for May 5, 2026
Lebanon, TN –The Wilson County Republican and Democratic Parties filed letters indicating their desire to nominate candidates for the August 6, 2026 Wilson County General Election by primary election. Both political Parties filed the proper paperwork before the August 25th deadline. The Wilson County Election Commission accepted the letters and voted unanimously to call a Wilson County Republican and Democratic Primary election for May 5, 2026.
Tennessee State law defines a primary election as an election held for a political party for the purpose of allowing members of that party to select a nominee or nominees to appear on the general election ballot. Voters who participate in the primary election are members of or are affiliated with the Republican or Democratic parties or, at the time of voting, declare their intention to affiliate with the party whose primary ballot they choose. Registered voters in Tennessee do not register to vote as a member of any political party.
Offices eligible for the May 5th primary election are County Mayor, County Commissioners- All 25 County Commission Districts, Sheriff, Trustee, Circuit Court Clerk, County Clerk, Register of Deeds and Constables- All 5 Zones, School Board Zones 2, 4, 6 and 4 LSSD Zones.
Lebanon Special School District passed a Private Act going from 3 At-large school board members to 5 members with each representing a Zone. The election commission is currently redistricting those voters into the correct zone. Zones 1, 2, 3 and 4 will all be on the ballot with 1 and 3 being 2-year terms and 2 and 4 being 4-year terms.
Candidates for any eligible office who run as a member of the Republican party, Democratic party or as an Independent will all qualify by February 19th, 2026 at NOON. The only candidates included on the May 5, 2026 county primary ballot will be those seeking the nomination of the political parties. The winners of the May 5, 2026 county primaries will appear on the August 6, 2026 Wilson County General Election ballot as their party nominee along with any Independent candidates that qualified on February 19th, 2026. The first day petitions will be available is December 22, 2025.
“We encourage anyone with questions about the party primaries, the August elections or any other election process or deadline to contact the Wilson County Election Commission,” said Tammy Smith, Administrator of Elections.
To learn more about primary and general elections, qualifications for offices and other elections related information visit www.WilsonTNVotes.gov and download the 2025-2026 Voter Handbook. The Election Commission offers programs about elections and voting for any interested group. To schedule your group presentation, ask questions about election related issues or learn how you can be involved contact the Wilson County Election Commission by calling 615-444-0216, emailing [email protected] or online at www.WilsonTNVotes.gov