CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – The races for City Council seats were so close in some wards, but one thing is clear: This year was great for several women candidates.

Karen Reynolds won the City Council, Ward 9 seat. She beat Christopher Lanier, Scott Comperry and Brad Morrow.

“Anyone who puts themselves out in the community should be commended for their courage,” Reynolds told Clarksville Now.

“Our race was won because I had a great team,” Reynolds continued. “Our work has just begun.”

She also expressed her excitement about being able to promote equality in the community, having worked with the local Black Lives Matter leaders, and used grassroots, boots-on-the-ground methods throughout her campaign.

Ashlee Evans won her race in Ward 11, beating veteran civil servants Jimmie Brown and incumbent Gary Norris. Evans was considered a long shot to win against seasoned candidates.

“I am so thankful for everybody who has supported me my entire run, and who has lifted up my voice. I just hope that I can be that same representation that I got for my constituents,” said Evans. “Be the change you want to see. Never stop pushing.”

Trisha Butler won her race for Ward 12 by a close margin. Butler won in a crowded field of five other candidates, but a close runner-up was Joe Shakeenab by only 113 votes.

“Thank you, and hold my feet to the fire. Hold me accountable,” said Butler to her new constituents. “I am really happy for everyone, and honored – just excited to get to work with everybody.”

Wanda Allen also won her race for City Council in Ward 8. She could not be reached for comment.

Knight and Redd win

Jason Knight won Ward 5, beating Joey Dasinger and Melissa Eldridge.

“I want to say first that I couldn’t do this without the support from my community,” Knight told Clarksville Now. 

He also credits his win to his wife, children and team of interns. 

Over in Ward 4, Wallace Redd won his race for City Council.

“I plan on working for the people of Ward 4, putting our neighborhoods first, working with the county commissioners and the mayor,” Redd told Clarksville Now. 

“They were good, strong candidates. I appreciate them for putting up a good fight and doing their civic duty,” Redd says regarding his opponents, incumbent Tim Chandler and Margaret Thompson.

 “I appreciate the voters for believing in me, even the ones who didn’t vote for me,” Redd said.

The rest of the council

Seven of the 12 City Council seats were on the ballot. The only uncontested race was in Ward 3, where newcomer DaJuan Little sailed to an automatic victory.

Normally only 6 seats would be on the ballot, but Ward 11’s Norris was on the ballot. He had been appointed to fill the unexpired term of Bill Powers after Powers was elected to the state Senate.

Leaving the City Council are Ron Erb, Valerie Guzman, David Allen, Jeff Henley and Jeff Burkhart.

The elected candidates join these existing council members, who were not up for re-election:

  • Ward 1: Richard Garrett
  • Ward 2: Vondell Richmond
  • Ward 6: Wanda Smith
  • Ward 7: Travis Holleman
  • Ward 10: Stacy Streetman

MORE: To read about the candidates and where they stand on the issues, see the Clarksville Now elections page.

Casey Williams, Chris Smith, and Angela Peterson contributed to this report.