CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – State Rep. Jeff Burkhart won re-election in District 75, in a race against Allie Phillips that drew national campaign interest.
“It was a tough battle,” he told Clarksville Now. “We were fighting California, New York and everyone else; this wasn’t just a county race.”
Burkhart had 11,162 votes (54.7%) to Phillips’ 9,226 (45.2%).
On what separated him from his opponent, Burkhart cited several accomplishments from the past two years, including the new DMV being built in Clarksville and new funding for Austin Peay State University. “It really makes it good when you get to work with good people like Deputy House Speaker (Curtis) Johnson – he will be missed.”
As for what he wants to get done next, he said, “All we can get. Infrastructure is No. 1, and we need to get some work done.”
Phillips: Fight for the change you want to see
In a speech at the Democratic watch party at the Hilton Garden Inn, Phillips said her campaign made a difference. “I want to influence women across the country to run for office and fight for the change they want to see,” she said.
“We came up short, but that’s OK. We all still have our voices, and we still have to make lawmakers accountable for the sake of our future,” Phillips said. “I am a firm believer in everything happens for a reason. Maybe I am not meant to be a politician, and my path could lead to more activism and maybe start my own nonprofit to help other woman get reproductive rights.”
As for what’s next, Phillips had a personal announcement to make, that she is expecting another child. “My journey started because of the loss of my pregnancy,” she said. “It is my pleasure to share that we are now ending this journey with a new pregnancy.”
Tennessee House District 75 covers the western portion of Clarksville and Montgomery County.
About the candidates
Jeff Burkhart has represented House District 75 since 2022. He previously served three terms on the Clarksville City Council representing Ward 12. A lifelong resident of Clarksville, he graduated from Northwest High School and received an associate’s degree in Fire Science from Volunteer State Community College. He was assistant fire chief with Clarksville Fire Rescue, and he is now a commercial and residential property developer.
Allie Phillips, a Tennessee native, received her bachelor’s degree in Multimedia Journalism from Middle Tennessee State University. She was raised in Ashland City and, after graduation, she made her home in Clarksville.
Christian Brown, Jordan Renfro and Chris Smith contributed to this report.
ELECTION NEWS:
- Election results: Final Montgomery County votes in presidential, Congress, legislature, City Council races
- Mark Green re-elected to Congress: ‘This one was a harder race’
- Rep. Ronnie Glynn wins re-election by 128 votes: ‘It was always going to be a close race’
- Sen. Bill Powers wins re-election: ‘It’s an affirmation I’m doing a good job’
- Aron Maberry wins state House 68: ‘This has been a long campaign’
- City Council winners on how campaigns went, what’s next for Clarksville