How Montgomery County voted in governor, Congress, Senate primaries

Sen. Marsha Blackburn has won the Republican nomination for governor in a fairly close three-way race against John Rose and Monty Fritts.

By Chris Smith August 6, 2026 10:39 pm

Politician in a white suit shakes hands with a supporter in a blue blazer at a campaign event, surrounded by volunteers in a red-walled room with signs and stickers. — Clarksville NowMarsha Blackburn visits Johnny's Big Burger on July 11, 2026 (Wesley Irvin)

CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Sen. Marsha Blackburn has won the Republican nomination for governor in a fairly close three-way race against John Rose and Monty Fritts. Blackburn had 42% of the vote as of 10 p.m. Thursday, with Rose at 33% and Fritz at 24%.

Blackburn will face Democrat Jerri Green in November. Green easily beat four other candidates for the Democratic nomination, with 71% Thursday night.

In Montgomery County, Blackburn performed better. She had 55% of the vote, with Rose 27% and Fritz 16%. On the Democratic side, Green had 60% here, with Atwater at 26%.

US Senate

Sen. Bill Hagerty was unopposed for the statewide Republican nomination. In November, he’ll face Marquita Bradshaw, who defeated four others for the Democratic nomination.

Montgomery County Democrats supported Bradshaw by 55%.

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Congress, District 5

The northwest portion of Montgomery County is now part of District 5, which stretches from Williamson County to Memphis.

Incumbent Congressman Andy Ogles was upset by Charlie Hatcher for the Republican nomination, losing his seat with 47% of the vote against Hatcher’s 53%. In November, Hatcher will face Democrat Chaz Molder, who defeated six other candidates for the Democratic nomination with 41% of the vote.

Montgomery County Republicans followed the state trend, supporting Hatcher 52% to Ogles 48%. Local Democrats, however, supported Yolanda Cooper-Sutton with 50% and gave Molder only 10.4%

| MORE: Election results: Oliver wins sheriff, Golden re-elected, 3 commissioners unseated

Congress, District 7

Rep. Matt Van Epps was unopposed for the Republican nomination. In November, he’ll face Darden Copeland, who won a four-way Democratic primary with 40% of the vote.

Montgomery County Democrats gave Copeland 42% of the vote, Saletta Holloway 26% and Vincent Dixie 23%.

What happens next in local elections?

Nov. 3: Election Day for State General and City of Clarksville Election, with the mayor and half the City Council seats on the ballot. The voter registration deadline is Oct. 5. Early voting will be Oct. 14-29.

| MORE: 14 candidates sail through Montgomery County election unopposed

For more information on voting, go to the Montgomery County Election Commission website, visit their office at 350 Pageant Lane, Suite 404, email vote@mcgtn.net or call 931-648-5707.

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