CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Following the death of Rep. Jeff Burkhart on Friday, the Montgomery County Commission will appoint someone to succeed him as the Tennessee House District 75 representative until the next election, in November 2026.

Pursuant to T.C.A. § 5-1-104, the Montgomery County Commission is seeking nominations to select an interim representative to serve the remainder of the term until the general election is held and a new representative is sworn in, according to a press release from county spokeswoman Michelle Hueffmeier. As the General Assembly’s session begins in January, nominations and voting to fill the vacancy will take place at the commission meeting on Dec. 8, to ensure District 75 has representation.

Candidates must be at least 21 years of age, a citizen of the United States, a citizen of Tennessee for three years, and a resident within and a qualified voter of the district they represent for one year. Interested candidates may submit a letter of interest, current resume, and a copy of their current voter registration card to Montgomery County Chief of Staff Lee Harrell at lharrell@montgomerytn.gov, no later than noon Wednesday, Nov. 26. All qualified candidates will be given five minutes to speak to the County Commission meeting on Monday, Dec. 1, at 6 p.m.

Tennessee House District 75 covers the western portion of Clarksville and Montgomery County.

Recent candidates for the District 75 position have included Democrat Allie Phillips in November 2024 and Republicans Deanna McLaughlin and Kent Griffy in August 2022.

“Representative Burkhart was a dedicated public servant whose work left a lasting impact on our community,” County Mayor Wes Golden said in the release. “Jeff will be remembered for his leadership, commitment to the people he served, and dedication to improving the lives of Tennesseans. As we mourn his loss, we must also ensure that the residents of District 75 continue to have representation at the state level. The nomination process will allow us to ensure the constituents are represented while honoring his legacy of service.”

Funeral arrangements for Jeff Burkhart

The funeral for Burkhart will be Wednesday, Nov. 19, at Hilldale Church of Christ, 501 Highway 76, according to his obituary from McReynolds-Nave & Larson Funeral Home. Visitation will be Tuesday, Nov. 18, from 3-7 p.m. at Hilldale, and again on Wednesday from 9-11 a.m. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. with Tay Joslin officiating. Entombment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Gardens.

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