CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Democrat Ronnie Glynn narrowly beat longtime Republican politician Tommy Vallejos to win the state House District 67 seat Tuesday night.
It was a nailbiter to the end, with Glynn edging out Vallejos by only 153 votes. The final tally was Glynn with 5,766 votes (50.58%) to Vallejos’ 5,613 votes (49.24%).
Glynn told Clarksville Now he’s happy to get to work.
“I felt relieved. Tommy (Vallejos) fought a good race; I mean, it was a good race in general, so just for it to be over and now get ready to get to work is really what I’m looking forward to.”
He attributed his win to his campaign team and said this election was a great experience for him.
“When I ran two years ago, a lot of things that we did this time we did not do two years ago. So, this one was a really great experience of just understanding the whole dynamic of running a campaign, and I have to thank Chaz (Charles Uffelman) for that because he was really the catalyst behind it all.”
Glynn said there were three issues he wants to focus on, and those set him apart from his opponent.
“Obviously, we’re going to be working on education (and) healthcare. We want to try to work on restoring a woman’s right to make her own decision. So those are the big things that we are really going to look forward to.”
Glynn noted he wanted to keep charter schools out of Montgomery County, and that explained that expanding Medicaid benefits will be a big part of the agenda. Glynn also noted that infrastructure improvements will also be something he focuses on.
Vallejos isn’t done with politics
This was Tommy Vallejos’ second time running for state House District 67, and he said it was great to be able to tell people what he stands for.
“I feel like I worked my tail off, and I feel like I accomplished something that folks haven’t been able to do in the district, and I came close to winning,” Vallejos told Clarksville Now. “I congratulate Ronnie Glynn, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to run.”
He said he was grateful for everyone who voted for him and those who supported him during his campaign.
“I just want to thank everybody that voted for me. I had both Republicans and Democrats and independents who voted for me, folks of all walks of life. Folks that voted for me represent what my family looks like, and so my wife and I are thankful.”
Vallejos said it’s never easy to lose, but running again is not off the table for him.
“I think I’ll just take some time off and relax, and just pray and see what God has for me next. Politics is definitely not off the burner.”
MORE: Election results: Final results for all Clarksville races, plus governor and Congress
About the candidates
District 67 covers the center of Clarksville, from the Cumberland River to the state line. The seat became open when current state Rep. Jason Hodges decided not to run for re-election. It was previously held by Joe Pitts and Kim McMillan.
Glynn, a small-business owner and father of four, served for over 23 years in the Army. He continues to serve the community as a mentor to youth through Big Brother Big Sisters of America.
Vallejos has served his country and community for nearly 40 years: as a 21-year veteran in the US Army Infantry; as a county commissioner; as a pastor; and as a gang awareness teacher and mentor. Vallejos was a county commissioner for eight years, with seven years on the Budget Committee.
Christian Brown, Jim Key and Chris Smith contributed to this report.
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