August Newsletter
Voting day is TOMORROW August 6th! If you have not yet voted, make sure to get out and vote tomorrow- you can find your polling information here.
The Republican gubernatorial primary has become increasingly competitive following the release of two contrasting polls over the past week. An OnMessage poll, first reported by the Nashville Banner, found U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn leading Congressman John Rose by just 34.5% to 31%, with State Representative Monty Fritts polling at 25.6% and approximately 9% of voters remaining undecided. The survey represents the closest publicly reported race of the campaign and reflects significant movement since earlier polling this spring. Blackburn's campaign, however, released results from its own internal survey showing a much different picture, with Blackburn maintaining a double-digit lead over the field and disputing claims that the race has narrowed. Together, the competing polls underscore two very different narratives heading into Election Day: Rose's campaign argues momentum has dramatically tightened the race, while Blackburn's campaign maintains she remains the clear favorite to secure the Republican nomination. Over the last year, we have engaged both the Blackburn and Rose campaigns to discuss the issues facing the development community and our achievements with making Tennessee one of the most efficient states for building and development in the country.
Several local elections will also have implications for the commercial real estate industry. Williamson County voters will elect County Commissioners in multiple districts, with several competitive races expected to shape future policy discussions on growth management, transportation investments, infrastructure planning, and land use. Additionally, a new mayor, Andy Marshall is expected to win his seat and take over as long time mayor, Rogers Anderson retires. In Davidson County, voters will decide several judicial and General Sessions races. In Wilson County and Lebanon, municipal elections for County Mayor and City Council will determine leadership responsible for future decisions regarding industrial development, annexation, infrastructure investment, and implementation of the city's long-range growth strategy. Given the impact of these political seats on development across Middle Tennessee, CREDA has been on the ground building relationships with candidates as they run.