It was an exciting night for the Grand Old Party as the Chester County Republicans and the Chester County Republican Women hosted the annual Reagan Day Dinner at Mid-South Youth Camp on Saturday, February 21. The night was filled with great food and fun fellowship as local, state, and national members of the party gathered to show support, raise money, and plan for the future of the Republican Party. About 200 people took advantage of the opportunity to hear from various speakers including all three of the Republican candidates for Tennessee Governor.
The evening began with a warm welcome from the Chairman of the Chester County Republican Party, Chad Cherry. State Senator, Page Walley, gave the invocation. Henderson Mayor, Terry Bell, led the Pledge of Allegiance and Becky Weaver played a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem. Rebecca Clayton, Chairwoman of the Chester County Republican Women, shared information about the newly formed organization and invited all local ladies to consider the importance of membership in the group. Local Republican candidates in attendance were introduced.
After enjoying a delicious meal, attendees settled in to hear from state and national officials. The Honorable David Kustoff, representing Tennessee’s 8th U.S. Congressional District provided an update on recent action at the national level, specifically by the Ways and Means Committee which he is a part of. This committee plays a vital role in shaping tax legislation and budgetary matters.
Scott Golden, Chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party, updated the group on party activity across the state. He explained that the recent appointment of Steve Maroney to the Tennessee Court of Appeals by Governor Bill Lee created a vacancy in the Office of Chancellor for the 26th Judicial District which includes Chester, Henderson, and Madison Counties. A caucus will be held in coming weeks to determine the candidate that will represent the Republican Party on the August 2026 ballot.
Monty Fritts, Tennessee House Representative from the 32nd District and Candidate for Tennessee Governor spoke of the values and contributions he would bring to the office if elected.
John Rose, U.S. Representative of Tennessee’s 6th Congressional District and Candidate for Tennessee Governor shared his ideas and priorities for Tennessee if elected to the office.
Senator Brent Taylor who represents Tennessee’s 31st District commented on the impact the Memphis Safe Task Force has had on Memphis and Shelby County before introducing The Honorable Marsha Blackburn, U.S. Senator from Tennessee and candidate for Tennessee Governor.
U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn, spoke of past accomplishments she has attained while representing the state in the U.S. Senate and about her vision for the future of Tennessee.
The Office of Governor will be on the ballot during the State and Federal Primary held August 6, 2026. Other State and Federal offices on that ballot for Chester County voters will be U.S. Senate, U.S. Representative – District 8, Tennessee House Representative – District 72, and Chancellor for Tennessee’s 26th Judicial District.
The local Republican Primary will take place on May 5, 2026. Offices and candidates that have qualified for that ballot include Barry Hutcherson (Mayor), Lance Beshires (Trustee), Stacy Smith (County Clerk), Doris Ethridge (Register of Deeds), Justin Emerson (Circuit Court Clerk), Todd Brown (Road Superintendent), Mark Griffin (Sheriff), Heather Carter (County Commission – District 1), Bubba Edgin (County Commission – District 1), Dexter Phillips (County Commission – District 1), Lonzo Taylor (County Commission – District 1), Al McKinnon (County Commission – District 2), Dwain Seaton, Sr (County Commission – District 2), Ann Moore (County Commission – District 3), Luke Weaver (County Commission – District 3), Dylan Clayton (County Commission – District 4), Sheila Eckard (County Commission – District 4), Darryl Thompson (County Commission – District 4), Tim Crowe (County Commission – District 5), Barry Smith (County Commission – District 5), Dan Crump (County Commission – District 6), Jeremy Snider (School Board – District 6).
