As the elected Tennessee Republican Party State Executive Committeeman for District 6 and one of the six members serving on the 65-member State Primary Board, I take my responsibilities seriously. These roles are not ceremonial—they exist to protect the integrity of our Republican primaries and ensure the will of the voters is respected.
Since joining the State Executive Committee and State Primary Board in August 2021, I have participated in several election contests. These have included a write-in challenge in Blount County, two or three from Hamilton County, a contest challenging the Republican primary victory of County Mayor Weston Wamp, and a couple from Williamson County. Each case requires careful review of evidence, precinct reports, and the facts on the ground.
This week’s meeting hits closer to home. The contest before us originates from my home county of Knox County. In preparation, I have read the full contest filing twice and thoroughly examined the precinct reports for every Republican vote cast across the county.
Knox County recorded 44,578 Republican votes in the relevant election. As I review the numbers, I am carefully studying the precinct results in our Sixth Senate District while also noting the data from the Fifth and Seventh districts for full context.
The candidates involved—Gibson and Davis—are constituents of TN Republican Party State Executive Committeewoman Jane Chedester and myself in District 6. Amburn is a constituent in District 5, and Jone is a constituent in District 7. These are our neighbors, our fellow Republicans, and their concerns deserve serious, fair consideration.
I will continue preparing diligently for Wednesday evening’s meeting. Voters in Knox County and across Tennessee expect their elected representatives on the State Primary Board to show up informed, objective, and committed to the rules and the process. That is exactly what I intend to deliver.
My commitment to the Republican Party runs deep. My first Republican campaign was in 1982, when I was just 16 years old—two years before I was even old enough to vote. I have lived in District 6 since 1973 and have held virtually every position within the party organization. Together with countless dedicated volunteers and leaders, we transformed the Tennessee Republican Party from a Super Minority into a Super Majority.
We are not going backwards on my watch.
The strength of our party depends on fair, transparent processes that honor the votes of our members. I remain focused on that mission as we address the matters before the State Primary Board this week.
Brian Hornback, Your TN Republican Party State Executive Committeeman, District 6
