Gov. Bill Lee calls for special election to replace late Rep. Mike Carter

Jun. 2—Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced on Wednesday a special election for a local state representative seat, allowing the community to select a replacement for the late Rep. Mike Carter.

Carter, R-Ooltewah, died last month at age 67 of pancreatic cancer, creating a vacancy in the Tennessee House of Representatives.

Per a writ of election signed Tuesday by Lee, Carter's replacement will be determined in a September special election.

Hamilton County Administrator of Elections Scott Allen told the Times Fire Press that the office had received notice of the election for the District 29 seat early Wednesday.

He said the primary election is scheduled for July 27 and the general for Sept. 14. Candidates can pick up petitions now, and the qualifying deadline is noon on June 17.

Early voting times and locations will be decided at the Election Commission meeting on June 9.

Previously, some members of the Hamilton County Commission, who locally govern the area represented by Carter and have the authority to name an interim replacement for the seat until the election is held, proposed appointing Carter's widow, Joan Carter, to the seat.

They are set to vote on her appointment on June 9.

This is a developing story.

Staff writer Andy Sher contributed to this report.

Contact Sarah Grace Taylor at staylor@timesfreepress.com.