Will retired election chief Phillip Warren and Renee Hunt run against Randall Hutto for Wilson County mayor?

Wilson County's recently retired Administrator of Elections Phillip Warren has picked up a petition to run for county mayor and may challenge incumbent Randall Hutto.

Warren, 64, obtained his petition on Tuesday, according to Wilson County Election Commission records. Warren was Wilson County’s elections administrator for more than 10 years until his retirement on Jan. 7.

“Best way to say it is that I’m talking to people and getting the petition signed,” Warren said about a possible candidacy.

Hutto, 61, has already qualified to run for his fourth term..

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“I really enjoy serving the people and it took a little while to learn where all the moving parts were to make a difference in the county,” Hutto said. “One, I’ve enjoyed serving people and helping people solve problems. Two, it’s a great group of people who work for the county.”

Renee Hunt, 56, has also picked up a petition to run for county mayor, but is still deciding on whether to file and run as a candidate.

The deadline to qualify is noon, Feb. 17.

Hunt has a background in healthcare that includes revenue cycle and finance with nationwide firms, Hunt said.

Warren is considering a campaign based on feedback and encouragement from residents since retirement as the election administrator.

"Maybe we're seeing a time for some new ideas and new leadership," Warren said. "It's nothing against the man that is there."

Hunt believes a change is needed, but expressed concern about "splitting the vote," Hunt said.

Hutto filed as a Republican and Warren and Hunt both obtained petitions as Republican candidates.

The primary on May 3 decide a candidate to represent either the Republican or Democratic parties in the Aug. 4 general election. Independent candidates will be on the ballot in August against the candidates who win the primaries.

Wilson County held a Republican primary in August 2020 for four seats. But local primaries have been infrequent over several decades in Wilson County, according to election commission personnel.

Early voting for the primary is scheduled April 13-28.

Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com or 615-726-5939 and on Twitter @ AndyHumbles.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Phillip Warren and Renee Hunt may take on Randall Hutto for Wilson County Mayor