A large issue not only nationally, but locally here in Knox County is an unwillingness of the Republican base to engage in the primary election process. It is a fact; If you want to keep Knox County red, vote in the primaries.
Why Are the Primaries So Important?
The primaries provide Republicans with an opportunity to vet candidates and select who we want to run in the general election. This is the perfect time to discover new potential candidates who could go on to become stalwart conservative Republican leaders.
Unfortunately, many voters don’t get involved in the primaries where they could participate in vetting new candidates. Instead, they choose to wait until the general election and then re-elect the same individuals without taking the time to research their voting record.
Not doing this results in a Republican Party comprised of individuals who dismiss our concerns because they’re never punished at the ballot box for their negligence.
This is Not a New Problem
For years, conservatives have largely failed to get involved in GOP primaries to ensure the Republicans they elect are the ones who will serve their interests once in office. This results in “establishment” Republicans who don’t vote Republican principles but instead vote as a partner with Democrats on policies that are in opposition to the Republican platform.
One only has to look through the voting records of the Senate GOP caucus which shows many examples of “uniparty” antics, such as Mitch McConnell’s teaming up with Oklahoma’s James Lankford and Senate Democrats earlier this year to push legislation that would’ve enshrined the Biden-Harris border invasion into law. Surely, we can do better.
This is Still Taking Place Regardless of Trump’s Mandate From the People
In the most current election, we the people granted the GOP the Senate majority. We did so with the expectation they would carry out Trump’s vision for our country. Unfortunately, that does not seem to be happening.
For example. There have been GOP members in the Senate who, at least initially, opposed confirmation of some of Trump’s cabinet picks such as Pete Hegseth, nominated for Defense Secretary, Tulsi Gabbard, nominated for Director of National Intelligence, and Matt Gaetz, nominated for Attorney General. This in spite of the fact they basically approved most of Biden’s cabinet.
In addition, as many are aware, Matt Gaetz withdrew as candidate for attorney general because four Republicans opposed his nomination. These 4 Republicans- Mitch McConnell (Kentucky), John Curtis (Utah), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), and Susan Collins (Maine) did this based on alleged sexual misconduct that the Biden DOJ declined to pursue charges on, and his participation in the removal of Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House.
More recently, despite Gaetz’s stepping down, the House published a report about his alleged sexual misconduct. This has drawn sharp criticism since the DOJ had already investigated and declined to pursue the matter. These are just a sample of the result of not going to the polls during the primary.
Showing up For the Primary is Even More Important in Local Elections
Politics are local. Those we elect to local office impact our daily lives in a significant way every day. They are the people who decide where our schools will be located and when we will build new ones.
These local officials are the ones who decide the new subdivision will be built down the street and increase the traffic in an already crowded area. And finally, these local officials will determine when taxes are raised and what the new revenue will be used for.
Because of this, we must have the most qualified candidates. If we don’t, our county will suffer. And to insure we have the most qualified candidates, we need to get out to the polls during primaries. This is when we select the best candidate to run in the general election.
Unfortunately, showing up to the ballot box only every 2 to 4 years at the general election won’t work. If we continue to do this, the same individuals will continue to be re-elected. Those individuals may not be representing conservative Republicans.
We Have Another Opportunity
The next election season is about to kick off with the Knoxville City Council Primary Election in March for districts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6. Monday, March 17th is the first day to pick up a petition, Petition return deadline is Thursday, May 15th. Early voting takes place August 6 through 21st. Primary Election Day is Tuesday, August 26th.
If you know of someone who is a conservative Republican, living in the city, and is willing to run for City Council please reach out to us. To find a local club near you, visit our website, kccrtn.org
Additionally, with the 2026 election season beginning in October this year, it will be time to re-engage, learn about those who are running for office and help to select the best Republican by voting in the August 2026 primary.
Kyle Nahrebne is a political refugee from both New Jersey and Delaware where citizens’ civil liberties and constitutional rights were being violated. She moved to Tennessee in March of 2021 and now calls Knoxville her permanent home. She is a conservative America first, Republican, and a Christian. Kyle is President of the Knox County Republican Women and the Conservative Republicans of Districts 7 & 8. She has held the post of Secretary to the West Knox Republican Club since 2022 and was appointed to the Knox County Library Board in 2023.