← Back to Rhea County, Tennessee: Election on 2026-08-06
Contest for TN State House District 31
State House District 31
primary - Partisan - State Representative District 31
About this office
The Tennessee House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the state legislature, with 99 members elected from single-member districts to two-year terms. Representatives pass state laws, originate revenue bills, approve the state budget, and — together with the Senate — confirm gubernatorial appointments and propose constitutional amendments. Candidates must be at least 21 years old, U.S. citizens, Tennessee residents for at least three years, and district residents for at least one year.
Term length: 2 years.
This role calls for
- Integrity — Acts in the interest of constituents and the public good rather than for personal gain, and remains independent of undue influence from donors, lobbyists, and party leadership.
- Understanding of the constituency — Grasps both the economic-development needs of the district and the day-to-day concerns of individual residents — safety, healthcare, education, infrastructure.
- Persuasion — Engages, listens to, and persuades both fellow legislators and constituents. Can change minds and explain votes honestly.
- Legislative craft — Reads, drafts, and amends statute with care. Understands how specific bill language translates to outcomes, and knows the body of law being modified.
- Coalition-building — Finds common ground across partisan and factional lines, brokers compromises that hold, and forms working majorities even when consensus is hard to reach.
Derived from the office's statutory duties and operational reality. Candidate summaries below map each candidate's documented experience to these requirements.
Campaigns
Democratic Primary
1 candidate
Michael Woodlee's biography shows he is a veteran and father of seven residing in District 31, suggesting personal ties to constituent concerns like family and community service. The record contains no documented controversies or disciplinary history. Bio does not indicate legislative craft experience or coalition-building experience.
Republican Primary
2 candidates
Swafford's biography shows deep local roots in District 31 and management experience overseeing large agricultural operations, suggesting familiarity with constituent economic concerns. He currently serves on the Bledsoe County Commission and chairs the Tennessee Young Republicans, indicating active political engagement. The record contains no documented controversies or disciplinary actions. Bio does not indicate legislative drafting experience or prior coalition-building across partisan lines.
Harold "Bo" McCawley's biography shows he resides in Dayton within District 31 and is running for State Representative against a fellow Republican. The record does not indicate prior legislative experience or specific experience in coalition-building across partisan lines.
Independent
2 candidates
Keith Nolan's biography shows technical expertise in audio production and engineering roles since 2007, alongside independent business ownership, which may support constituent understanding of local economic needs. The record contains no documented controversies or disciplinary actions. Bio does not indicate legislative craft experience or prior coalition-building experience.
Randy A. Sharp's biography shows he is an Independent candidate for Tennessee House District 31, running in a contested field to replace term-limited incumbent Ron Travis. The record does not indicate prior legislative experience or specific experience in coalition-building and persuasion required for the role.
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