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By Buzz Trexler

Star Correspondent

Republican Timothy Aaron Hill defeated Democratic candidate Lori Love for the second time in the race to fill the state House of Representatives 3rd District seat on Thursday.

According to the Tennessee Secretary of State’s office, Hill garnered 25,606 votes (Carter, 2,775; Hawkins, 5,765; Johnson, 6,424; and Sullivan, 10,642), while Love received 5,241 (Carter, 397; Hawkins, 1,352; Johnson, 1,038; and Sullivan, 2,454).

Both were unopposed in their respective primaries on Aug. 1.

Neither Hill nor Love had responded to requests for comments as of early Wednesday morning.

Johnson County Commission appointed Hill on May 11, 2023, to serve as interim representative for the state House seat after former state Rep. Scotty Campbell (R-Mountain City) resigned. The Sullivan County Republican went on to defeat Love in a special election. Hill previously represented District 3 from 2012 to 2020, rising to the role of House Majority Whip, before leaving the legislature in 2020 to run for retiring U.S. Rep. Phil Roe’s 1st Congressional District seat in the U.S. House. He lost a primary battle to current Republican U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger.

House 4th District

Renea Jones, who defeated longtime Elizabethton Mayor Curt Alexander in the bid for the 4th District seat in the state House of Representatives during the Aug. 1 Republican Primary, was unopposed on Tuesday’s ballot and received 22,267 votes (Unicoi County, 6,545; Carter County, 15,722).

“I am honored to be elected as State Representative for Tennessee’s 4th House District,” Jones said in a statement to The Star. “I vow to work tirelessly as a voice and champion for the people of Carter and Unicoi counties, and I look forward to seeing what can be accomplished in Nashville while working in a spirit of collaboration. As I assume this new role, I honor those who came before me and strive to one day leave the district well positioned for a brighter tomorrow.”

The 114th General Assembly convenes at noon on Jan. 14, 2025.

 

Lynn Richardson contributed to this report.