Tennessee Governor Endorses Carter County Mayor for Re-Election

Bill Lee praises Patty Woodby's leadership and commitment to community

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has endorsed Carter County Mayor Patty Woodby's bid for re-election. In a video posted by Woodby's campaign, Lee praised her 'unwavering dedication and character' as a 'proven public servant' who 'leads with integrity' and worked tirelessly to support the community after a major hurricane.

Why it matters

Gubernatorial endorsements can provide a significant boost to local candidates, lending them credibility and access to additional campaign resources. Woodby's re-election bid is seen as an important test of her leadership and the Republican party's strength in the region.

The details

Woodby was appointed mayor in November 2020 following the death of former mayor Rusty Barnett. After serving the remainder of Barnett's term, Woodby was elected mayor in August 2022. Two other candidates, former state lawmaker John Holsclaw and Danny Deal, have also submitted petitions to run for mayor in the Republican primary.

  • Woodby was appointed mayor in November 2020.
  • Woodby was elected mayor in August 2022.
  • The Republican primary will be held on May 5, 2026.
  • The general election will take place on August 6, 2026.

The players

Bill Lee

The current Governor of Tennessee, who has endorsed Patty Woodby's re-election bid.

Patty Woodby

The incumbent Carter County Mayor, who is seeking re-election with the endorsement of Governor Bill Lee.

John Holsclaw

A former state lawmaker who has submitted a petition to run against Woodby in the Republican primary.

Danny Deal

A candidate who has submitted a petition to run against Woodby in the Republican primary.

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What they’re saying

“She is a proven public servant, someone who leads with integrity, works tirelessly to make your community a better place to live, and work, and raise a family.”

— Bill Lee, Governor of Tennessee (wjhl.com)

“And when Hurricane Helene swept through Northeast Tennessee, Patty was there, leading critical recovery efforts and supporting our neighbors in need and working with state and federal partners to help Carter County rebuild.”

— Bill Lee, Governor of Tennessee (wjhl.com)

What’s next

The Republican primary election will be held on May 5, 2026, where Woodby will face off against Holsclaw and Deal. The winner of the primary will then advance to the general election on August 6, 2026.

The takeaway

Governor Lee's endorsement of Patty Woodby underscores her reputation as an effective and respected local leader, which could give her a significant advantage in the upcoming Republican primary and general election. However, the race is still wide open, and Woodby will need to continue demonstrating her commitment to the community to secure victory.