The Trial Court Vacancy Commission began accepting applications to fill the vacancy in the 26th Judicial District Chancery Court, which covers Chester, Henderson, and Madison counties, on April 21, 2026.
After the May 6, 2026, deadline, one candidate had applied, leaving the Commission unable to provide the governor with the names of three persons qualified to fill the vacancy in accordance with Tenn. Code Ann. § 17-4-308(h). Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 17-4-310(a), the governor may fill the vacancy with any person who is qualified to serve as a chancery court judge in the 26th Judicial District. The Commission sent the application it did receive to the governor. This vacancy was created by the elevation of the Honorable Steven W. Maroney to the appellate bench.
To read the letter from the Trial Court Vacancy Commission to Governor Lee.
Applications:
Jennifer Coats Covellis