TN HB0855

Statewide political parties must nominate candidates through primary elections for all partisan offices at regular August or November elections, with limited exceptions

Counties where a party used non-primary nomination methods in 2022 or 2024 may continue that practice, except for Governor, state legislators, U.S. Senator, and U.S. Representatives, which must be nominated through primary elections

If a county eligible for the exception fails to use an alternative nomination method in any year after the act's effective date, the party must permanently switch to primary elections

Statewide parties retain flexibility to nominate candidates for offices not covered by mandatory primary requirements using any method authorized under party rules

Passed April 14, 2025 and signed by Governor Bill Lee on April 24, 2025, taking effect immediately