The Red Ripple
💥 A look at Nashville’s early voting boom · Ferrell Haile drops bid for Tennessee Senate speakership · Federal Law Enforcement Investigating Metro Nashville Employee · Much more!
Good afternoon, everyone. A look at Nashville’s early voting boom: it isn't just Democrats who are making an impact... Ferrell Haile drops bid for Tennessee Senate speakership... Federal Law Enforcement Investigating Metro Nashville Employee... And much more!
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Davidson County’s early vote explosion: blue wave, red ripple, big numbers.
From Megan Podsiedlik
Davidson County’s early vote surge is turning heads, but Republicans aren’t sitting this one out. The first five days of early voting in the 2026 August primary have far outpaced 2018 and 2022, with turnout tripling compared with previous cycles. Let’s break down the numbers:
Total early votes through 5 days of early voting:
- 2018: 2,820
- 2022: 3,646
- 2026:14,760
Total early Democrat votes through 5 days of early voting:
- 2018: 2,059
- 2022: 2,466
- 2026: 9,596
Total early Republican votes through 5 days of early voting:
- 2018: 736
- 2022: 1,134
- 2026: 5,060
While there is a 289 percent increase in Democrats that have turned out in Davidson County for early voting in this year’s primary congressional and gubernatorial races compared to 2022, there is a 346 percent increase in Republican turnout. The numbers are even more jarring when comparing this year’s early voting for Democrats and Republicans to 2018’s turnout. Mind you, 2018 marks Governor Bill Lee first gubernatorial victory and doesn't account much for the city's population boom.
Statewide early votes through 5 days of early voting:
- 2018: 181,128
- 2022: 142,187
- 2026: 209,965
Statewide registered voters:
The numbers look like a turnout surge—until you factor in Tennessee’s growing pool of eligible voters. But closer to home, Nashville’s rapid population growth raises a bigger question: Is the city’s changing electorate reshaping the balance of political power?
***Correction: The percentage increase in early voting turnout from 2022 to 2026 was 289 percent for Democrats and 346 percent for Republicans.
✹ PROPERTY TAX CALCULATOR
Use our handy new tool to see what contributed to your property tax bill increase: the reappraisal or the rate hike. (Try It Out)
HEADLINES
- ✌ Ferrell Haile drops bid for Tennessee Senate speakership. State Sen. Ferrell Haile has withdrawn his bid to become the next Tennessee Senate speaker, clearing the way for another candidate in the Republican leadership race. Haile, who currently serves as speaker pro tempore, said he is stepping aside after considering the needs of the Senate and his role moving forward. (TNJ)
- 👀 Federal Law Enforcement Investigating Metro Nashville Employee. Federal authorities executed a search warrant involving a Metro Nashville employee, prompting the employee to be placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues. Metro officials said the city is aware of the investigation and referred questions to federal authorities, who have not released details about the nature of the case. (Banner)
- 🔌 TVA’s largest natural gas plant project to power nearly 850,000 homes. The Tennessee Valley Authority is building a 1,450-megawatt natural gas plant at the Cumberland site in Stewart County, replacing part of the retiring coal-fired facility. The project is expected to provide enough electricity for nearly 850,000 homes and is designed to help meet rising power demand while maintaining grid reliability (Fox 17)
DEVELOPMENT
- Burger Up 12South space to be viral NYC-based Levain Bakery (NBJ)
- Iggy's, Catbird Seat restaurateurs plan steakhouse for Wedgewood-Houston (Post)
- Amazon advances Nashville Yards music office effort (Post)
- Noshville in Green Hills to close in 2027 (Post)
✹ METRO COUNCIL WATCH
New Council Watch Features We've added additional features to Council Watch. In addition to who's funding your council member, you can now see how they vote and who they vote with most frequently. (Take a Look)
THINGS TO DO
View our calendar for the week here.
📅 Visit our On The Radar list to find upcoming events around Nashville.
🎧 On Spotify: Pamphleteer's Picks, a playlist of our favorite bands in town this week.
👨🏻🌾 Check out our Nashville farmer's market guide.
TONIGHT
🎸 Alan Parsons @ Ryman Auditorium, 7p, $104+, Info
🎸 Nation of Language w/ Modern Cult @ The Basement East, 8p, $33.49, Info
+ Brooklyn synthpop
🎸 Men at Work w/ Toad the Wet Sprocket @ The Pinnacle, 7p, $81+, Info
🎸 Dolly Parton's Threads: My Songs in Symphony @ Schermerhorn Symphony Center, 6p, $69+, Info
🎙️ Open Mic @ Fox and Locke, 6:30p, Free, Info
🎸 Kelley's Heroes @ Robert's Western World, 6:30p, Free, Info
📰 Check out the full newsletter archive here.
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Today's newsletter is brought to you by Davis Hunt, Megan Podsiedlik, and Camelia Brennan.