Pegram faces March 10 deadline to fill alderman ballot as 2026 races take shape

The town of Pegram has until March 10 to find two candidates willing to run for alderman in the 2026 municipal election, or the seats will be declared vacant and filled by appointment, according to the town’s charter.

If no candidates qualify by the deadline next month, the remaining members of the Pegram Board of Mayor and Aldermen would be responsible for appointing residents to serve in those positions. Aldermen Randy Howington and Michael Paszek have not filed for re-election.

The situation comes as Cheatham County begins to see early activity ahead of a busy 2026 election cycle that includes countywide offices, state legislative races and multiple municipal contests.

While Pegram’s alderman deadline is March 10, most county and state races tied to the May 5 primary election have an earlier qualifying deadline of Feb. 19.

County Commission races take shape

In County Commission District 5, which includes Pegram, several candidates have already pulled petitions.

On the Republican side, incumbent Eugene Evans filed his petition Jan. 5. He is being challenged by Terry Lowe and Jody Vann. Once all petitions are filed, they will face off in the May primary. 

Two independents have also entered the race: incumbent Diana Pike Lovell, who filed Feb. 3, and Jeffrey Schrader. They will face off against the Republican candidate in the August general election. Each county district is dedicated two commissioner seats. 

In District 6, which covers Kingston Springs, incumbent Republican Jimmy Hedgepath has pulled a petition, along with Clint Biggers. Incumbent Mike Breedlove has not pulled a petition as of Feb. 6.

School board and statehouse contests

In the School Board District 5 race, which oversees Pegram Elementary Fine Arts Magnet School, Ginger Lynn Vann has pulled both Republican and Independent petitions but has not yet filed either. Rebecca Shrem has pulled a Democratic petition. The two will face off during the Aug. 6 general election – given they file their petitions by the Feb. 19 deadline. 

At the state level, the 78th House District seat is open following the retirement of longtime Rep. Mary Littleton.

Republican John Louallen filed his petition Jan. 12, followed by Republican Perry Keenan on Jan. 29. Pegram resident Josh Sales has pulled a Democratic petition but has not yet filed. The primary election will take place on Aug. 6 and the general election will take place on Nov. 3. 

County mayor’s race contested

The Cheatham County mayor’s seat for the May primary is contested.

Incumbent Republican Kerry McCarver is being challenged by fellow Republican Bill Anderson. The candidate that wins the primary will advance to the general election on Aug. 6.

Key deadlines ahead

Municipal elections are also approaching in Kingston Springs, to be held on Nov. 3.

The first day to pick up petitions for Kingston Springs races will be June 22. Mayor Todd Verhoven and Vice Mayor Mike Hargis’ seats are both expiring and will be on the ballot.

For races appearing on the May 5 primary, candidates must qualify by noon on Feb. 19. Pegram’s municipal alderman seats have a March 10 qualifying deadline to appear on the Aug. 6 ballot.

If the alderman seats remain uncontested, the town would move forward with appointments rather than an election – a process that could shape Pegram’s leadership well beyond 2026.