Bradley County voters elected Wayne Wesson as their next county judge Tuesday, Nov. 3, as the county's top administrative position was among only two contested local races in the 2026 general election.
Wesson received 1,660 votes, defeating Andrew C. Pritt, who garnered 624 votes. Wesson captured approximately 72.7 percent of the votes cast in the race, finishing 1,036 votes ahead of Pritt.
The county judge's position was open after incumbent Judge Klay McKinney announced he would not seek reelection, setting the stage for voters to select a new leader for Bradley County government.
The only other contested local race was for mayor of Hermitage, where incumbent Matthew Cathey secured another term in a three-candidate contest.
Cathey received 59 votes, or 59 percent of the total, defeating challengers Clare Mae Ortiz, who received 26 votes, and Karla Ramos, who received 15 votes.
Several other Bradley County and municipal officials faced no opposition in their reelection bids. Circuit Clerk Cindy Wagnon, Warren Mayor Gregg Reep and Banks Mayor Keeton Hudson were all unopposed.
All vote totals are unofficial pending completion of the canvassing and certification processes.
