In a closely contested decision that came down to the wire, Montgomery County Commissioner Michael Lankford has been appointed to represent Tennessee’s House District 75, stepping in to fill the seat left vacant by the passing of State Rep. Jeff Burkhart on November 14.
The vote, held during the Montgomery County Commission’s formal meeting on Monday, December 8, was anything but straightforward. After multiple rounds of deliberation, the final tally stood at a 9-9 deadlock between Lankford, a Republican from Clarksville, and Democratic nominee Allie Phillips.
That left the deciding vote in the hands of Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden - who, in accordance with county rules, only votes in the event of a tie. Golden cast his ballot in favor of Lankford, securing the commissioner’s path to the state legislature.
Lankford will serve the remainder of Burkhart’s term, which runs until the next general election. Following the vote, he expressed his gratitude to the commission and his readiness to take on the responsibilities of the role.
“I appreciate the confidence the commission has in me,” Lankford said. “I look forward to working with this body, and in the future at the State Capitol.”
Lankford’s appointment was met with swift support from Tennessee State Senator Bill Powers, who represents District 22, which includes Clarksville. Powers noted the personal connection between Lankford and the late Rep. Burkhart, calling the appointment fitting.
“He was a good friend of Jeff Burkhart’s,” Powers said. “So, it is kind of apropos for him to be our next representative, and I am thrilled for him.”
The road to Lankford’s selection featured a field of six candidates, including fellow County Commissioner Nathan Burkholder, Board of Education member Kent Griffy, Kevin McPherson, and Adolph Dagan. After several rounds of voting, the field narrowed to Lankford and Phillips, setting up the dramatic tie that required the mayor’s intervention.
Here’s how the final votes broke down:
Votes for Michael Lankford
- John Gannon
- Jason Knight
- Joe Smith
- Rickey Ray
- Jorge Padro
- Joshua Beal
- David Harper
- Ryan Gallant
- Billy Frye
Votes for Allie Phillips
- Rashidah Leverett
- Latonia Brown
- Jeremiah Walker
- Joe Creek
- Carmelle Chandler
- Walker Woodruff
- Lisa Prichard
- Chris Rasnic
- David Shelton
Lankford and Burkholder abstained from voting, as is standard for candidates under consideration. Commissioner Autumn Simmons was absent from the meeting.
With the appointment now official, Lankford steps into a role that carries not just legislative responsibility, but the legacy of a respected public servant in Jeff Burkhart. The expectation is that Lankford will bring both continuity and his own perspective to the position - representing District 75 at the State Capitol until voters make their next choice at the ballot box.