The 2014 United States House of Representatives elections in Tennessee was held on Tuesday, November 4, 2014, to elect the nine U.S. representatives from the state of Tennessee, one from each of the state's nine congressional districts. The elections coincided with the elections of other federal and state offices, including a gubernatorial election and an election to the U.S. Senate.
The primary election for House seats was held on August 7, 2014. Following the general elections, no seats changed hands, leaving the Tennessee delegation at a 7-2 Republican majority.
Incumbent Republican Scott DesJarlais, who had represented the district since 2011, ran for re-election.
Republican primary
Campaign
DesJarlais was considered one of the most vulnerable Congressmen after revelations emerged in October 2012 that he had prescribed drugs to a patient with whom he was having an affair, and had pressured his former wife and former mistress to have several abortions. He was re-elected in 2012 with a reduced majority.[6]
State SenatorJim Tracy challenged DesJarlais in the primary.[7] As of the end of June 2013, Tracy had raised nearly $750,000 (including over $300,000 in the second quarter of 2013) for his bid.[8] He raised an additional $150,000 in the fourth quarter and reported $840,000 cash-on-hand.[6] By contrast, at the end of September, DesJarlais reported $170,000 cash-on-hand.[6]
Despite his vulnerabilities, in the final days before the August 7 primary, DesJarlais seemed to have a chance at holding onto his seat, according to GOP operatives who thought voters had forgiven his poor behavior.[9]
After all precincts reported, DesJarlais led Tracy by just 33 votes, which widened to 38 after provisional ballots were counted. Tracy contemplated a challenge to the election. However, the Monday after the election, he issued a statement conceding to DesJarlais, saying, "A contest would not be the right thing for the Republican party and the conservative cause in Tennessee."[15]
[1] 24.89 pp
Government