Knox County party chairs cite prices, candidates after House seat flips to Democrats

What This Story Is About Republicans and Democrats in Knox County give their opinions on the midterm election results. Why It Matters Republicans said voters are unhappy with how long the war has lasted and with its effect on their “pocketbook and wallet.” What Happens Next Newly- elected officials will be sworn in in January.

Republicans still have the majority in the Statehouse. Republicans said they can still get work done because of it. KNOXVILLE, Tenn.

(WVLT) - A House seat in Knox County flipped to Democratic parties on midterm election night. The results across the country surprised Republicans and Democrats in Knox County. Republicans say party must listen to voters Knox County Republican party chairman Martin Daniel said Republicans have not been productive.

He said the plan needs to go back to hearing the issues voters want addressed. In Daniel’s opinion, that starts with voters’ pocketbooks. He said he believes inflation and the war in Iran caused the shift to the left.

“The Iran war has caused oil prices to go up by about 35%,” Daniel said. “And anything related to oil prices, whether that’s transportation, goods or services, has also gone up in price.”

Summary of the outlet's own feed. From WVLT (Knoxville), November 7, 2026.