Race for state House District 80 heats up

JACKSON, Tenn. — In a winner-take-all primary, the stakes are high in the race for state House District 80, representing parts of Madison and Hardeman counties.

With no Republican or Independent in the race, the winner will be decided in August. Friday, WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News caught up with incumbent Johnny Shaw and his opponent, Jackson City Councilman Ernest Brooks.

Brooks is in the middle of one of the most hotly contested races on the state primary ballot.

“As we’ve campaigned, we’ve found that many people feel they are disenfranchised, that they have no connection to Nashville, and we’re here to fill that void,” Brooks said.

The man he hopes to defeat in the democratic race, Rep. Johnny Shaw, has spent the last 16 years in office.

“A newcomer is just basically there until he or she puts some time under their belt,” Shaw said.

Both men say they’ll tackle tough issues if elected.

“Surely I’ll support Medicaid expansion in the state of Tennessee as well as we got to tackle our problem in criminal justice reform,” Brooks said.

Shaw said those are fights he’s already waged as a Democrat pitted against a Republican majority.

“I don’t really see a big difference in what we both want to do,” Shaw said. “I can’t speak to why he feels that he can do it better than I can.”

Councilman Brooks said voters deserve fresh ideas and an engaged and strong leader.

“I will have the first district newsletter, and we will be responsive to the constituents of the district,” Brooks said.

Rep. Shaw said his reputation and experience cannot be replaced.

“Getting to know someone is one thing, but if you got someone you already know, I guess the phrase is ‘if it’s not broke, why try to fix it?'”

If you miss your chance to early vote, Election Day is Aug. 4.