Nashville, Tenn. - The Trial Court Vacancy Commission began accepting applications to fill the vacancy in the Third Judicial District Circuit Court, which covers Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, and Hawkins counties, on March 9, 2026.
After the March 25, 2026 deadline, two candidates had applied, leaving the Commission unable to provide the governor with the names of three persons qualified to fill the vacancy in accordance with Tenn. Code Ann. § 17-4-308(h). Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 17-4-310(a), the governor may fill the vacancy with any person who is qualified to serve as a circuit court judge in the Third Judicial District. The Commission sent the two applications it did receive to the governor. This vacancy was created by the appointment of the Honorable William E. Phillips II to the Tennessee Court of Appeals.
To read the letter from the Trial Court Vacancy Commission to Governor Lee.
Applications: