Ad Hoc Committee Dismisses District 53 Election Contest, Seats Jason Powell

An ad hoc committee of the Tennessee House dismissed a challenge to the District 53 election results and voted 6-0 on March 6, 2025, to lift the provisional status of Representative Jason Powell and seat him as a full member.

Committee counsel Doug Hynes told members the panel was convened under Article 2, Section 11 of the Tennessee Constitution and House Rule 81 to consider an election contest filed after the November 2024 general election. Hynes said the complaint was filed on Dec. 2, 2024, and that House Resolution 5 created the committee on Feb. 6, 2025.

The complaint was filed by independent candidate Reuben Dockery, who asked the committee to void the District 53 results and order a special paper-ballot election. Dockery alleged voter suppression, machine malfunction or manipulation, and other misconduct by the Davidson County Election Commission; he provided data tables and four affidavits to support his claims. Representative Jason Powell, who was certified as the winner, told the committee the challenge was without merit and urged the panel to uphold the certified results.

Hynes outlined the legal standards the committee must apply, citing the Tennessee Constitution provision that makes the House the judge of its members’ elections and Rule 81, the House’s procedural framework for election contests. He also referenced Emery v. Robertson County, a Tennessee Supreme Court case the committee would consider for standards on when courts have voided elections.

The certified results for the Nov. 5, 2024, general election in District 53 that were provided to the committee showed: Jason Powell (D) 14,004 votes (62.3%), Yag Nepal (R) 7,494 votes (33.4%), and Reuben Dockery (Independent) 921 votes (4.1%). Hynes noted the numeric difference between Powell and Dockery was 13,083 votes.

Dockery told the committee his 27-page complaint included analyses he said showed irregularities, and he urged a paper-ballot special election because, he said, "the results that were reported were, tainted by malicious intent to report a different number than what happened." He said he had submitted four affidavits, including two campaign staff affidavits alleging irregularities at early-voting sites and one affidavit that referenced a voter who reportedly could only view the presidential race on a ballot.

Members asked Dockery whether he had direct evidence that technicians had altered the tabulation software; he said he did not have direct access to the machines but pointed to a demonstration by a presenter named Benny Smith showing how the global election management system could be manipulated and said depositions or subpoenas of technicians could provide the necessary evidence.

Powell said he complied with qualifying requirements and that the Davidson County Election Commission had certified the results. He described past election margins in the district (citing results from 2018 and 2022) to argue the 2024 outcome fit prior patterns and called the complaint "a frivolous complaint." He told the committee he had heard no constituent concerns about the outcome.

After questions, Representative Faison moved — and Representative Shaw seconded — a five-part motion that (1) found Dockery presented insufficient proof to justify further consideration, (2) dismissed the complaint regarding the District 53 election, (3) lifted Powell’s provisional status, (4) directed that Powell be seated as other House members, and (5) instructed staff to prepare a report containing the committee’s findings and recommendations for the full House. The roll call, read by the clerk, showed Representatives Burkhart, Chisholm, Clemens, Faison, Shaw and Chairman Marsh voting aye. The committee chair announced "you have 6 ayes, 0 noes." The motion carried 6-0.

Hynes said he would prepare the written report for the committee to sign; he told members he expected the report to be available on Monday for signatures and filing with the clerk. The chair indicated the report’s filing would enable the House to act to seat Powell.

The committee’s action closes the ad hoc panel’s consideration of the contest unless the House later takes a different action after receiving the committee report.