Haynes steps down, officials looking at Aug. 12 primary to fill seat

Ryan Haynes

The new leader of the Tennessee Republican Party has resigned from his seat in the state General Assembly, ending a decision-making process that had garnered some criticism from fellow Republicans.

Rep. Ryan Haynes, R-Knoxville, submitted his letter to the governor's office Wednesday. The resignation is effective immediately.

"I will always be grateful to the people of Knox County for their support," Haynes said in a prepared statement Wednesday afternoon. "It has been an honor to serve, and I am truly thankful for the friendship you have all given me during my time in the House of Representatives."

I just talked to Knox County Administrator of Elections Cliff Rodgers and he said his office is working to hold a special election to fill the seat on Aug. 12. This would be for the primary and it would be a standalone election.

He said they're also looking to hold the general election for that seat on Sept. 29, which would beheld at the same time as the Knoxville primary election.