Knox County Commissioner Dasha Lundy is challenging state Rep. Sam McKenzie

Knox County Commissioner Dasha Lundy is setting up a primary challenge against state Rep. Sam McKenzie, a fellow Democrat, to represent District 15 after she opted to not run again for the commission.

"I just believe we're at a pivotal point in our community," Lundy told Knox News. "There's a new energy and a new voice. People are ready for that."

McKenzie has represented the 15th House District, which includes parts of south and east Knoxville in addition to downtown, since 2020. He is chairman of the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators and has worked to build relationships across the aisle with the Republican supermajority.

"It's digging into issues, it's building relationships, it's knowing that you're a minority and if you don't get your way, you have to come back and fight the next day," McKenzie told Knox News. "I don't know that's something she's fully grasping at this point."

Lundy thinks her voice can galvanize constituents more than McKenzie's.

She told Knox News her priorities are criminal justice reform, education equity and economic development. She is a physical therapist.

"I grew up in District 15, I remember when Magnolia Avenue was a thriving place and I've just watched it decline," she said. She hopes the vision of revitalizing Magnolia Avenue will bring voters together in her campaign.

Lundy announced in October she won't run for reelection to the commission, where she represents downtown and Burlington, East Knoxville, Fort Sanders and Mechanicsville.

Lundy's race against McKenzie won't be the first time she's set up a primary challenge against an incumbent. She ran for the commission in 2020 against Evelyn Gill and won with nearly 53% of the vote.

Candidates have until April 4 to submit their paperwork to qualify for the election. Lundy has picked up her nomination papers but hasn't returned them along with the required voter signatures. McKenzie has turned in his paperwork and signatures.

Lundy and McKenzie are the only two Democrats registered for the Aug. 1 primary. The winner of that race will face the winner of the Republican primary in the November general election.

Justin Hirst has picked up papers for the Republican primary but has not filed them. Hirst lost the Republican nomination for Knox County Commission District 1 to Charles Frazier in the March 5 primary.

Allie Feinberg reports on politics for Knox News. Email her: allie.feinberg@knoxnews.com and follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @alliefeinberg.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Knox County Commissioner Dasha Lundy challenging state Rep. Sam McKenzie