Former state representative Eric Swafford, in an effort to revive his political career after last year’s re-election defeat, failed in his attempt to be elected as mayor of the city of Pikeville, reports the Crossville Chronicle.
Incumbent two-term Mayor Greg Johnson received 311 votes followed by Swafford, who had 94, and perennial candidate Randy A. Sharp received 81 votes.
Swafford served Bledsoe and Cumberland counties in the Tennessee General Assembly, representing the 25th Legislative District, until last fall when present State Rep. Cameron Sexton defeated him handily. Voters were unhappy with the way changes were made in the Cumberland County Election Commission office and credited Swafford with the resulting chaos.