All Four Wards Reelect Franklin Incumbent Aldermen

Incumbent Franklin Aldermen Matt Brown and Patrick Baggett retained their seats in Tuesday night’s municipal election despite challengers in each of their races.

Unofficial results show that Brown earned 1052 votes, defeating Ward 2 candidates Erinn Watkins and B.K. Muvvala, who each earned 405 votes and 52 votes, respectively.

“We have a lot of work to do," Brown said. "I was just getting started in my first four years. I got a lot more I'm gonna do for this city, a lot more, and I wasn't get stopped on this race.”

Watkins said in a statement to the Williamson Scene that while in the military, she proved to herself that she was powerful as an individual and applied that same principle to her campaign, working to instill hope in just one person and watch that multiply.

"The good thing about this race is that I got an opportunity to instill hope into a lot of people," Watkins said. "I felt so encouraged upon receiving all the help during these last few months. It's been incredible. It's something I've never experienced before even in the military because you go to work, you do your job and expect nothing in return because the mission comes first. The appreciation and support I received was through the roof, and I'm truly grateful."

Muvvala told the Williamson Scene, "I wholeheartedly accept the voters' verdict and extend my congratulations to all the winners. While the results were not what I had hoped for, I recognize that there is still much work ahead. A stronger voter turnout might have led to a different outcome, but I remain deeply grateful for everyone's engagement and encouragement."

Baggett earned 1365 votes, defeating Ward 4 challenger Rodney Taylor, who earned 629 votes.

"I’m obviously disappointed at the results, but I know God will use this experience to make me a stronger person," Taylor told the Williamson Scene. "I am ready to assist city and county leaders in any way I can by putting my years of experience to work. I wish only success for Alderman Baggett."

Baggett said at the election celebration: “Positive campaigns win in Franklin, because Franklin is full of positive people,” urging voters, “Do not stop. We've got to do this more to protect what we cherish and plan what we need.”

The Williamson Scene reached out to Taylor for his response after the results were in, but he did not respond as of publication time. His statement will be added to this story if he submits one.

Incumbent Ward 1 Alderman Bev Burger and Vice Mayor Ward 3 Alderman Jason Potts ran unopposed and were reelected by 293 votes and 500 votes, respectively.

“We have a problem in Franklin like we have in the entire United States,” Burger said. "We know what the culture is like lately, and we cannot let our guard down, cannot stop. Franklin is one of the most incredible places to live in America.”

The role of vice mayor for the upcoming term will be voted on by the aldermen at a future meeting.

“The four years that we put in are strong, the four years ahead of us are going to be stronger, and Franklin is in a great position,” Potts said.

Only 3.9 percent of eligible voters cast ballots throughout early voting, with just 4,415 of 59,901 total voters (7.37 percent) showing up to the polls by the end of election night.

Potts, Baggett, Burger and Brown joined together on Tuesday night for a watch party at The Factory at Franklin’s Liberty Hall in an event hosted by Franklin Mayor Ken Moore and Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson, with Moore saying, “I'm excited to have my board returning.”