Montgomery County Commissioner Michael Lankford was elected by his colleagues on the Commission this week to fill the vacancy in the Tennessee House of Representatives for District 75 on an interim basis following the passing of State Rep. Jeff Burkhart (R-Clarksville).
Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden cast the tie-breaking vote after five rounds of voting during the Commission’s Monday meeting to elect Lankford to fill the vacancy created by Burkhart’s passing last month.
“Congratulations on your new role in the Tennessee House of Representatives. It has been a pleasure to work alongside you, and we are grateful for your service to Montgomery County. We know you will continue to serve our community well at the state level, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact you will make,” Golden released in a statement to Lankford following his victory.
Burkhart’s closest competitor for the vacant seat was Allie Phillips, who ran against Burkhart (pictured here) for the seat as the Democratic nominee last year.
With Monday’s vote sending him to the Tennessee House, Lankford submitted his formal resignation from the Commission on Tuesday, effective immediately.
Lankford (pictured above) said serving on the Commission “has truly been a privilege.”
“I’m eager to continue serving our community in Nashville. Jeff Burkhart was a friend and someone I deeply respected, and it is an honor to carry the torch forward in service to the people he cared so much about,” Lankford added.
With Lankford’s resignation, the Montgomery County Commission is now seeking applicants to fill his vacant seat for District 6 and fulfill the remainder of the term through August 2026.
Nominations and voting for the vacancy on the Commission will take place at its meeting January 12, 2026.
Lankford will now serve out the remainder of Burkhart’s term in the Tennessee House until next year’s general election.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
Photos “Michael Lankford” and “Montgomery County” by Michael Lankford.
