Erica Gilmore elected Nashville trustee, Jennifer Smith wins criminal court judge – Tennessean

Erica Gilmore overwhelming defeated Parker Toler in the Democratic race for Metro Trustee on Tuesday while incumbent Judge Jennifer Smith kept her criminal court judge seat. 

Gilmore won over Toler in a landslide, 77.5% to 22%. 

Metro Council appointed Toler last year to serve the remainder of former Metro Trustee Charlie Cardwell’s term after he died in May. Cardwell had served six four-year terms since he was first appointed trustee in 1993. 

Gilmore, initially set to run for Nashville vice mayor, dropped out before the Aug. 1, 2019, general election to make a bid for trustee. She previously served as an at-large council member. 

The trustee collects taxes and manages tax freeze, deferral and relief programs. The assessor appraises property in Nashville. A countywide reassessment happens every four years and the next one is in 2021.

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There were no Republicans running, meaning Gilmore will take over the post later this year. 

The trustee and criminal court races were the only contested races in this round of local Davidson County elections. 

Smith, appointed by the governor in 2018 to succeed retired Judge Seth Norman, ran on her knowledge and experience on the job. Smith defeated challenger Tillman Payne III 59.5% to 40%.

Vivian Wilhoite will serve her second term as assessor of property and Patricia Moska will serve her first full term as a chancery court judge after serving the remainder of retired Chancellor Claudia Bonnyman’s term last year. 

Yihyun Jeong covers politics in Nashville for USA TODAY NETWORK – TENNESSEE. Reach her at yjeong@tennessean.com and follow her on Twitter @yihyun_jeong.

Published 6:35 AM EST Mar 4, 2020