KINGPSPORT — Tennessee 2nd House District incumbent state Rep. Tony Shipley barely defeated former Kingsport Alderman Ben Mallicote in the GOP Primary Thursday according to unofficial election results.
Shipley’s 11-vote win marked the end of a bitter campaign between the two rivals for a House seat serving the Kingsport area.
Shipley, who is seeking a third term in office, received 3,405 votes compared to Mallicote’s 3,394.
While standing outside his campaign headquarters, Mallicote indicated that asking for a recount had not crossed his mind.
“It’s disappointing. It’s always hard to beat an incumbent,” Mallicote said. “But to have come that close definitely sends a message (to Shipley). When half your party and therefore a majority of the people you represent are dissatisfied, it’s a pretty clear message.”
Shipley was talking to a television news crew after the election, but did not immediately return a Times-News phone call seeking comment.
Mallicote ran an aggressive campaign against Shipley and charged the incumbent was getting much of his campaign funds outside the district.
Mallicote also depicted Shipley as an out-of-touch lawmaker who wouldn’t debate him more than once and had a volatile temper in dealings with fellow GOP lawmakers.
Shipley, in contrast, never mentioned Mallicote in his campaign ads.
Shipley instead emphasized his feel good relationship with constituents and legislative record, which this year included passing legislation outlawing synthetic drugs.
Shipley’s campaign was also the beneficiary of a end-of-cycle infusion of cash from political action committees based in Middle Tennessee, according to filings with the Tennessee Registry of Election Finance.
In addition to attacking Shipley, Mallicote pointed out Kingsport’s job creation record while he was a member of the Kingsport Board of Mayor and Alderman.
Shipley had the endorsement of the state employees political action committee and National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund, while Mallicote was endorsed by Kingsport Mayor Dennis Phillips and city firefighters.
Shipley will face Democrat Bruce Dotson in the November general election.
The 2nd House District includes parts of Kingsport and Sullivan County.