Broderick Unseats DesJarlais in Tennessee 4th
Democrat Victoria Broderick narrowly defeats incumbent Republican Scott DesJarlais in Tennessee's 4th Congressional District.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections
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Victoria Broderick defeated Scott DesJarlais in Tennessee's 4th Congressional District, receiving 95,585 votes (48.87 percent) to DesJarlais's 95,305 (48.73 percent), a margin of 280 votes. The result contributed to Democrats securing a majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Why it matters
The narrow outcome ends DesJarlais's run of eight consecutive terms, which began with his 2010 victory over Lincoln Davis. For Tennessee readers, it signals a competitive congressional district and a shift in the state's House delegation.
Broderick won the district by 280 votes out of roughly 191,000 cast for the two leading candidates, with her Rutherford County margin of 360 votes providing the decisive edge. The official canvass will be certified by county and state election officials in the coming days.
The players
Victoria Broderick
Democratic candidate from Lincoln County who unseated the incumbent in Tennessee's 4th Congressional District after an earlier 2024 run for the seat.
Scott DesJarlais
Republican incumbent who had held Tennessee's 4th Congressional District since 2011, winning eight consecutive terms after his 2010 victory over Lincoln Davis.
The details
Broderick, a Lincoln County resident who previously ran for the seat in 2024, won Rutherford County by 360 votes, the margin that carried her past DesJarlais districtwide. DesJarlais, a Jasper native, had represented the district since taking office in 2011.
Timeline
2010: DesJarlais first won the seat over Lincoln Davis.
2011: DesJarlais took office in Congress.
2024: Broderick previously campaigned for the seat.
November 3, 2026: Broderick defeated DesJarlais in the general election.
Seasonal Patterns
The result breaks a pattern in which DesJarlais won every contest in the district since his 2010 victory over Lincoln Davis, making it the first time the seat has changed hands since that race. The narrow margin places it among the more competitive House contests in Tennessee's recent electoral history.
Tennessee voters in the 4th District will see a new representative in Congress, changing who handles federal issues for the district. The official certification by county and state election officials will confirm the final result.
The takeaway
A margin of 280 votes shows how a single county can decide a congressional race, making local turnout especially consequential in close contests.
Further reading
Explore more on Elections coverage across Tennessee.
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