Hakeem, Coonrod, Horne to Compete for District 28
The candidates face off for the Tennessee State House seat on November 3, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Elections
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Incumbent Yusuf Hakeem faces challengers Demetrus Coonrod and Johnny Horne for the Tennessee State House District 28 seat in Chattanooga. Election results are expected to begin coming in on November 3, 2026.
Why it matters
This election decides representation for areas surrounding downtown Chattanooga in the state legislature. The seat is currently held by Democratic incumbent Yusuf Hakeem, who is seeking his fifth term in office.
Yusuf Hakeem is seeking a fifth term in the Tennessee State House for the 28th District. The seat represents a constituency that encompasses areas surrounding downtown Chattanooga.
The players
Yusuf Hakeem
He is the Democratic incumbent currently holding the Tennessee State House District 28 seat and has previous experience on the Chattanooga Public School Board.
Demetrus Coonrod
She is an Independent candidate for the seat who previously served as a member of the Chattanooga City Council.
Johnny Horne
He is an Independent candidate for the seat and is a veteran of the Vietnam War.
The details
Democratic incumbent Yusuf Hakeem is challenged by two Independent candidates, Demetrus Coonrod and Johnny Horne. Coonrod previously served on the Chattanooga City Council, while Horne is a Vietnam veteran entering the race.
Timeline
Demetrus Coonrod unsuccessfully sought the District 28 seat as a Democrat in 2024.
Election results reporting begins on November 3, 2026.
Political Context
Opponents of the incumbent often emphasize the need for new leadership to challenge the long-standing legislative priorities set in Nashville. Independent candidates like Coonrod and Horne frequently highlight their departure from party-line voting to appeal to district voters.
The outcome of this race directly determines who will represent downtown Chattanooga interests in the Tennessee State House for the next term. Residents will see changes in their legislative advocacy based on whether the seat remains with the incumbent or shifts to an Independent.
The takeaway
Voters in District 28 will decide between an experienced incumbent and two Independent challengers on November 3, 2026. This election serves as the primary mechanism for residents to influence local representation in state-level committees.
What happens next
Local 3 News will host an election livestream on November 3, 2026, to provide coverage as results are reported.
Further reading
For more information on upcoming local contests, visit the Chattanooga elections portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Local3News.
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