Election Commissioner Resigns After Crossing Voting Lines In Republican Primary

By Gibson County News | June 4, 2026 |

By Victor Parkins

A Gibson County Election Commissioner has resigned after crossing party lines in the Republican primary.

Election Commission Chairman Sam Gregory told the Mirror Exchange that Kaleb Dinwiddie submitted his letter of resignation on Tuesday, June 2.

Dinwiddie, a Democrat and secretary of the commission, voted in the Republican primary election on May 5.

Vanecia Belser Kimbrow, Esq., the newly appointed Democratic State Election Commissioner for West Tennessee, confirmed that Dinwiddie crossed party lines in the election.

“This action constitutes a breach of the Oath of Office,” Kimbrow said. “Crossover voting is not permitted for a Democratic commissioner. Our office has already contacted Mr. Dinwiddie regarding this matter and will proceed accordingly,” she said in an email to the Mirror Exchange. “Please be assured that the local commission, the State Election Commission, and the Gibson County Democratic Party are committed to upholding these regulations.”

Kimbrow said that with Dinwiddie’s seat officially vacant, she will reach out to the Gibson County Democratic Party to discuss a replacement.

“I typically defer to the selection by either the party or the legislative caucus representative as the voice of the people,” she said.

Mr. Dinwiddie said he had enjoyed his time on the Election Commission.

“I have enjoyed serving on the election commission and appreciate the opportunity to have been involved in the electoral process in our county,” Dinwiddie said. “I am grateful to my fellow commissioners and election officials for their dedication and service to our community. As I move forward, I will be focusing my time and energy on my family, our farming operation, and my work with Rooted Ag Systems, where I remain committed to supporting farmers and strengthening agriculture throughout our region. It has been an honor to serve, and I wish the commission continued success in its important work,” he said.

The Election Commission is composed of three Republicans and two Democrats per Tennessee state law. mWhen a Democrat is elected governor, there would be three Democrats and two Republicans on the commission.

Other members of the commission, appointed by the office of the Secretary of State on April 7, 2025, include Republicans Sam Gregory, Tim Luckey, and Kim Gordon Todd, along with Democrat Joseph William Albright.

Gibson County Administrator of Elections Emily Brown said Dinwiddie had served the position well for 11 years.

“Kaleb Dinwiddie has served the Gibson County Election Commission for 11 years,” Brown said. “During his tenure, the commission added a third early voting location in Rutherford—one that Kaleb specifically recommended and that serves voters in the northern part of the county well. He has been an integral part of the Absentee Counting Board on Election Day, providing guidance and oversight along with Commissioner Gregory as part of Tennessee’s bipartisan election procedures. He was instrumental in the bidding and selection process for the new Infinity DRE voting machines. He has served as the secretary of the Election Commission for the past four years and attended numerous meetings with dedication and attention, all while running a very successful farming operation. Kaleb’s dedication to the Gibson County Election Commission and his positive impact will be missed by the office staff and other members of the commission. We are all very grateful for the eleven years he served and wish him the best in his future endeavors,” she said.