Elected Office · Judicial
Public Defender
- Level
- Judicial
- Area represented
- One judicial district
- Term length
- 8 years (where elected)
- Term limits
- Awaiting verification
- Election cycle
- Awaiting verification
The elected chief defense attorney for people who cannot afford a lawyer. Leads the office that represents indigent defendants.
What this office cannot do alone
- Cannot decide cases.
- Cannot choose which people to represent — the office represents those the court appoints it to represent.
On the 2026 ballot
Upcoming election: Tennessee State and Federal General — November 3, 2026
Candidates for the November 3, 2026 general election will be published here as they are verified against the official ballot.