Before heading to the polls, it’s important for voters to understand what responsibilities actually belong to the offices appearing on the ballot. One position many voters see but may not fully understand is the role of state committeeman and state committeewoman. While these are not legislative or executive government offices, they still play an important role within Tennessee’s political party system. This guide is intended to give voters a straightforward look at what state committee members do — and what responsibilities fall outside the role’s authority — so residents can make informed decisions during election season.

WHAT A STATE COMMITTEEMAN & COMMITTEEWOMAN DO

1. Represent Their District Within Their Political Party

State committee members serve as representatives of their local district within their party’s state organization.

In Tennessee, voters elect:

• One committeeman
• One committeewoman

for each state House district within a political party primary.

2. Help Shape Party Leadership and Direction

Committee members participate in decisions involving:

• Party organization
• Internal party rules
• Party leadership elections
• Party strategy and operations

3. Vote on Party Matters at the State Level

State committee members may vote on:

• State party officers
• Party bylaws and procedures
• Convention matters
• Internal party business

4. Serve as a Connection Between Local Voters and the Party Organization

Committee members often communicate with:

• Local party members
• Candidates
• County party organizations
• State party leadership

5. Participate in Party Conventions and Meetings

Committee members may attend:

• State executive committee meetings
• Political conventions
• Organizational meetings
• Party events and caucuses

6. Help With Candidate Qualification or Party Processes

Depending on party rules and circumstances, committee members may be involved in:

• Candidate certification matters
• Filling certain party vacancies
• Internal disciplinary or procedural issues

7. Promote Party Engagement and Organization

Many committee members help:

• Encourage voter participation
• Support local party efforts
• Assist with organizing activities and outreach

WHAT A STATE COMMITTEEMAN & COMMITTEEWOMAN DO NOT DO

Because state committee positions appear on election ballots alongside government offices, many voters understandably assume the roles carry direct governing authority. In reality, these positions function within political party organizations rather than within state or local government itself. The following section is intended to help clarify those distinctions and provide voters with a clearer understanding of the role.

1. State committee members do not make laws.

They are not legislators and do not vote on bills in the Tennessee General Assembly.

2. State committee members do not hold executive government authority.

They do not run state departments or government agencies.

3. State committee members do not control city or county governments.

Local governments are run by elected public officials and governing bodies.

4. State committee members do not vote on taxes, budgets, or public spending.

Those decisions are handled by elected legislative bodies.

5. State committee members do not directly oversee elections.

Election administration is handled by election commissions and state election officials.

6. State committee members do not decide court cases or legal rulings.

Judicial matters belong to the court system.

7. State committee members do not personally select all party candidates.

Candidates are generally chosen by voters through primary elections, though parties may have limited internal procedures in certain situations.

8. State committee members do not represent all voters regardless of party.

They represent the interests and organizational structure of their specific political party.

9. State committee members do not have authority over schools, roads, utilities, or local services.

Those responsibilities belong to government entities and public officials.

10. State committee members do not create state policy independently.

While they may influence party priorities, actual laws and government policies must go through elected governing bodies.

Understanding what state committee members are responsible for — and what falls outside their authority — helps voters better understand how political parties function within Tennessee’s election system. As election season continues, guides like this are intended to provide clear, factual information so voters can make informed decisions at the ballot box.