Tennessee Code Title 16. Courts § 16-18-203

The term of office of the city judge elected pursuant to this part shall be eight (8) years, except for any initial term that may be shorter. Once the ordinance is adopted providing for the popularly elected judge, the municipal governing body may appoint a qualified person to serve in that position until the next regular August general state election. The first city judge popularly elected pursuant to this part shall be elected at the next regular August general state election that takes place at least thirty (30) days after the ordinance is passed calling for the judge's election. The person elected at this election shall serve only until replaced by a successor to be chosen at the next regular judicial election held in accordance with the Constitution of Tennessee, Article VII, § 5. All subsequent elections for city judge pursuant to this part shall be held in accordance with the Constitution of Tennessee, Article VII, § 5.