Tennessee Code Title 2. Elections § 2-14-107

(a) If it is necessary to hold a special election to fill a vacant seat in the United States house of representatives or the general assembly, the requirements of §§ 2-1-104 and 2-13-107 shall apply, except the petition must at a minimum bear the signatures of registered voters within the legislative district for which the special election has been called equal to at least two and one-half percent (2.5%) of the total number of votes cast within such legislative district for gubernatorial candidates in the most recent election for governor.

(b) To be recognized as a minor party for purposes of a special primary or general election, a petition as described in subsection (a), must be filed no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the appropriate qualifying deadline for such special primary in the office of the coordinator of elections.

(c) Except as provided in this section, §§ 2-1-104 and 2-13-107 shall govern the process.