About Steve Darden:
Born, raised and educated here in Washington County, Steve’s story is rooted in the heart of Washington County. From age eight, washing dishes at the family restaurant in Johnson City, Steve learned the values of hard work and community service. That early exposure to a local hub filled with lawyers, Judges, jurors and county officials and employees sparked a legal career of four decades. Steve received his accounting and law degrees from the University of Tennessee, where he was named a Torchbearer.
Steve’s dad Bill Sr. was a World War II combat veteran and Steve honors his service as a member of the Sons of the American Legion. His mom Lucille spent her career serving as a claims representative with the Social Security Administration. Steve’s brother Bill Jr. served as Congressman Phil Roe’s District Director.
A descendant of East Tennessee pioneers, Steve’s connection to Washington County is deep and personal. Whether he is portraying local history in the state’s official outdoor drama, Liberty!, worshipping as a lifelong member of Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church, or serving in elected or volunteer capacities, his focus has been on preserving and improving our community.
Steve and his wife, Anne, a career educator, have been married for 37 years and have two grown children who have launched their careers and families. Throughout his career as a lawyer, mediator, and Mayor, Steve has remained guided by the words of Micah 6:8: “To do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.”
Steve is a listener who seeks to understand before being understood. He is noted for having the type of temperament and patience that are essential qualities for a Judge.
Experience & Expertise
Legal Practice: 4 decades of experience in law and mediation with Hunter, Smith and Davis and Managing Partner of the firm for eight years.
Conflict Resolution: Listed Rule 31 Mediator with record of helping individuals resolve disputes efficiently and fairly and on their terms outside of the courtroom.
Executive Leadership: Served the community directly as Mayor and as a City Commissioner of Johnson City, helping to establish such community assets as the Tweetsie Trail and Founders Park, and promoting infrastructure projects such as regional water resources and downtown Johnson City flooding mitigation.
Community Heritage: Active participant in Tennessee history and culture, portraying Charles Robertson in “Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals” since 2019.
Local Roots: Deep ancestral ties to Washington County, with a family history of military service and industry dating back to the Revolutionary War. Steve honors the service of his Patriot ancestor Thomas Biddle as a proud member of the Sons of the American Revolution.
Why I’m Running
The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution urges us to not only enjoy the blessings of liberty, but to also secure such blessings for others. A strong judiciary is essential to our way of life, and to the preservation of such blessings. If given the opportunity to serve as Judge, I will display the type of independence and commitment to fairness and justice on which our system of government depends. As a member of the Jaycees early in my career, I recited its creed, which included the phrase “Service to humanity is the greatest work of life.” I have long since felt called to share my legal and administrative skills with our community, most notably as a City Commissioner, Mayor of Johnson City, and legal advocate for numerous and varied citizens and businesses. Serving as Judge is consistent with my past service.
My legal and mediation training and work, managerial experience, and strong values have prepared me to handle the demands of a busy court. I have a deep appreciation of the court system’s employees and other professionals who participate in the matters before it and will work with them in a spirit of teamwork and common purpose. I will treat everyone I encounter with dignity and respect and will act in the best interest of the Washington County General Sessions Court and everyone who comes before it.
I am asking for your vote in the Republican Primary on May 5 or during the early voting period of April 15-30!
Thank you for your prayers, your support and your vote!
