Meet the Republican Candidates for Register of Deeds
Three Republican candidates will be on the ballot in the Republican Primary election for Register of Deeds; Hannah Clifton, Mark Gilliam and Elizabeth Stevens. We invite you to read their interviews and learn more about these candidates before you cast your vote.
The winner of the Republican Primary will earn the nomination to be on the August 6, 2026, ballot and will face Democratic candidate Virlene Brown. No independent candidates are running for this position.
Meet the Republican Candidates for Register of Deeds
Why have you chosen to run for Register of Deeds?
Clifton: I chose to run for Register of Deeds because I have a deep love for our community and a true servant’s heart for helping others. This office is responsible for protecting some of the most important documents in people’s lives—records of their homes, land, and family history. With my background in local government office management and maintaining public records, I feel called to serve in a way that ensures these records are handled with the utmost accuracy, integrity, and professional care. I am deeply committed to providing an office that is welcoming, efficient, and dependable for every citizen, no compromise.
Gilliam: I chose to run for Register of Deeds because public service has always been very important to me. I believe we should always strive to make our community the very best it can be. When I learned Mrs. Lily Barnes was planning to retire, I saw this as an opportunity to do my part as a public servant. The Register of Deeds is essentially the custodian of all legal documents related to real property such as warranty deeds, liens, and deeds of trust as well as plats and many other legal documents. This is no easy task and should be taken very seriously. As a current county commissioner, I understand the importance of this office and consider it to be a cornerstone of county government. I believe my experience as a current county commissioner, my ability to effectively communicate and my strong desire to serve will help move this office forward and deliver the very best service possible to the citizens of Hardeman County.
Stevens: I am running for Register of Deeds because I care deeply about the people and history of Hardeman County. As a lifelong resident I understand the importance of this office. It’s not just a place where documents are recorded, but a safeguard of our county’s history and property rights.
Would you like to share anything about your family and work history?
Clifton: I am proud to call this community home, where my husband and I are raising our three children and investing in the future of our county. Family is at the center of everything I do, and the values of faith, hard work, and service guide my daily life. Professionally, I have built a career focused on budgeting, organization, office management, payroll administration, and strong customer service. These experiences have allowed me to develop leadership skills and a deep understanding of the importance of accuracy, confidentiality, and treating every person with respect, all of which are non-negotiable for our county and our citizens.
Gilliam: I am incredibly blessed to have been married to my wife Jammie whom I married in 2002. She has been a dedicated teacher in the Hardeman County School System for the past 25 years. She currently teaches first grade at Hornsby Elementary School. We are blessed with two sons: Walker, 19, a 2024 graduate of BCHS who now attends the University of Tennessee at Martin, and Trevor, 16, a junior at BCHS. We are active members at First Baptist Church in Bolivar. I have been a dedicated employee at the Farmers Co-op in Bolivar for the past 30 years serving in Operations Management.
Stevens: My great grandfather was the Register of Deeds for 24 years and a farmer. My grandfather ran a successful business over 50 years as well as serving as a city councilman and county commissioner. My grandmother worked for the Welfare Department 10 years and helped run the family hardware/furniture business. My maternal grandfather was a pharmacist and physician for 50 years. My father served in the military for 38 years. He was on the city council 10 years and served as the mayor of Bolivar for 8 years. My mother was a public school educator for 31 years. I bring 28 years of experience managing records, data and technology with accuracy and accountability. Public service is a legacy I plan to continue.
What experience do you have that has prepared you for this position?
Clifton: My professional background has provided me with the exact skill set needed to effectively serve as Register of Deeds. I have extensive experience in budgeting and financial oversight of local government, ensuring responsible management of public resources. My work in local government office management, audit, budgeting, and payroll has strengthened my attention to detail, organizational abilities, and leadership skills. Additionally, my hands-on experience with the maintenance of public records has given me a clear understanding of the responsibility and confidentiality required for this role. Combined with my strong customer service skills and servant leadership approach, I am well-prepared to lead the office with efficiency and integrity.
Gilliam: First and foremost, I believe my experience as a current county commissioner gives me a unique insight into how county government effectively operates. No other candidate can bring this type of experience to the table. Over the past 30 years in Operations Management, I have been directly involved with daily operations of a successful multimillion dollar business. In dealing with customers over the past 30 years from all walks of life, I have found that everyone wants to be treated fairly and with respect. This has been my goal from the beginning and I strive daily to deliver this type of service. I will continue to deliver this type of service to the citizens of Hardeman County, treating each and every person who walks into the Register of Deeds office fairly and with the utmost respect. This will be the foundation for how I run and operate the office.
Stevens: I hold a bachelor’s degree from Ole Miss and a Master’s Degree from Freed Hardeman University. I am currently employed by both Hardeman County and the State of Tennessee. I have earned and maintained the highest level of effectiveness that the state awards. My responsibilities include aggregating and submitting data to both the county and state. I create, maintain and preserve records both paper and digital. I take that responsibility very seriously making sure every record is processed correctly, securely and in full compliance with state regulations and court directives.
What do you anticipate being the most difficult part of this position?
Clifton: The most challenging aspect of this position will be balancing the preservation of our county’s historical records with the need to modernize and improve accessibility. Implementing new technologies while ensuring the continued accuracy and security of these important documents requires thoughtful leadership. I am committed to approaching this challenge with careful planning, transparency, and a focus on serving both current and future generations.
Gilliam: I believe the most difficult part will be following such a great public servant such as Mrs. Lily Barnes. She has modernized the office and made a lasting impact, not only inthe Hardeman County Register of Deeds office but across the State of Tennessee. I have tremendous respect for her and what she has been able to accomplish in that office.
Stevens: One of my strengths is my ability to navigate the learning curve and adapt to new challenges. In a role like Register of Deeds, law, technology and procedures can change. It’s important to stay flexible and willing to grow.
In a single sentence (about 25 words), how would you respond to the question, “Why should I vote for you?”
Clifton: You should vote for me because I bring proven experience in budgeting, office management, payroll, and public records of local government combined with servant leadership and a genuine commitment to serving our community.
Gilliam: I believe in order to do this job, you need a true servant’s heart. For many years now, I have done this whether it be through Youth Athletics, Rotary, or as a County Commissioner. I have given my very best to make Hardeman County a better place to live and raise a family. With your support we can do this together and I humbly and respectfully ask for your vote.
Stevens: I believe in this community, I’m prepared for the job and I want to serve the people of Hardeman County to the very best of my ability.
Early voting dates are Wednesday, April 15 – Thursday, April 30, 2026, for the May 5, 2026, County Primary.
For more information, contact the Hardeman County Election Commission at 227 Lucy Black Road, Bolivar, Tennessee 38008, or by phone (731) 658-4751.
Click here to read Hannah Clifton’s candidacy announcement.
Click here to read Mark Gilliam’s candidacy announcement.
Click here to read Elizabeth Steven’s candidacy announcement.
Click here to read more Meet the Candidate interviews
Read more local news by clicking here.
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