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Teresa Murray Smith has announced her candidacy for re-election as the Municipal Judge of the City of Elizabethton. Elected to the post in August of this year to fill the balance of the late Hon. T.J. Little’s term of office, Smith said, “I am most thankful for the over 1,400 persons who honored me with a vote. I especially appreciate all the persons who took time to assist with placing signs, neighborhood campaigning and greeting voters at the polls. Those friends are truly special to me! When sworn into the office, it was noted I am the first woman to hold that office. I have been holding court at the appointed days and times, keeping the docket current and clearing the backlog from the COVID-related shutdown.”
Smith continued, “I have made the acquaintance of many as I walked through neighborhoods campaigning for the office. Unfortunately, I have not been able to be out as much this campaign due to the demands of settling my late husband, Lanny Smith’s, estate. He died very suddenly the week prior to the August election, leaving me devastated. I hope to be able to visit several neighborhoods in upcoming time before the election.”
Judge Murray Smith is a native of Elizabethton, and comes from a family who has lived in Carter County for at least seven generations. She is the daughter of the late Harry (Sonny) Murray and Sarah Murray. Smith attended Elizabethton City schools, graduating with honors from Elizabethton High School in 1971. She was also a member of the Betsy Band.
Smith graduated with honors from East Tennessee State University in 1975, with a double major in history and political science. She received her law degree from the University of Tennessee in 1977 and has served as an Assistant District Attorney General in five upper east Tennessee counties, holding such position for nearly 30 years.  
Smith has also practiced law in Elizabethton and in Blountville for several years. “I have always maintained my law license in good standing, as well as being known as a hardworking attorney, who pays her taxes and obligations to my government and community,” she said.
“As the Honorable Lynn W. Brown noted during my swearing in ceremony in August, the best judges are the lawyers with extensive trial experience, which I most definitely have earned. That experience has given me the background to run an efficient court, giving persons the opportunity to be heard, to understand their individual situation and allow them to get back to their work in a prompt manner. I fully understand and appreciate the responsibilities of a judicial office: to treat all persons with fairness and to seek to act justly. If given the opportunity to continue in office I will not take your trust and confidence in me for granted,” Smith said.