Democrat Gloria Johnson won the State House District 13 race with 55 percent of votes, according to unofficial returns.

Republican incumbent Eddie Smith followed with 43.21 percent of the votes and independent Zachary Houk has received 1.88 percent of the vote.

Johnson told the News Sentinel that Smith had called her to concede.

"I'm really excited that the people have spoken, and they want a legislator that will be accountable to them and not special interests," Johnson said. "It's time to focus on their issues like health care, education and a living wage."

“They really showed up when somebody wanted to represent them when it came to the issues they cared about,” she said. She said her supporters appreciated she ran a positive campaign.

Smith thanked supporters at the GOP event at Crowne Plaza on the verge of tears.

“Unfortunately, the district has lost a good voice in Nashville," Smith said. "Not just because it was me, but because of the things we were able to accomplish.

“Over the last four years I’m proud of the record of success I was able to accomplish in Nashville," Smith continued.

“I look around the room and four years ago God opened an incredible door for me to walk through...I have had the distinct privilege and I count it an honor for the last four years to serve House District 13 in Nashville.”

It's the third time Smith and Johnson have faced off for the House seat.

"The early results are really promising and reflect what we've known: that the people of District 13 are ready for change," Knox County Democratic Party chairwoman Emily Gregg said of Johnson's early vote lead. "They're ready for someone who represents working families, fight hard for their values and will fight to extend Medicare. Gloria Johnson is the right person."

Smith, an East Knoxville native, unseated Johnson in 2014 and beat her again in 2016 by a total of approximately 300 votes out of 35,400 ballots cast.

Meet the candidate: Rep. Eddie Smith, Republican

Smith graduated from Gibbs High School and holds a bachelor's degree in organizational management from Tusculum College. He was previously director of media and events for Sevier Heights Baptist Church.

Tennessee Election:Complete statewide coverage

Midterm Election:Complete nationwide coverage

He is vice chairman of the House Education Administration & Planning Committee; a member of the House Transportation Committee; and a member of the House Education Administration & Planning Subcommittee.

Smith's key issues are better paying jobs in his community, improvements to public safety and improving our schools.

Meet the candidate: Gloria Johnson, Democrat

More:Voter guide: 2nd Congressional race leads local slate for November elections

Johnson was born in Colorado, moved to Knoxville as a child, graduated from Farragut High School and has a degree in education from the University of Tennessee. She has 27 years of teaching experience.

Tennessee Election:Unofficial Knox County election results

Tennessee Election:Unofficial statewide election results

Johnson ran for State House District 13 in 2012 and served in the 108th General Assembly.

Johnson's key issues are education, jobs and health care.

Meet the candidate: Zachary Houk, independent

Born in Morristown, Houk is a Libertarian and a lifelong East Tennessee resident.

He graduated from King University with a bachelor's degree in forensic science.

Houk's key issues are reducing state spending, fair and equal ballot access and ending state-funded primaries.

Our readers can go to knoxnews.com for full results from the 2018 mid-term elections. The News Sentinel's print editions will continue to provide complete coverage of the races with in-depth analysis on the 2018 elections. Our digital coverage of this election is being provided for free during this two-day period, but you can support local journalism and get unlimited access year round by subscribing to the News Sentinel.