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Contest for State Representative District 85
State House District 85
primary - Partisan - State Representative District 85
About this office
The Tennessee House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the state legislature, with 99 members elected from single-member districts to two-year terms. Representatives pass state laws, originate revenue bills, approve the state budget, and — together with the Senate — confirm gubernatorial appointments and propose constitutional amendments. Candidates must be at least 21 years old, U.S. citizens, Tennessee residents for at least three years, and district residents for at least one year.
Term length: 2 years.
This role calls for
- Integrity — Acts in the interest of constituents and the public good rather than for personal gain, and remains independent of undue influence from donors, lobbyists, and party leadership.
- Understanding of the constituency — Grasps both the economic-development needs of the district and the day-to-day concerns of individual residents — safety, healthcare, education, infrastructure.
- Persuasion — Engages, listens to, and persuades both fellow legislators and constituents. Can change minds and explain votes honestly.
- Legislative craft — Reads, drafts, and amends statute with care. Understands how specific bill language translates to outcomes, and knows the body of law being modified.
- Coalition-building — Finds common ground across partisan and factional lines, brokers compromises that hold, and forms working majorities even when consensus is hard to reach.
Derived from the office's statutory duties and operational reality. Candidate summaries below map each candidate's documented experience to these requirements.
State Representatives are responsible for representing their district in the Tennessee House of Representatives, participating in legislative sessions, and voting on state laws and policies.
Campaigns
Democratic Primary
1 candidate
Jesse Chism
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Jesse Chism is well-suited for the job of State Representative District 85. He has a strong educational background with a B.A. in Business Administration and a M.Ed. He has experience as an investor and has served on numerous committees, including Education Instruction and Government Operations. His community involvement is extensive, having served as a House member of the 111th through 113th General Assemblies, and holding various roles within the Shelby County Democratic Party and other organizations. His previous experience as a high school teacher and disaster inspector with FEMA also adds to his qualifications. His honors and awards further demonstrate his leadership skills and commitment to public service.
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