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← Back to Shelby County, Tennessee: Election on 2026-08-06

Contest for Tennessee House District 96

State House District 96
primary - Partisan - State Representative District 96

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 β€” together with the Senate β€” 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 β€” 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 β€” Grasps both the economic-development needs of the district and the day-to-day concerns of individual residents β€” safety, healthcare, education, infrastructure.
  • Persuasion β€” Engages, listens to, and persuades both fellow legislators and constituents. Can change minds and explain votes honestly.
  • Legislative craft β€” 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 β€” 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.

Campaigns

Democratic Primary 2 candidates
Gabby Salinas

Gabby Salinas

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Salinas worked in St. Jude’s Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, publishing scientific research. This background suggests familiarity with health sector issues relevant to state policy judgment on health matters. Her career as a working scientist provides technical expertise that may inform legislative decisions regarding education and science funding. She identifies as a healthcare advocate, indicating an interest in constituent relations focused on medical access. However, the biography does not indicate prior public service experience, budget literacy, knowledge of the legislative process, or specific strategies for coordinating with county officials and state senators.
Telisa Franklin

Telisa Franklin

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Dr. Telisa Franklin’s background as an entrepreneur and president of multiple ventures demonstrates business sector engagement relevant to economic policy judgment. Her role as a Memphis Police Department Clergy Ambassador provides direct experience in constituent relations and coordination with local law enforcement officials. As a licensed minister and motivational speaker, she utilizes religious insights to influence community values, addressing the family and religion aspects of her platform. Her involvement with elected officials suggests some capacity for intergovernmental coordination.
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