Karen Gertz

Current office and 2026 campaign

Karen Gertz is a Democratic candidate running for election to the Tennessee House of Representatives to represent District 20 ¹. She appears on the ballot for the Democratic primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 ¹⁵. As of May 2026, she has not secured endorsements from Democratic or progressive organizations ³.

Gertz states that her campaign is motivated by opposition to the state legislature's supermajority, which she characterizes as enacting regressive legislation that diminishes the rights and safety of Tennesseans ². She advocates for an inclusive and progressive approach to governance ². Her platform includes full support for the legalization, taxation, and regulation of marijuana, as well as medical use and decriminalization of possession ⁶. Additionally, she supports The For Our Freedom Amendment, a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at ending the influence of big money in politics ⁷.

Background and education

Karen Gertz describes herself as a "Navy kid" who lived in diverse environments across the United States, including the Northeast, Florida, Tennessee, and California ⁴. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Maryville College in 2000 ¹⁴.

Career

Karen Gertz earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Maryville College in 2000 ¹. Her professional background includes work as a technical writer and in quality assurance and auditing within the science industry ¹.

Gertz describes herself as a "Navy kid" who lived in various locations across the United States, including the Northeast, Florida, Tennessee, and California, which she states helped her learn to embrace diverse environments and communities ⁴.

Sources