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Joyce E. Neal
Current office and 2026 campaign
Joyce Neal is a Democratic candidate seeking election to the U.S. House to represent Tennessee's 4th Congressional District 1. She formally declared her candidacy for the Democratic primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 1. The filing deadline for this race was originally set for March 10, 2026, but was reopened on May 15, 2026, due to redistricting 2.
Neal launched her campaign with a virtual kickoff event on May 7, 2026 4. Her campaign finance reports indicate that she has raised a total of $6,615.00, which includes $5,000.00 in candidate contributions and $1,615.00 in individual contributions 3. In previous years, she completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, providing details about her background and policy positions 1.
Background and education
Joyce Neal was born in Omaha, Nebraska 1. She served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1978 to 2012 1. Neal earned a bachelor's degree from Tennessee State University in 1990 and a graduate degree from the same institution in 2000 1. She also graduated from Trevecca Nazarene, holding the title of Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) as indicated by her FEC candidate profile 13.
Career
Joyce Neal served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1978 to 2012 1. She holds a bachelor's degree from Tennessee State University, earned in 1990, as well as a graduate degree from the same institution in 2000 1. Additionally, she graduated from Trevecca Nazarene 1.
In her professional life, Neal has worked as a magistrate judge in DeKalb County, Georgia, where she presides over preliminary hearings, bond hearings, small claims litigation under $15,000, dispossessory actions, and ex parte temporary protective order hearings 5. She earned her law degree as a Woodruff Fellow at Emory University School of Law and previously worked as a public defender in several Atlanta-area counties 5. Neal is the managing partner of The Law Office of Joyce Neal, LLC 5.
Office history
Joyce Neal served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1978 to 2012 1. She has not held any prior elected or appointed public office 1.
Neal declared her candidacy for the Democratic primary for Tennessee's 4th Congressional District in the upcoming 2026 election 1. The primary is scheduled for August 6, 2026 2. She launched her campaign with a virtual kickoff on May 7, 2026 4. As of the current date, the outcome of this election is unknown.