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Michaela Barnett
Michaela Barnett is a Democratic candidate running for election to the U.S. House to represent Tennessee's 2nd Congressional District in the primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1]. The district covers eastern Tennessee, including Claiborne, Grainger, Knox, Loudon, and Union counties, and is currently represented by Republican incumbent Tim Burchett [20].
Barnett describes herself as a scientist, small business owner, and political organizer [10]. She holds a PhD and previously worked as an executive director for Blue Tennessee, a grassroots organization focused on electing Democratic leaders [20]. In her professional life, she founded KnoxFill, a zero-waste refill store in Knoxville that provides household and personal care goods in reusable containers [13].
Barnettβs political experience includes a science policy fellowship in the U.S. House of Representatives starting in September 2024, where she worked in the office of Congressman Tony Cardoza (often referred to as Tonko in campaign materials) [12]. During this fellowship, she covered portfolios including immigration, Social Security, financial services, taxes, housing, and women's health [12]. She also served as an AmeriCorps member at UT Recycling, where she launched the UT Free Store and a campus-wide food recovery program [12].
Barnett announced her candidacy for Congress in 2026 [20]. Her campaign themes emphasize economic support for East Tennessee, healthcare focused on people rather than profits, and investing in infrastructure and workforce development [11]. She has positioned herself against corporate interests and the Democratic establishment, arguing that traditional tactics are insufficient for current challenges [12].
Campaign finance reports indicate that as of March 31, 2026, Barnett had raised $190,931 and spent $159,963, leaving her with $30,968 in cash on hand [4]. Earlier reports from December 31, 2025, listed receipts of $81,296 and expenditures of $64,681 [10]. She has not completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey for the 2026 election [1].
Sources
- [1] Michaela Barnett - Ballotpedia
- [2] Tennessee's 2nd Congressional District election, 2026 - Ballotpedia
- [3] Tennessee's 2nd Congressional District - Ballotpedia
- [4] Tennessee's 2nd Congressional District election, 2026 (August 6 Democratic primary) - Ballotpedia)
- [5] United States House of Representatives elections in Tennessee, 2026 - Ballotpedia
- [6] Democratic Party primaries in Tennessee, 2026 - Ballotpedia
- [7] Adam Velk - Ballotpedia
- [8] Tennessee elections, 2026 - Ballotpedia
- [10] 2026 United States House of Representatives elections in Tennessee - Wikipedia
- [11] Michaela Barnett for Tennessee-02
- [12] About β Michaela For Tennessee
- [13] Made for Knoxville β Michaela Barnett
- [14] Events β Michaela For Tennessee
- [19] WBIR Channel 10 on X: "Dr. Michaela Barnett announces her candidacy for Tennessee's 2nd Congressional District. https://t.co/4PXYFgPDZd" / X
- [20] Dr. Michaela Barnett runs for Tennessee's 2nd congressional district | wbir.com
Public filings
Candidates and officeholders are required by law to file campaign finance reports and statements of economic interest. The sites below don't support direct links to an individual record β search by last name on each.
Tennessee β campaign finance
- State offices (Governor, US Senate, US Rep, TN Senate, TN House, State Executive Committee) β Tennessee Registry of Election Finance. Click Search for Candidates and PACs, enter last name “Barnett”, and submit.
- Shelby County and municipal offices (County Mayor, Commissioner, Sheriff, School Board, court clerks, municipal alderman, etc.) β Shelby County Public Campaign Finance Portal. Select the election year and search by candidate name (“Barnett”).
Tennessee β statement of interest
- Required for state and local officials and candidates β Tennessee Ethics Commission Conflict of Interest Search. Enter last name “Barnett”and, if needed, select the applicable position.