{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nDr. Jim Nelson Jr. is an independent candidate for Overton County School Board, District 4 (Rickman), on the August 6, 2026 county general ballot [1][2]. He argues that \"the position of a school board member should not be influenced by a political party\" and that board decisions \"should...be made in the best interest of the students, guided by Christian values\" [1]. If elected he pledges to \"strengthen the quality of education that our children are receiving, and to support and help retain the excellent teachers and auxiliary staff\" [1].\n\n## Background and education\nNelson is a licensed physician who states, \"I have completed 11 years of formal education since graduation from high school,\" in addition to \"countless hours of continuing education credits\" [1].\n\n## Career\nHe is a practicing physician and an honorably discharged U.S. Navy veteran who \"proudly served 6 years active duty in the United States Navy\" [1].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Jim Nelson seeks election as School Board Member - Overton County News](https://www.overtoncountynews.com/news/local_state/jim-nelson-seeks-election-as-school-board-member/article_4b243855-862d-4cd1-a572-d14b4f019cd2.html) - accessed 2026-07-23\n[2] [Overton County August 6, 2026 Sample Ballot (PDF)](https://overtonvotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/TNOVEPG6_SampleInfinityBallot.pdf) - accessed 2026-07-23","campaigns":[{"contest":"county_school_board_district_4","county":"Overton","county_count":1,"electiondate":"Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT","pgr":"general","state":"TN","title":"School Board District 4"}],"cf_filings":[],"firstname":"JIM","fullname":"JIM NELSON, JR.","lastname":"JR.","middlename":"NELSON,","office_history":[{"campaigns":[{"contest":"county_school_board_district_4","contest_title":"School Board District 4","county":"Overton","county_count":1,"electiondate":"2026-08-06","office_county":null,"office_key":"county_school_board_district_4","office_title":null,"party":"I","pgr":"general","state":"TN"}],"county":null,"cycles":[{"general":{"contest":"county_school_board_district_4","contest_title":"School Board District 4","county":"Overton","county_count":1,"electiondate":"2026-08-06","office_county":null,"office_key":"county_school_board_district_4","office_title":null,"party":"I","pgr":"general","state":"TN"},"party":"I","primary":null,"term":null,"year":2026}],"office_key":"county_school_board_district_4","office_title":"School Board District 4","state":"TN","terms":[]}],"summary":"Independent candidate for Overton County School Board District 4 (Rickman); physician and U.S. Navy veteran running on nonpartisan, student-focused governance.","terms":[],"token":"ii6Z2uITws"}