Mike Cortese

Mike Cortese is a Democratic candidate running for U.S. House in Tennessee's 5th Congressional District during the 2026 election cycle [1]. He is currently a member of the Nashville Metro Council, representing District 4, having assumed office on September 30, 2023 [1]. Cortese was elected to the council after defeating Davette Blalock in the general runoff election held on September 14, 2023, with 53.3% of the vote [1]. His current term on the Metro Council is scheduled to end in 2027 [1].

Prior to his election to the Nashville Metro Council, Cortese built a career in the entertainment industry over 24 years, working on Grammy-nominated albums and sold-out world tours [12]. He describes himself as a music industry veteran who moved to Nashville in 2001 with no car, computer, or connections [12]. Cortese states that he and his wife grew up around abuse, addiction, and crime, and he emphasizes his background as an underdog who rose above difficult circumstances [12].

Cortese’s professional experience also includes a 30-year career in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve, after which he retired [6]. He was subsequently employed by the State of Tennessee, where he managed a statewide Medicaid program [6]. He holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology and a master's degree in General Psychology from Tennessee State University, as well as a Doctorate in Education [6].

In the 2026 Democratic primary for Tennessee's 5th Congressional District, Cortese is running alongside candidates Chaz Molder, Joyce Neal, and Jim Torino [1]. The primary election is scheduled for August 6, 2026, with the general election set for November 3, 2026 [2]. The district is currently represented by Republican incumbent Andy Ogles [5]. Cortese’s campaign website identifies him as a husband and father of two boys who has lived in Nashville for 24 years [12]. His campaign office is located at 5543 Edmondson Pike, Suite 241, Nashville, TN 37211 [14].

Sources

• [1] Mike Cortese - Ballotpedia
• [2] Tennessee's 5th Congressional District election, 2026 - Ballotpedia
• [3] United States House of Representatives elections in Tennessee, 2026 - Ballotpedia
• [4] Davette Blalock - Ballotpedia
• [5] Tennessee's 5th Congressional District - Ballotpedia
• [6] Tennessee's 5th Congressional District election, 2026 (August 6 Democratic primary) - Ballotpedia)
• [7] Chaz Molder - Ballotpedia
• [8] Joyce Neal - Ballotpedia
• [12] Mike Cortese for Tennessee | Hometown Over Headlines
• [13] Privacy Policy - Mike Cortese for Tennessee
• [14] Ki Form test - Mike Cortese for Tennessee
• [15] Mike Cortese's Voting Records on Issue: Marijuana

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 — search by last name on each.

Tennessee — campaign finance

• State offices (Governor, US Senate, US Rep, TN Senate, TN House, State Executive Committee) — Tennessee Registry of Election Finance. Click Search for Candidates and PACs, enter last name “Cortese”, and submit.
• Shelby County and municipal offices (County Mayor, Commissioner, Sheriff, School Board, court clerks, municipal alderman, etc.) — Shelby County Public Campaign Finance Portal. Select the election year and search by candidate name (“Cortese”).

Tennessee — statement of interest

• Required for state and local officials and candidates — Tennessee Ethics Commission Conflict of Interest Search. Enter last name “Cortese”and, if needed, select the applicable position.

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