[{"bio_snippet":"Mr. Paul Childers grew up as a child in the Town of Collierville and was a graduate of Collierville Schools in 1987 Collierville Elementary, Collierville Middle, and Collierville High . His wife, Jamie Childers, a Collierville resident graduated from Collierville High in 1995. Th","biography":"Mr. Paul Childers grew up as a child in the Town of Collierville and was a graduate of Collierville Schools in 1987 (Collierville Elementary, Collierville Middle, and Collierville High).  His wife, Jamie Childers, a Collierville resident graduated from Collierville High in 1995.  The Childers children (Olivia and Beau) are active students in Collierville Schools.  In 1995, Mr. Childers graduated from the University of Memphis with a B.A. Marketing.  Shortly after graduating, Paul relocated to Dallas, Texas then Charlotte, North Carolina, and later settling in Tampa, Florida in 2001.  Mr. Childers earned his Master's of Business Administration from the University of Miami in late 2003.\n\nThe Childers family aspired to return to the Town of Collierville to root their family in the town both Paul and Jamie fell in love with.  Mr. and Mrs. Childers desired to be closer to their family and to support their children's academic needs and goals.  Collierville Schools was their top-of-the-mind choice, and a catalyst to return to the Town of Collierville in 2018. Paul works for Goodman and Daikin Corporation as their Region Manager. Additionally, Paul served on the Town Beautiful Commission in 2020.  ","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Douglas","fullname":"Douglas Paul Childers","lastname":"Childers","middlename":"Paul","suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"TwIVkHgztz"},{"bio_snippet":"Paul Childers is a public person who currently holds the position of Collierville School Board Position 3, with a term starting on November 3, 2020, and ending on November 3, 2024. He grew up in Collierville and graduated from Collierville Schools in 1987. He obtained a B.A. in Marketing from the University of Memphis in 1995 and later earned his Master's of Business Administration from the University of Miami in 2003. Paul works as a Region Manager for Goodman and Daikin Corporation and served on the Town Beautiful Commission in 2020.","biography":"Mr. Paul Childers grew up as a child in the Town of Collierville and was a graduate of Collierville Schools in 1987 (Collierville Elementary, Collierville Middle, and Collierville High).  His wife, Jamie Childers, a Collierville resident graduated from Collierville High in 1995.  The Childers children (Olivia and Beau) are active students in Collierville Schools.  In 1995, Mr. Childers graduated from the University of Memphis with a B.A. Marketing.  Shortly after graduating, Paul relocated to Dallas, Texas then Charlotte, North Carolina, and later settling in Tampa, Florida in 2001.  Mr. Childers earned his Master's of Business Administration from the University of Miami in late 2003.\n\nThe Childers family aspired to return to the Town of Collierville to root their family in the town both Paul and Jamie fell in love with.  Mr. and Mrs. Childers desired to be closer to their family and to support their children's academic needs and goals.  Collierville Schools was their top-of-the-mind choice, and a catalyst to return to the Town of Collierville in 2018.  Paul works for Goodman and Daikin Corporation as their Region Manager.  Additionally, Paul served on the Town Beautiful Commission in 2020. ","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Paul","fullname":"Paul Childers","lastname":"Childers","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Paul Childers is a public person who currently holds the position of Collierville School Board Position 3, with a term starting on November 3, 2020, and ending on November 3, 2024. He grew up in Collierville and graduated from Collierville Schools in 1987. He obtained a B.A. in Marketing from the University of Memphis in 1995 and later earned his Master's of Business Administration from the University of Miami in 2003. Paul works as a Region Manager for Goodman and Daikin Corporation and served on the Town Beautiful Commission in 2020.","token":"P70nI6kM78"},{"bio_snippet":"Sitting Marshall County commissioner for District 3, running for re-election as an independent in the August 2026 county general election.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nAnna Childress is an independent candidate for Marshall County Commissioner, District 3, in the August 6, 2026 county general election. Marshall County's commission districts each elect two members (\"Vote For Two\").[1]\n\n## Office history\nChildress currently serves as one of the two Marshall County commissioners representing District 3.[2][3]\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Official Sample Ballot \u2014 Marshall County, TN, August 6, 2026](https://www.marshallcountytn.gov/a/uploads/138543) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-23\n[2] [Marshall County Commission](https://marshallcountytn.gov/county-commission) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-23\n[3] [UT CTAS \u2014 County Officials Directory: Anna Childress](https://www.ctas.tennessee.edu/official/anna-childress) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-23","birthdate":null,"firstname":"ANNA","fullname":"ANNA CHILDRESS","lastname":"CHILDRESS","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Sitting Marshall County commissioner for District 3, running for re-election as an independent in the August 2026 county general election.","token":"rYlMthnvmD"},{"bio_snippet":"No public information on this candidate at this time, please contact info@ballotproject.org if you have any info.","biography":"No public information on this candidate at this time, please contact info@ballotproject.org if you have any info.","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Cody","fullname":"Cody Childress","lastname":"Childress","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"FhQIkJ5Cvo"},{"bio_snippet":"Sitting Carter County commissioner for District 5, elected in 2022; running again in 2026.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nLisa Childress currently represents District 5 on the Carter County Commission and is a candidate in the August 6, 2026 county general election [1][2]. Each of Carter County's commission districts elects three members; District 5 currently has one vacant seat [1].\n\n## Office history\nChildress won a District 5 commission seat in the 2022 election with 340 votes [3].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Board of Commissioners \u2014 Carter County TN](https://www.cartercountytn.gov/government/commissioners.php) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-23\n[2] [Carter County Election Office (Aug 6, 2026 sample ballot) \u2014 Carter County TN](https://cartercountytn.gov/services/election_office.php) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-23\n[3] [Carter County Commission to have new look after Tuesday results \u2014 Elizabethton Star (2022)](https://www.elizabethton.com/2022/05/04/carter-county-commission-to-have-new-look-after-tuesday-results/) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-23","birthdate":null,"firstname":"LISA","fullname":"LISA G. CHILDRESS","lastname":"CHILDRESS","middlename":"G.","suffix":null,"summary":"Sitting Carter County commissioner for District 5, elected in 2022; running again in 2026.","token":"KqPyBVSk2Z"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Steve","fullname":"Steve Childress","lastname":"Childress","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"mgWCV5BmWZ"},{"bio_snippet":"Per the NC voter file: DEM voter in Forsyth County since 2000.","biography":"According to the North Carolina voter file, Vernon Lee Childress JR is a registered voter in Forsyth County, North Carolina, registered since 2000 (26 years), with party affiliation listed as Democratic [1].\n\nThe voter file shows Vernon Lee Childress JR's year of birth as 1982; NC publishes only the year of birth in its bulk voter export, so day and month are not part of the public record [1].\n\nThe voter history file shows 11 elections voted in since 2016, most recently the 2026-03-03 primary election [2].\n\nThis summary draws only from the public North Carolina voter registration and history records. No additional published biographical information was located. Voters with personal knowledge of Vernon Lee Childress JR can reach ballotproject.org with corrections or additions.\n\n## Sources\n[1] [North Carolina State Board of Elections \u2014 Voter Search](https://vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup/)\n\n[2] North Carolina State Board of Elections voter history file (`ncvhis_Statewide`), published at [dl.ncsbe.gov](https://dl.ncsbe.gov/)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Vernon","fullname":"Vernon Lee Childress JR","lastname":"Childress","middlename":"Lee","suffix":"JR","summary":"Per the NC voter file: DEM voter in Forsyth County since 2000.","token":"16c374003844e62f"},{"bio_snippet":"Education Michelle Stinson Childs holds both a bachelor\u2019s and a master\u2019s degree in social work from the University of Alabama. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Tennessee. Experience Michelle has been a resident of Lakeland since 2008 aside from a brief period in Poland","biography":"##Education\nMichelle Stinson Childs holds both a bachelor\u2019s and a master\u2019s degree in social work from the University of Alabama. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Tennessee.\n\n##Experience\nMichelle has been a resident of Lakeland since 2008 (aside from a brief period in Poland due to her family\u2019s expat assignment). She has over 20 years of experience working with students, notably as a social worker for Youth Villages, where she served for 16 years. Her work involved foster children and their educational needs, and she has also assisted youth in crisis through Crisis Text Line. She currently serves as Executive Director of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for Juvenile Court in Memphis and Shelby County.\n\n##Family\nMichelle is married to Craig Childs, and they have two children who have attended Lakeland Elementary and Lakeland Middle Preparatory Schools.\n\n##Personal Statement\nMichelle emphasizes her dedication to supporting the \u201cwhole child,\u201d focusing on both the academic and mental health needs of students. Her experience as a social worker and her involvement in the Lakeland School Board has allowed her to contribute to important initiatives, such as planning the city's first high school.\n\n##Community Involvement and Recognition\nIn addition to her professional role, Michelle has been actively involved in community services, such as volunteering at local schools and working with her church\u2019s outreach programs. She has also helped implement programs like a weekly reading helper initiative at Lakeland Elementary School and similar efforts at Cordova Elementary School.\n\n##Further Information and Resources\nFor more details, you can refer to [Lakeland Currents](https://lakelandcurrents.com/) for updates regarding Michelle Childs and her contributions.","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Michelle","fullname":"Michelle Stinson Childs","lastname":"Childs","middlename":"Stinson","suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"Sx9MQlNpbG"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Patrick","fullname":"Patrick Childs","lastname":"Childs","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"3NJkyISXbU"},{"bio_snippet":"Current office and 2026 campaign Chris Chilton is the Republican candidate for Hickman County Mayor in the August 6, 2026 general election. He was the only qualified Republican candidate in the May 2026 primary, where he tallied 581 votes 2 . Background and education Chilton is a","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nChris Chilton is the Republican candidate for Hickman County Mayor in the August 6, 2026 general election. He was the only qualified Republican candidate in the May 2026 primary, where he tallied 581 votes [2].\n\n## Background and education\nChilton is a 40-year resident of Hickman County and owns Clark Containers, a family business established four decades ago in Pinewood. He has said he decided to run for mayor after securing his business's future, and that he is now focused on the county's trajectory as his children enter adulthood [1].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\nChilton has emphasized the need for strategic planning to balance growth with preserving the county's rural character, saying: \"People talk about it, but I don't see the fruit of what they say, in the sense that I don't think they have a plan.\" He has said he opposes losing agricultural land to development and pointed to Spring Hill's sewer moratorium as a cautionary example of resource mismanagement [1]. On working with other government entities, he has said relationships must benefit all parties involved, \"if it's not beneficial for both, it's going to die\" [1]. Discussing the Duck River and downstream infrastructure impacts, he has said residents cannot simply \"pass trash on to the neighbors\" [1]. He has said he favors targeted, quality retail development over major chain stores, with the goal of giving residents more reasons to shop locally rather than in Dickson [1]. On governing style, he has said he wants to lead with both forgiveness and accountability, believing officials should be able to learn from mistakes without abandoning mercy [1].\n\n## Sources\n[1] Main Street Media of Tennessee / Hickman County Times, \"Mayor hopeful Chris Chilton hopes to build strong future, growth, retention of rural identity,\" July 16, 2026. https://mainstreetmediatn.com/articles/hct-print/mayor-hopeful-chris-chilton-hopes-to-build-strong-future-growth-retention-of-rural-identity/\n[2] Main Street Media of Tennessee / Hickman County Times, \"Primaries wrap on Election Day; District 3 commish race eliminates one by a single vote,\" May 6, 2026. https://mainstreetmediatn.com/articles/hct-print/primaries-wrap-on-election-day-district-3-commish-race-eliminates-one-by-a-single-vote/","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Chris","fullname":"Chris D. Chilton","lastname":"Chilton","middlename":"D.","suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"7sdzZguCPV"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Billy","fullname":"Billy Chipman","lastname":"Chipman","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"vV6vSN2wNC"},{"bio_snippet":"Current office and 2026 campaign None; first time candidate for public office. campaign site https://lenachipman.com Announced candidacy on November 3, 2025, to replace term limited incumbent Michael Whaley. Tennessee Lookout https://tennesseelookout.com/2025/11/03/transgender ca","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n- None; first-time candidate for public office. ([campaign site](https://lenachipman.com))\n\n- Announced candidacy on November 3, 2025, to replace term-limited incumbent Michael Whaley. ([Tennessee Lookout](https://tennesseelookout.com/2025/11/03/transgender-candidate-announces-for-shelby-county-commission/))\n- Running in the Democratic primary on May 5, 2026; one of three candidates for the seat. ([Tennessee Lookout](https://tennesseelookout.com/2025/11/03/transgender-candidate-announces-for-shelby-county-commission/))\n- Campaign site: [lenachipman.com](https://lenachipman.com)\n\n## Background and education\n- Bachelor\u2019s degree from the University of Memphis. ([Tennessee Lookout](https://tennesseelookout.com/2025/11/03/transgender-candidate-announces-for-shelby-county-commission/))\n- Master\u2019s degree from the University of Memphis. ([Tennessee Lookout](https://tennesseelookout.com/2025/11/03/transgender-candidate-announces-for-shelby-county-commission/))\n\n## Career\n- Technology consultant and principal of a startup company. ([Tennessee Lookout](https://tennesseelookout.com/2025/11/03/transgender-candidate-announces-for-shelby-county-commission/))\n- Board member for the MidSouth LGBT Chamber of Commerce. ([Tennessee Lookout](https://tennesseelookout.com/2025/11/03/transgender-candidate-announces-for-shelby-county-commission/))\n- Lived in Memphis since 1980 and has been a resident for over 40 years. ([campaign site](https://lenachipman.com); [Tennessee Lookout](https://tennesseelookout.com/2025/11/03/transgender-candidate-announces-for-shelby-county-commission/))\n\n## Office history\n- No prior elected office. ([campaign site](https://lenachipman.com))\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n- **2026** \u2014 [County Commission (SS-8005)](https://conflict.app.tn.gov/conflict/view_form_8005.htm?name=CHIPMAN&id=103869&f=198348&v=1) \u2014 filed as a Shelby County official/candidate\n\n*Source: [Tennessee Ethics Commission Statement of Interest Search](https://conflict.app.tn.gov/conflict/search.htm). Scraped 2026-04-25.*\n\n## Family\n- Wife and mother. ([Tennessee Lookout](https://tennesseelookout.com/2025/11/03/transgender-candidate-announces-for-shelby-county-commission/))\n","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Lena","fullname":"Lena Chipman","lastname":"Chipman","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"8mrq7ebIsF"},{"bio_snippet":"Rogersville resident and United Citizens of Hawkins County watchdog-group member running as an independent for County Commission District 6.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nDane Chisholm is an independent candidate for one of Hawkins County Commission District 6's two seats on the August 6, 2026 general-election ballot, in a three-way contest with Republican incumbent Nancy T. Barker and Republican challenger Edwin Cope [1]. When he filed, he was identified as a challenger and a member of the United Citizens of Hawkins County (UCHC) watchdog group [2].\n\n## Career\nChisholm is a Rogersville resident active with United Citizens of Hawkins County, a local government-accountability group that hosts public meetings and frequently comments to the media on county affairs [3][4]. He has represented UCHC to the media on issues including a proposed NewEarth Nation \"micronation\" project, telling WJHL the group aimed to facilitate a conversation between the group's leaders and residents [4].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\nChisholm is a regular speaker at Hawkins County Board of Commissioners meetings. During debate over the county's proposed FY26 budget he told WJHL, \"[We] recognize that this is absurd\u2026 We absolutely believe funds can be reallocated and we can avoid the tax increases all together\" [5]. He has also criticized the framing of financial wellness as a public-health issue during commission meetings, drawing a comparison to World Economic Forum positions [2].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Official Ballot, Hawkins County, August 6, 2026](https://hawkinscountytn.gov/pdfs/elections/sample_ballot.pdf) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-18\n[2] [Hawkins voters have plenty of options](https://www.therogersvillereview.com/news/article_a72b5833-32a6-408c-84a9-21f45511c5f5.html) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-18\n[3] [United Citizens of Hawkins County meeting notice](https://www.facebook.com/TheRogersvilleReview/posts/the-next-united-citizens-of-hawkins-county-meeting-will-be-held-tuesday-june-17-/1290929159704958/) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-18\n[4] [Hawkins Countians, NewEarth Nation leaders gather at forum to discuss planned micronation](https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/hawkins-countians-newearth-nation-leaders-gather-at-forum-to-discuss-planned-micronation/) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-18\n[5] [Hawkins County Commission postpones budget approval amid property tax increase concerns](https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/hawkins-county-commission-postpones-budget-approval-amid-property-tax-increase-concerns/) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-18","birthdate":null,"firstname":"DANE","fullname":"DANE CHISHOLM","lastname":"CHISHOLM","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Rogersville resident and United Citizens of Hawkins County watchdog-group member running as an independent for County Commission District 6.","token":"ai0SExAPXO"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Arthur","fullname":"Arthur Chism","lastname":"Chism","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"Mo4LmNuMy6"},{"bio_snippet":"Per the NC voter file: REP voter in Brunswick County since 2003.","biography":"According to the North Carolina voter file, Brian Michael Chism is a registered voter in Brunswick County, North Carolina, registered since 2003 (23 years), with party affiliation listed as Republican [1].\n\nThe voter file shows Brian Michael Chism's year of birth as 1978; NC publishes only the year of birth in its bulk voter export, so day and month are not part of the public record [1].\n\nThe voter history file shows 11 elections voted in since 2016, most recently the 2026-03-03 primary election [2].\n\nThis summary draws only from the public North Carolina voter registration and history records. No additional published biographical information was located. Voters with personal knowledge of Brian Michael Chism can reach ballotproject.org with corrections or additions.\n\n## Sources\n[1] [North Carolina State Board of Elections \u2014 Voter Search](https://vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup/)\n\n[2] North Carolina State Board of Elections voter history file (`ncvhis_Statewide`), published at [dl.ncsbe.gov](https://dl.ncsbe.gov/)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Brian","fullname":"Brian Michael Chism","lastname":"Chism","middlename":"Michael","suffix":null,"summary":"Per the NC voter file: REP voter in Brunswick County since 2003.","token":"c9e1be40714f0bd3"},{"bio_snippet":"Jesse Chism is a Democratic member of the Tennessee House of Representatives representing District 85 since November 2018.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nJesse Chism is a Democratic member of the Tennessee House of Representatives representing District 85, having assumed office on November 6, 2018 [1][3]. His current term concludes on November 3, 2026 [1]. Chism is seeking re-election to the Tennessee House of Representatives for District 85 and appears on the ballot for the Democratic primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1].\n\nAs of May 2026, Chism has not received endorsements from Democratic or progressive organizations for his campaign [5]. During the previous legislative session, he served on the Education Instruction Committee, Senate Government Operations Committee, and State Government Committee [1]. In recent political developments, Chism opposed the deployment of National Guard troops to Memphis without local police command, urging Governor Bill Lee to place the troops under the direction of the local police chief rather than allowing them to operate as an occupying force [6][10].\n\n## Background and education\n\nJesse Chism was born on March 4, 1980, in Memphis, Tennessee [3][4]. He attended Overton High School before pursuing higher education at Morehouse College and Union University [3][8]. Chism earned a Bachelor of Science in marketing and economics from Morehouse College between 1998 and 2003 [4]. He subsequently completed a Master of Arts in education at Union University, graduating in 2012 [4].\n\n## Career\n\nBefore entering politics, Chism worked as a high school teacher for Memphis City Schools [4]. He also served as the founder and president of C&D Construction Consultants [8].\n\nChism earned a Bachelor of Science in marketing and economics from Morehouse College between 1998 and 2003 [4]. He later obtained a Master of Arts in education from Union University, completing his studies there between 2010 and 2012 [4].\n\n## Office history\n\nJesse Chism served as a high school teacher for Memphis City Schools prior to his election to public office [4]. He also worked as the founder and president of C&D Construction Consultants [8].\n\nChism was first elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives in 2018, assuming office on November 6, 2018, representing District 85 [1][3]. Members of the Tennessee House serve two-year terms [2]. During his tenure, he has been assigned to committees including Education Instruction, Senate Government Operations, State Government, and Government Operations [1]. In September 2025, Chism urged Governor Bill Lee to place National Guard troops deployed to Memphis under the command of the local police chief rather than operating as an occupying force [10].\n\nChism is currently serving his term in office, which ends on November 3, 2026 [1]. He is running for re-election to represent District 85 and appears on the ballot for the Democratic primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nJesse Chism has served on the Education Instruction Committee and the State Government Committee during his tenure in the Tennessee House of Representatives [1]. He was also previously assigned to the Senate Government Operations Committee and the Government Operations Committee [1]. As a member of the Democratic Party, Chism represents District 85, which includes parts of Memphis [2].\n\nChism has sponsored legislation focused on public health and criminal justice reform. In collaboration with another lawmaker, he supported measures requiring the Department of Health to make blood lead level tests available to children and pregnant women in Memphis [6]. He also introduced HB0173, a bill that would have required county election commissions to include non-binding questions regarding the legalization of marijuana on the November 2024 ballot [12]. Additionally, Chism sponsored HB0309, which sought to decriminalize the possession of certain amounts of marijuana by classifying it as a civil violation punishable by a fine or community service [12].\n\nOn policy positions, Chism has expressed opposition to the deployment of National Guard troops on Memphis streets without local police command, arguing that such forces should complement rather than occupy local law enforcement [6][10]. His legislative voting record includes support for HB173 (the Sports Gaming Act) and HB563 (the Business Protection Act), while he opposed SB1257/HB1029 (the Human Life Protection Act) and SB1297/HB1151 (regarding single-sex restroom access) [11]. Chism also voted against SB1499/HB1274 (the School Protection Act) and SB1736/HB1689 (regarding single-sex student athletics) [11].\n\n## Documented disputes and controversies\n\nIn September 2025, Representative Chism publicly opposed the deployment of National Guard troops to Memphis, urging Governor Bill Lee to place the forces under the \"direct leadership\" of the local police chief rather than allowing them to operate as an occupying force [10]. This position drew a sharp rebuke from Republican colleagues on the House floor, where jeers and shouts erupted as a resolution honoring the Governor\u2019s deployment moved forward without discussion [6].\n\nRegarding the 2026 redistricting process, Chism rejected the notion that the new maps reflected the \"will of voters,\" stating his disagreement with the outcome amid the release of the new boundaries [7].\n\nChism has faced criticism from conservative advocacy groups for his legislative voting record. The Family Action Council of Tennessee included him on its scorecard, highlighting his opposition to measures such as SB 16/HB 1 (the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act) and SB 2196/HB 2263 (Governor Lee's Pro-Life Bill) [11]. Additionally, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws noted Chism\u2019s sponsorship of HB0173, which sought to place non-binding questions on marijuana legalization on the November 2024 ballot, and his introduction of HB0309 to decriminalize possession of certain amounts of marijuana [12].\n\nChism has not received endorsements from Democratic or progressive organizations in recent cycles, a gap noted by the Blue Voter Guide which assists voters in identifying pro-democracy choices [5].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nJesse Chism\u2019s professional background includes work as a former high school teacher for Memphis City Schools [4]. Prior to his political career, he served as the founder and president of C&D Construction Consultants [8]. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Economics from Morehouse College and a Master of Arts in Education from Union University [4].\n\nPublicly available sources do not contain specific details regarding Chism\u2019s personal wealth source, family wealth, ownership stakes in private businesses, or significant financial-disclosure facts. While legislative tracking services note the existence of personal financial disclosures for state representatives [9], the provided materials do not list the contents of these reports or identify specific assets or income sources beyond his role as a legislator and former educator.\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Jesse Chism - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Jesse_Chism)\n[2] [Tennessee House of Representatives District 85 - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Tennessee_House_of_Representatives_District_85)\n[3] [Jesse Chism - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesse_Chism)\n[4] [Vote Smart | Facts For All](https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/182512/jesse-chism)\n[5] [Endorsements for Jesse Chism - Tennessee Democratic Party Candidate](https://bluevoterguide.org/TN/candidate_Jesse_Chism/25533)\n[6] [Jesse Chism - Memphis Local, Sports, Business & Food News | Daily Memphian](https://dailymemphian.com/index/tag?tag=Jesse+Chism)\n[7] [\u2018Certainly not,\u201d TN Rep. Jesse Chism on will of voters, amid new redistricting maps | WREG.com](https://wreg.com/news/certainly-not-tn-rep-jesse-chism-on-will-of-voters-amid-new-redistricting-maps/)\n[8] [Jesse Chism](https://www.actionnews5.com/story/6845124/jesse-chism/)\n[9] [Tennessee State Rep. Jesse Chism - Biography | LegiStorm](https://www.legistorm.com/person/bio/307793/Jesse_Chism.html)\n[10] [Memphis lawmaker asks gov to put Guard under police chief command \u2022 Tennessee Lookout](https://tennesseelookout.com/2025/09/18/memphis-lawmaker-asks-gov-to-put-guard-under-police-chief-command/)\n[11] [Rep. Jesse Chism - Family Action Council of Tennessee](https://scorecard.factennessee.org/representatives/jesse-chism)\n[12] [A - Jesse Chism (D - TN)](https://vote.norml.org/politicians/182512)","birthdate":"Tue, 04 Mar 1980 00:00:00 GMT","firstname":"Jesse","fullname":"Jesse Chism","lastname":"Chism","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Jesse Chism is a Democratic member of the Tennessee House of Representatives representing District 85 since November 2018.","token":"FaoDZiQgDC"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Johnnie","fullname":"Johnnie Chism","lastname":"Chism","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"qqqdAl78U7"},{"bio_snippet":"Wanda Chism is a retired teacher who has been a resident of Collierville for almost 40 years. She taught in the Collierville school system for 31 years and holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master's in Education from the University of Memphis. She is currently serving as a member of the Board of Directors for the Collierville Literacy Council and is an active member of Collierville United Methodist Church. She is also running for the position of Collierville School Board Position 2, with her term starting in 2022 and ending in 2024. Overall, the profile provides substantive information about her education, work history, community involvement, and history as a candidate.","biography":"Ms. Wanda Chism has been a Collierville resident for almost 40 years. After a 31-year teaching career in the Collierville school system, she retired in May 2011. She taught 15 years at Collierville Elementary and 16 years at Tara Oaks Elementary. Wanda has been actively engaged in the schools as a teacher, parent, and grandparent. She received a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master\u2019s in Education from the University of Memphis. \n\nWanda is dedicated to serving the Students, Parents, Teachers, Principals, and other School Staff of our schools, who are most responsible for the quality of education and other activities in the classroom.  Ms. Chism believes that this is an exciting time and opportunity in our community as we build our Collierville School System and through working together, we can continue to have schools of excellence that will allow all our children the opportunity to compete globally now and into the future.\n\nMs. Chism has four married children and nine grandchildren. She is a member of the Board of Directors for the Collierville Literacy Council, presently serving as the secretary, and is an active member of Collierville United Methodist Church.","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Wanda","fullname":"Wanda Chism","lastname":"Chism","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Wanda Chism is a retired teacher who has been a resident of Collierville for almost 40 years. She taught in the Collierville school system for 31 years and holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master's in Education from the University of Memphis. She is currently serving as a member of the Board of Directors for the Collierville Literacy Council and is an active member of Collierville United Methodist Church. She is also running for the position of Collierville School Board Position 2, with her term starting in 2022 and ending in 2024. Overall, the profile provides substantive information about her education, work history, community involvement, and history as a candidate.","token":"WvWsBwfVTC"},{"bio_snippet":"Memphis Democrat; narrowly lost the May 2026 primary for Shelby County Probate Court Clerk to incumbent Eddie Jones, 51.4% to 48.3%.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nWilliam Chism Jr. was a Democratic candidate for Shelby County Probate Court Clerk in the May 5, 2026 primary, challenging incumbent Eddie Jones [1]. Jones won a close renomination, 34,230 votes (51.4%) to Chism's 32,172 votes (48.3%), with 140 write-in votes [1]. Jones ran unopposed in the August 2026 general election [1].\n\n## Office history\nChism previously challenged Jones for the same office in the 2022 Democratic primary, finishing second with 29.0% of the vote (13,283 votes) behind Jones (46.0%) and incumbent Bill Morrison (24.9%) [2].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Shelby Co. Probate Court Clerk (Dem) - Election Results](https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/politics/election_results/shelby-co-probate-court-clerk-dem/race_9be890b5-0279-5e20-b988-b885d6167fa2.html) - fox13memphis.com, accessed 2026-07-06\n[2] [William Chism Jr. - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/William_Chism_Jr.) - accessed 2026-07-06 (not independently re-verified this session; retained from prior sourcing)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"William","fullname":"William Chism Jr","lastname":"Chism","middlename":null,"suffix":"Jr","summary":"Memphis Democrat; narrowly lost the May 2026 primary for Shelby County Probate Court Clerk to incumbent Eddie Jones, 51.4% to 48.3%.","token":"kt6uilkvXn"},{"bio_snippet":"Sophia Chitlik, Democratic State Senator for NC District\u202f22, seeks re\u2011election after a first term marked by extensive legislation and community outreach.","biography":"Sophia Chitlik is the incumbent Democratic State Senator for North Carolina\u2019s 22nd Senate district and is seeking re\u2011election in the November\u202f3,\u202f2026 general election.  North Carolina senators serve two\u2011year terms, must be at least 25 years old, a qualified voter, and have resided in the state for two years and in the district for one year before election\u202f[2].  Senators assume office on January\u202f1 following the election and earn a salary of $13,951 per year plus a $104 per\u2011day per diem\u202f[2].\n\nChitlik earned a Bachelor of Arts from New York University in 2011, graduating magna cum laude with a self\u2011designed major in Political Community Building\u202f[5][7].  She began her political career as a field organizer for Barack Obama\u2019s 2008 presidential campaign, leading general\u2011election operations in Loudoun County, Virginia\u202f[5][13].  After the campaign she served as a young presidential appointee in the Obama administration, working in the U.S. Department of Labor and later in the White House\u202f[5][17].\n\nLeaving federal service, Chitlik moved to Durham, North Carolina in 2017.  She became chief operating officer of The Future Project, an education\u2011focused nonprofit, overseeing an $11\u202fmillion budget and driving rapid growth\u202f[5][17].  She later worked as a strategic\u2011planning consultant, investor, and fractional chief operating officer for a range of community\u2011based organizations, focusing on women\u2011owned businesses, maternal health, and social\u2011impact ventures\u202f[5][7][13].  She co\u2011founded Aya Birth & Community Wellness, a Black\u2011owned birth center, and helped launch Tend, a pregnancy\u2011support company\u202f[5][17].\n\nIn the 2024 election cycle Chitlik defeated three\u2011term incumbent Mike Woodard in the Democratic primary with 57.6\u202f% of the vote and won the general election with 86\u202f% against Libertarian Ray\u202fUbinger\u202f[5][1].  She took office on January\u202f1,\u202f2025\u202f[1][5].  During her first term she served on the Appropriations on Education/Higher Education Committee, the Education/Higher Education Committee, and the Senate Judiciary Committee\u202f[1].  She sponsored over 100 bills, including an amendment on childcare that became law in 2025, and was the only freshman Democrat to have legislation signed that year\u202f[7][13].  Her legislative priorities, described as a \u201cPlatform of Care,\u201d focus on expanding public\u2011school access, affordable community\u2011college and apprenticeship programs, child\u2011care, women\u2019s reproductive rights, maternal\u2011health equity, affordable housing, and clean\u2011energy initiatives\u202f[8][14].\n\nChitlik\u2019s constituency work includes personally responding to more than 1,400 constituent emails in her first eleven months and assisting over 100 residents with issues ranging from immigration to TANF delays\u202f[13].  She has raised tens of thousands of dollars for the Senate Democratic Caucus and local nonprofits, and has secured $6\u202fmillion in funding for survivors of sexual assault and additional resources for North Carolina Central University and Durham Tech\u202f[13].\n\nShe resides in Durham with her husband, Ben\u202fAbram, an energy\u2011sector executive, and their son\u202f[5][17].  Chitlik is a member of the Jewish\u202fFor\u202fGood network, a recipient of its 2021 Young Leadership Award, and an active participant in her local synagogue\u202f[5][17].  She continues to serve on the boards of several community organizations, including NC Funders for Maternal Health and Narrow Bridge Fund\u202f[1].\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Sophia Chitlik - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Sophia_Chitlik)\n- [2] [North Carolina State Senate District 22 - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/North_Carolina_State_Senate_District_22)\n- [5] [Sophia Chitlik - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sophia_Chitlik)\n- [7] [About - Sophia Chitlik for North Carolina Senate](https://sophiafornc.com/about/)\n- [8] [Sophia Chitlik for North Carolina State Senate](https://sophiafornc.com/)\n- [10] [Sophia for NC State Senate (@SophiaForNC)](https://www.facebook.com/SophiaForNC/)\n- [11] [State Senator Sophia Chitlik | BillTrack50](https://www.billtrack50.com/legislatordetail/29661)\n- [12] [Sophia Chitlik | BallotReady](https://www.ballotready.org/people/sophia-chitlik)\n- [13] [NC Senate District 22: Sophia Chitlik | 2026 Primary Candidates](https://indyweek.com/news/n-c-senate-district-22-sophia-chitlik-2026/)\n- [14] [Candidate Questionnaire: Sophia Chitlik, NC Senate District 22](https://indyweek.com/news/elections-news/candidate-questionnaire-sophia-chitlik-nc-senate-district-22/)\n- [17] [Sophia Chitlik | NC Senate Democratic Caucus](https://www.ncsenate.org/sophia-chitlik)\n- [19] [North Carolina State Sen. Sophia Chitlik - Biography | LegiStorm](https://www.legistorm.com/person/bio/516820/Sophia_Chitlik.html)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Sophia","fullname":"Sophia Chitlik","lastname":"Chitlik","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Sophia Chitlik, Democratic State Senator for NC District\u202f22, seeks re\u2011election after a first term marked by extensive legislation and community outreach.","token":"cdf1c10209de9272"}]