[{"bio_snippet":"Jack Codiga is the Republican nominee for North Carolina\u2019s 12th U.S. House district, a finance professional advocating monetary reform and conservative policies.","biography":"Jack Codiga (full name John Christopher Codiga) is the Republican nominee for the U.S. House of Representatives in North Carolina\u2019s 12th Congressional District in the 2026 election.  To serve in the House, a candidate must be at least 25 years old, have been a U.S. citizen for at least seven years, and be an inhabitant of the state at the time of election\u202f[1].\n\nCodiga earned a high\u2011school diploma from Scotts Valley High School and a bachelor\u2019s degree in finance from Santa\u202fClara University\u2019s Leavey School of Business\u202f[1].  He has worked as a finance professional, though specific employers are not listed in the available sources\u202f[1].\n\nIn the March\u202f3,\u202f2026 Republican primary, Codiga defeated Addul\u202fAli, capturing 67.3\u201167.4% of the vote (6,557\u20116,569 votes) to Ali\u2019s 32.6\u201132.7% (3,181\u20113,183 votes)\u202f[1][13][16].  He advanced to the November\u202f3,\u202f2026 general election, where he will face incumbent Democrat Alma\u202fAdams\u202f[1][19].\n\nCodiga\u2019s campaign platform emphasizes monetary reform, advocating the abolition of the Federal Reserve and a return to a gold\u2011and\u2011silver\u2011backed currency managed by the Treasury\u202f[1][15][19].  He also supports voter\u2011ID laws nationwide, limits on immigration work visas, the elimination of all welfare programs (including Social Security), and a \u201cfree\u2011market\u201d approach to economic policy\u202f[15][19].  In interviews he frames his candidacy around Christian moral principles and argues that winning the seat is secondary to promoting these ideas\u202f[20].\n\nWhile no official campaign website is listed in the sources, Codiga completed Ballotpedia\u2019s Candidate Connection survey in 2026, providing detailed responses on his policy positions\u202f[1].  His public statements and media coverage highlight a focus on \u201cequal justice under the law\u201d and a desire to bring \u201csound money\u201d to address housing affordability in the Charlotte\u2011centric district\u202f[15][19].\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Jack Codiga - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Jack_Codiga)\n- [8] [2026 Election United States House - North Carolina - District 06 - FEC.gov](https://www.fec.gov/data/elections/house/NC/06/2026/)\n- [13] [North Carolina House District 12 Primary Election Live Results 2026 - NBC News](https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2026-primary-elections/north-carolina-us-house-district-12-results)\n- [15] [NC GOP Primary 2026: Charlotte Voter Guide - Axios Charlotte](https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/12/north-carolina-republican-primary-voter-guide)\n- [16] [North Carolina 12th Congressional District Primary Election Results 2026 - The New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/us/elections/results-north-carolina-us-house-12-primary.html)\n- [18] [Jack Codiga wins Republican nomination for U.S. House in North Carolina's 12th Congressional District | AP News](https://apnews.com/b1b0634edc404b2da067b5e9822cfae2)\n- [19] [Rep. Alma Adams wins Democratic primary, Codiga wins Republican primary | wcnc.com](https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/north-carolina-politics/ncs-12th-congressional-district-race-features-rep-alma-adams-hopeful-challengers/275-f7456ff9-ceb7-42bb-bee7-ab5e54b45c42)\n- [20] [Winning isn't always the point - by Andrew Dunn](https://www.longleafpol.com/p/winning-isnt-always-the-point)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"John","fullname":"John Christopher Codiga","lastname":"Codiga","middlename":"Christopher","suffix":null,"summary":"Jack Codiga is the Republican nominee for North Carolina\u2019s 12th U.S. House district, a finance professional advocating monetary reform and conservative policies.","token":"cc769497f0a9bca5"},{"bio_snippet":"Current office and 2026 campaign Billy Cody of Kingsport, Tennessee is an independent candidate for Tennessee's 1st Congressional District in the 2026 election, set to appear on the ballot in the November 2026 general election 1 . Sources 1 Tennessee's redrawn congressional distr","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nBilly Cody of Kingsport, Tennessee is an independent candidate for Tennessee's 1st Congressional District in the 2026 election, set to appear on the ballot in the November 2026 general election [1].\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Tennessee's redrawn congressional districts: A full guide to every candidate running in 2026 \u2013 NewsChannel 5](https://www.newschannel5.com/news/tennessees-redrawn-congressional-districts-a-full-guide-to-every-candidate-running-in-2026) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-20","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Billy","fullname":"Billy Cody","lastname":"Cody","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"ScYEEnmE8I"},{"bio_snippet":"Kenny Cody is a Republican candidate for Tennessee House District 11, former Cocke County GOP Chairman, and conservative writer.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nKenny Cody is a Republican candidate running for election to the Tennessee House of Representatives to represent District 11 [1]. He is on the ballot in the Republican primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1]. Cody has completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey for this race [1].\n\nCody serves as the Opinion Editor for Human Events and has written for various conservative outlets including The Washington Examiner, The Daily Wire, Townhall, Newsmax, and Newsweek [3]. He is also a columnist for The Libertarian Republic [6]. Cody previously served as the Chairman of the Cocke County (TN) Republican Party, where he was elected unanimously alongside other leadership roles in 2025 [5]. During his tenure, he organized events such as a candlelight vigil for Charlie Kirk in September 2025 [4].\n\n## Background and education\n\nKenny Cody is a native of East Tennessee who was born and raised in the small town of Cosby [2]. He has called House District 11 his home for the past 30 years [2]. Cody self-describes as having been raised with Christian, conservative, mountain values [2]. He is a member of Bethel Baptist Church of Parrottsville, Tennessee [2].\n\nCody graduated from Cosby High School [1]. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 2018 [1]. He subsequently received a master's degree from Tusculum University in 2020 and an educational specialist degree from Lincoln Memorial University in 2022 [1].\n\n## Career\n\nKenny Cody is an educator and writer from Northeastern Tennessee [6]. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 2018, a master's degree from Tusculum University in 2020, and an educational specialist degree from Lincoln Memorial University in 2022 [1].\n\nProfessionally, Cody serves as the Opinion Editor for Human Events and has written for various conservative outlets including the Washington Examiner, Daily Wire, Townhall, Newsmax, and Newsweek [3]. He also served as a columnist for The Libertarian Republic starting in January 2020 [6]. Additionally, he is the former Chairman of the Cocke County (TN) Republican Party, a position to which he was unanimously elected by party members [5].\n\n## Office history\n\nKenny Cody served as Chairman of the Cocke County Republican Party for six years [3]. He was unanimously elected to this position by party members at a meeting where he also led the organization's largest turnout in its history for an event honoring Charlie Kirk [4][5].\n\nCody is running for election to the Tennessee House of Representatives to represent District 11 as a Republican candidate [1]. He is on the ballot for the Republican primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1].\n\n## Family\n\nKenny Cody self-describes as a native East Tennessean born and raised in Cosby [2]. He is engaged to marry Katilyn Webb of Parrottsville, Tennessee [2]. The couple are members of Bethel Baptist Church in Parrottsville [2]. Cody states that his family has resided in House District 11 for the past 30 years [2].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Kenny Cody](https://ballotpedia.org/Kenny_Cody)\n[2] [Kenny Cody](https://votekennycody.com/)\n[3] [Kenny Cody | Human Events | humanevents.com](https://humanevents.com/author/kenny-cody)\n[4] [KENNY CODY: Tennessee\u2019s Cocke County shows up for Charlie Kirk | Human Events | humanevents.com](https://humanevents.com/2025/10/04/kenny-cody-tennessees-cocke-county-shows-up-for-charlie-kirk)\n[5] [Cocke County GOP elects new leadership | News | newportplaintalk.com](https://www.newportplaintalk.com/news/article_30043b5d-2742-551f-914a-d8b4f646925d.html)\n[6] [Kenny Cody](https://www.dailywire.com/author/kenny-cody)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Kenny","fullname":"Kenny Cody","lastname":"Cody","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Kenny Cody is a Republican candidate for Tennessee House District 11, former Cocke County GOP Chairman, and conservative writer.","token":"8NWhGXjS8A"},{"bio_snippet":"Mark Cody, incumbent Madison County Clerk of Superior Court, is the Democratic candidate for re\u2011election in 2026.","biography":"Mark Allison Cody is the incumbent Madison County Clerk of Superior Court and is running for re\u2011election as the Democratic candidate in the 2026 general election on November 3, 2026 [2]. The Clerk of Superior Court is an elected official who oversees the administration of the county\u2019s superior court, including maintaining court records, collecting fees, and managing other court services [2].\n\nCody\u2019s current office is listed on the Madison County government website, which provides his office address (2 North Main Street, P.O. Box 217, Marshall, NC) and a contact telephone number (828\u2011649\u20112531) [2]. No educational background or prior professional experience is detailed in the available sources.\n\nDuring his tenure, Cody was quoted in a 2018 news report about an embezzlement investigation involving a court bookkeeper. He said the investigation began after the employee was terminated and that the alleged misappropriation totaled about $108,000 [12]. The case resulted in the bookkeeper\u2019s conviction and sentencing, highlighting Cody\u2019s role in overseeing the clerk\u2019s office integrity.\n\nAs the 2026 election approaches, Cody is listed as the Democratic candidate for the Clerk of Superior Court on the official Madison County elected\u2011officials page and appears in the North Carolina State Board of Elections candidate listings for the upcoming race [2][5]. No campaign website or additional contact email was found in the sources consulted.\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [North Carolina elections, 2026 - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/North_Carolina_elections,_2026)\n- [2] [Elected Officials - Madison County](https://www.madisoncountync.gov/elected-officials.html)\n- [5] [Candidate Lists | NCSBE](https://www.ncsbe.gov/results-data/candidate-lists)\n- [7] [2026 United States House of Representatives elections in North Carolina - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_United_States_House_of_Representatives_elections_in_North_Carolina)\n- [8] [See the full list of candidates running in North Carolina's ...](https://www.facebook.com/thecharlotteobserver/posts/see-the-full-list-of-candidates-running-in-north-carolinas-2026-electionsread-mo/1306299098202723/)\n- [9] [Madison County \u2013 North Carolina Association of Registers of Deeds](https://www.ncard.us/find-your-register-of-deeds/madison-county/)\n- [12] [North Carolina court bookkeeper found guilty of embezzlement - Washington Times](https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/may/2/north-carolina-court-bookkeeper-found-guilty-of-em/)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Mark","fullname":"Mark Allison Cody","lastname":"Cody","middlename":"Allison","suffix":null,"summary":"Mark Cody, incumbent Madison County Clerk of Superior Court, is the Democratic candidate for re\u2011election in 2026.","token":"7be9a34e2a56edc1"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"WILLIAM","fullname":"WILLIAM CODY","lastname":"CODY","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"jwLY9Il96l"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Brent","fullname":"Brent Coen","lastname":"Coen","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"GULWtgyFJR"},{"bio_snippet":"Aaron Cofer is a Democratic candidate for Putnam County Commission District 9 in Tennessee, campaigning on themes of accountability and dignity for residents.","biography":"Aaron Cofer is a Democratic candidate for Putnam County Commission District 9 in Tennessee, with an election date of August 6, 2026 [13]. The county commission serves as the governing body for Putnam County, exercising broad policy-making authority and overseeing the county budget process and allocation [13]. Cofer\u2019s campaign profile on GoodParty.org lists his party affiliation as Democratic in this race [13].\n\nCofer\u2019s campaign messaging emphasizes themes of dignity, accountability, and unity. In a donation appeal hosted on ActBlue, he stated that he is running because he has \"seen firsthand what happens when those in power refuse to listen,\" citing instances where people are \"assaulted, detained, silenced, or mistreated\" as reasons for his candidacy [17]. He describes his desired leadership style as one grounded in respect and unity, aiming to be \"a voice for every neighbor\" and putting \"people over politics\" [17].\n\nCofer maintains an active social media presence, including a Facebook page titled \"Aaron Cofer for Putnam County Commission, District 9\" and an Instagram account under the handle @vote_aaroncofer [13]. His campaign also utilizes a Linktree page to consolidate contact information and other resources [17].\n\nThe provided sources do not contain detailed information regarding Cofer\u2019s prior professional career, educational background, previous elected office history, or specific policy accomplishments. No documented public disputes or controversies are cited in the available materials. Similarly, there is no information provided regarding his business interests, wealth source, or family members.","birthdate":null,"firstname":"AARON","fullname":"AARON COFER","lastname":"COFER","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Aaron Cofer is a Democratic candidate for Putnam County Commission District 9 in Tennessee, campaigning on themes of accountability and dignity for residents.","token":"nFFyIU7ILm"},{"bio_snippet":"Republican nominee for Knox County Commission At-Large Seat 10; Air Force veteran running on a full county budget audit, a roads fund and managed growth.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nJustin D. Cofer is the Republican nominee for Knox County Commission At-Large Seat 10 in the August 6, 2026 general election, running to replace term-limited Commissioner Larsen Jay [1]. He won the May 2026 Republican primary with 43% of the vote over Kimberly Glenn and Ronnie Rochelle, and faces independent Ronin Cunningham and Democrat Katina Sharp [1]. Cofer describes himself as an \"Air Force Veteran. Husband. Father. Conservative Republican.\" [4] His central themes are fiscal accountability, a complete external audit of the county's roughly $1.1 billion budget, a dedicated roads fund, and managed growth: \"Growth itself isn't the problem, poor planning is.\" [2]\n\n## Background and education\nCofer, 46, lives in the Ball Camp area of West Knox County with his wife and two sons [2][4]. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from King University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and says he scored in the top 1% nationally on the Peregrine Business Exam [4][2].\n\n## Career\nCofer served more than a decade in an Air Force Civil Engineering Squadron as an Electrical Power Production Specialist, work he describes as managing large-scale infrastructure projects with cost controls and multimillion-dollar asset oversight [4]. Compass Knox describes him as a former civil engineer in the Air Force [2]. His voter-guide occupation is listed as American Legion legislative liaison [1]. He authored a children's book, \"Everyday Heroes,\" about \"service, sacrifice, and community.\" [4]\n\n## Office history\nCofer has not previously held elected office [2]. During the campaign he attended county commission meetings and met with county officials including CFO Chris Caldwell and engineering director Jim Snowden, saying, \"I'm evolving my views as I learn more...A good leader has to be willing to adjust when you've got the right evidence.\" [1]\n\n## Documented disputes and controversies\nCofer was fired in 2017 from the Morgan County Correctional Complex after an internal investigation; according to the investigation he violated a corrections policy prohibiting staff dealings with offenders and engaged in \"conduct unbecoming,\" and it referenced possession of a controlled substance and conspiracy [3]. He worked there in two stints (2006-2008 and 2011-2017); he resigned in 2008 after testing positive for morphine and opiates, which his resignation letter attributed to treatments for health issues from his Iraq deployment [3]. Cofer disputed the 2017 allegations, saying \"There was zero evidence that I'd done anything wrong\" and that an inmate falsely reported he brought a cell phone into the facility; no criminal charges appear in Morgan County records and he said he was never arrested [3].\n\n## Family\nCofer is married and has two sons [4].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Knox County Commission At-Large Seat 10 voter's guide (Knox News)](https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/knox-county-commission-large-seat-081219516.html) - accessed 2026-07-23\n[2] [Primary 2026: Commission At-Large Seat 10 (Compass Knox)](https://compassknox.com/2026/04/23/primary-2026-commission-at-large-seat-10/) - accessed 2026-07-23\n[3] [Knox County Commission candidate Justin Cofer was fired for drug infraction (Knox News)](https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/articles/knox-county-commission-candidate-justin-190139945.html) - accessed 2026-07-23\n[4] [Justin Cofer for Knox County Commission (campaign site)](https://www.knoxcountyforcofer.com/) - accessed 2026-07-23","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Justin","fullname":"Justin D. Cofer","lastname":"Cofer","middlename":"D.","suffix":null,"summary":"Republican nominee for Knox County Commission At-Large Seat 10; Air Force veteran running on a full county budget audit, a roads fund and managed growth.","token":"qfFIbC7XGJ"},{"bio_snippet":"Lee V. Coffee is a Criminal Court Judge who was elected in 2006. He has an extensive work history, including positions as an Assistant District Attorney General for Shelby County, Assistant United State's Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, Assistant Public Defender for Shelby County, and Assistant District Attorney for Harris County. He obtained his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1981 and also holds a degree from Northwestern University. Coffee has been involved in various legal associations and community organizations, including the Tennessee Bar Association, Texas Bar Association, National Bar Association, and Memphis Bar Association. He is a member of the Tennessee Judicial Council's Executive Committee and the Tennessee Judicial Conference. Coffee has also been recognized as a Fellow of the Memphis Bar Foundation. He is currently serving as a Criminal Court Judge, with his term ending in 2030. There is no negative information available about him.","biography":"Criminal Court Judge\nYear Elected/Appointed\n2006\nPrevious Employment\nAssistant District Attorney General for Shelby County, Assistant United State's Attorney for Western District of Tennesee, Assistant Public Defender for Shelby County, Assistant District Attorney for Harris County (Houston, TX.)\n\nEducation\nHarvard Law School, 1981\nNorthwestern University, Evanston, IL. 1978\nHonors\nTennessee Judicial Council, Executive Committee Tennessee Judicial Conference, Fellow of the Memphis Bar Foundation\n\nMembership(s)\nTennessee Bar Association, Texas Bar Association, National Bar Association, Memphis Bar Association, National College of District Attorney's, Faculty Member of the National College of District Attorney's, Leo Bearman, Sr. American Inns of Court, College of the State of Texas\n\nCommunity Involvement\nStop Killing Foundation, Multiple appearances at area Schools to promote and speak on the administration of justice","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Lee","fullname":"Lee V. Coffee","lastname":"Coffee","middlename":"V.","suffix":null,"summary":"Lee V. Coffee is a Criminal Court Judge who was elected in 2006. He has an extensive work history, including positions as an Assistant District Attorney General for Shelby County, Assistant United State's Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, Assistant Public Defender for Shelby County, and Assistant District Attorney for Harris County. He obtained his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1981 and also holds a degree from Northwestern University. Coffee has been involved in various legal associations and community organizations, including the Tennessee Bar Association, Texas Bar Association, National Bar Association, and Memphis Bar Association. He is a member of the Tennessee Judicial Council's Executive Committee and the Tennessee Judicial Conference. Coffee has also been recognized as a Fellow of the Memphis Bar Foundation. He is currently serving as a Criminal Court Judge, with his term ending in 2030. There is no negative information available about him.","token":"TEdVelJKBz"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Rosanna","fullname":"Rosanna Coffelt","lastname":"Coffelt","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"frg5bHEMQc"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Blaine","fullname":"Blaine Coffey","lastname":"Coffey","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"WAuvxIgMwX"},{"bio_snippet":"Jeff Coffey is the Republican incumbent Sheriff of Jefferson County, Tennessee, first sworn in August 2018.","biography":"Jeff Coffey is a Republican candidate for Sheriff of Jefferson County, Tennessee [9]. He currently holds the office of Sheriff, having first been sworn in on August 25, 2018, after being elected Sheriff-Elect earlier that month [18]. Coffey took the oath of service at the Historic Courthouse in downtown Dandridge, administered by Judge Duane Slone, with his wife Kristi holding the Bible during the ceremony [18]. He officially assumed office on September 1, 2018 [18]. Upon taking office, Coffey stated he was \"humbled and honored to have the opportunity to serve the people of Jefferson County\" and pledged to work daily to make the county safe [18].\n\nDuring his tenure, Coffey has overseen personnel changes within the Jefferson County Sheriff\u2019s Office (JCSO). In December 2020, he issued condolences on behalf of the office for the death of retired Sgt. Norman Lane, who had served 30 years in law enforcement [11]. The JCSO under Coffey\u2019s leadership has handled various criminal cases, including an incident in February 2026 where a woman was arrested and charged with multiple offenses after allegedly assaulting her boyfriend and setting his home on fire [13].","birthdate":null,"firstname":"JEFF","fullname":"JEFF COFFEY","lastname":"COFFEY","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Jeff Coffey is the Republican incumbent Sheriff of Jefferson County, Tennessee, first sworn in August 2018.","token":"7f9x8whxCw"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Jeffrey","fullname":"Jeffrey Coffey","lastname":"Coffey","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"JUgT5ZpkcW"},{"bio_snippet":"Jeremy Coffey is identified as a Republican State Executive Committee candidate in Tennessee for the 2026 election cycle.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nJeremy Coffey is a candidate for State Executive Committeeman, District 7 in the 2026 Tennessee election (Knox County).\n","birthdate":"Sat, 17 Jul 1976 00:00:00 GMT","firstname":"Jeremy","fullname":"Jeremy Coffey","lastname":"Coffey","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Jeremy Coffey is identified as a Republican State Executive Committee candidate in Tennessee for the 2026 election cycle.","token":"FAp86EgQpk"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Truman","fullname":"Truman Coffey","lastname":"Coffey","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"fZANDUf1oZ"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Kevin","fullname":"Kevin Coffield","lastname":"Coffield","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"IhCICHmqsM"},{"bio_snippet":"Tennessee Lookout reports finalized candidate lists for 2026 elections but does not mention Jeff Coggin.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nJeff \"Cog\" Coggin is a candidate for the Tennessee House of Representatives in District 020 [1]. He has been included on the official list of candidates finalized by the state for the 2026 election cycle [1]. As of May 11, 2026, the outcome of this upcoming race remains unknown.\n\n## Sources\n\n[1] [Tennessee's 2026 candidate lists finalized for state and federal races \u2022 Tennessee Lookout](https://tennesseelookout.com/briefs/tennessees-2026-candidate-lists-finalized-for-state-and-federal-races/)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Jeff","fullname":"Jeff Coggin","lastname":"Coggin","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Tennessee Lookout reports finalized candidate lists for 2026 elections but does not mention Jeff Coggin.","token":"gksVZ2RvDL"},{"bio_snippet":"Current office and 2026 campaign Jeff \"Cog\" Coggin is an independent candidate from Maryville running for Tennessee House of Representatives District 21, which covers parts of Loudon and Monroe counties, in the August 6, 2026 primary. He successfully filed the required petition s","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nJeff \"Cog\" Coggin is an independent candidate from Maryville running for Tennessee House of Representatives District 21, which covers parts of Loudon and Monroe counties, in the August 6, 2026 primary. He successfully filed the required petition signatures to qualify.\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Candidates for Tennessee House of Representatives \u2013 Tennessee Secretary of State (March 24, 2026 filing list)](https://sos-prod.tnsosgovfiles.com/s3fs-public/document/TNHouse_Filed_2026-03-24.pdf)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Jeff \"Cog\"","fullname":"Jeff \"Cog\" Coggin","lastname":"Coggin","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"QdhP9qdBgE"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"RICHARD","fullname":"RICHARD COGGINS","lastname":"COGGINS","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"HYpIm139mL"},{"bio_snippet":"Steve Cohen is a Democratic U.S. Representative for Tennessee's 9th District, serving since 2007 and currently running for re-election in 2026.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nSteve Cohen, a member of the Democratic Party, currently serves as the U.S. Representative for Tennessee's 9th Congressional District [1]. He assumed office on January 3, 2007, and his current term is scheduled to end on January 3, 2027 [1]. The district encompasses parts of Shelby and Tipton counties in southwest Tennessee, with Memphis as its largest population center [15].\n\nCohen has declared his candidacy for re-election to the U.S. House in the 2026 cycle [1]. He is set to run in the Democratic primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1]. The general election for Tennessee's nine congressional seats will be held on November 3, 2026 [19].\n\nRecent developments involve Cohen's opposition to a newly proposed congressional map released by Tennessee Republicans on May 6, 2026 [19]. This proposal aims to divide Shelby County into three districts, which would alter the composition of the 9th District [21]. Cohen has stated that he plans to file a lawsuit against the redistricting plan, arguing it targets the state's lone majority-Black district [21]. He previously expressed concern over similar legislative efforts, describing them as a \"wholesale destruction of democratic representation\" [8].\n\n## Background and education\n\nStephen Ira Cohen was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on May 24, 1949 [17]. He is a fourth-generation Memphian who has dedicated his life to public service in Memphis and Shelby County [9]. As a child, Cohen contracted polio at the age of five, spending months in the hospital and many more years on crutches, an experience he states forged resilience and determination [20].\n\nCohen earned a bachelor's degree from Vanderbilt University in 1971 and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Memphis School of Law [1]. He filed to run for office on the same day he first registered to vote, shortly after his 21st birthday [12].\n\n## Career\n\nBefore entering elected office, Cohen worked as a private-practice attorney in Memphis [10]. He also served as a legal advisor for the Memphis Police Department [10]. In 1976 and 1977, he was elected to the Tennessee State constitutional convention, where he was elected Vice President at age 28 [20].\n\nCohen earned a bachelor's degree from Vanderbilt University in 1971 and a J.D. from the University of Memphis School of Law [1][17]. He is a fourth-generation Memphian [9][12].\n\n## Office history\n\nSteve Cohen was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2006, succeeding Harold Ford Jr., and assumed office on January 3, 2007 [1][17]. He represents Tennessee's 9th Congressional District, a seat located in the southwest corner of the state that includes parts of Shelby and Tipton counties and is centered on Memphis [2][15]. Cohen has been re-elected to this position in subsequent cycles, including victories in 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2022 [5][7][3][6]. In the 2024 general election, he secured another term after winning the Democratic primary on August 1, 2024, with his current term ending on January 3, 2027 [1][4].\n\nPrior to his congressional service, Cohen served in the Tennessee Senate from the 30th district for 24 years, holding office from January 11, 1983, until December 1, 2006 [17][18]. He was preceded in that state senate seat by Jim White and succeeded by Shea Flinn [17][18]. Before his election to the state senate, Cohen served as a Shelby County Commissioner and as a Memphis Police Legal Advisor [10]. He also served as Vice President of the Tennessee State constitutional convention during his tenure from 1976 to 1977 [20].\n\nCohen has not lost any general elections for federal office since assuming his House seat in 2007. In the 2014 Democratic primary, he defeated Ricky Wilkins and Isaac Richmond before defeating Charlotte Bergmann in the general election [7]. In 2016, he defeated Wayne Alberson and Paul Cook in the general election after winning the primary against Larry Crim and Justin Ford [5]. He won the 2018 general election against Republican Charlotte Bergmann and Independent Leo AwGoWhat with 80.0% of the vote [3]. In 2022, he won re-election as the district was rated \"Solid Democratic\" by multiple political analysis groups [6].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nSteve Cohen has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since January 3, 2007, representing Tennessee\u2019s 9th Congressional District [1]. Prior to his congressional tenure, he served as a Tennessee State Senator from the 30th district for 24 years, holding office from 1983 to 2006 [17]. Cohen was appointed to the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, during the 112th Congress [10].\n\nIn the House, Cohen serves on the House Judiciary Committee, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and the House Committee on Oversight and Reform [10]. He holds the position of Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice [14].\n\nCohen has focused legislative efforts on preserving voting rights in Tennessee\u2019s 9th District. Following the passage of a new congressional map that split Shelby County, Cohen filed a lawsuit seeking to delay the legislation until the 2028 elections [16]. He has publicly criticized the Tennessee General Assembly for what he described as the \"wholesale destruction of democratic representation\" and a racially suspect gerrymander [8].\n\nOn infrastructure and disaster relief, Cohen secured $3.1 million through the annual appropriations process for the restoration of the Historic Clayborn Temple, which was damaged by fire [8]. He has also urged state officials to submit requests for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance for Shelby County following severe weather events, including a winter storm in January 2026 and subsequent damage assessments exceeding $6.6 million [11].\n\n## Documented disputes and controversies\n\nCohen has publicly characterized the redistricting of Tennessee\u2019s 9th Congressional District as a partisan effort to disenfranchise Black voters, stating that the General Assembly engaged in the \"wholesale destruction of democratic representation\" [8][9][13]. Following the passage of new congressional maps by Republican leaders and their signing into law by Governor Bill Lee, Cohen filed a lawsuit seeking to delay the legislation's implementation until the 2028 elections [16]. He argued that the proposed map would separate Shelby County into three districts, thereby eliminating the state\u2019s only majority-Black district [21].\n\nIn response to the redistricting changes, Cohen deployed resources to protect voting rights in his district, including securing $3.15 million through the annual appropriations process for the restoration of the Historic Clayborn Temple, a site central to the 1968 sanitation workers' strike [8][16]. He also praised the U.S. Department of Justice\u2019s decision to deploy election monitors to Shelby County for the November 8, 2016 general election, asserting that the right to vote is \"absolutely central to our democracy\" and that no American should be disenfranchised [14].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nSteve Cohen is a fourth-generation Memphian who worked as a private-practice attorney in Memphis prior to his election to Congress [10]. He earned a bachelor's degree from Vanderbilt University in 1971 and a J.D. from the University of Memphis School of Law [1]. Before serving in the U.S. House, Cohen held various public office roles, including serving as a Memphis Police Legal Advisor, a Shelby County Commissioner, and a Tennessee State Senator for 24 years [10]. He also served as Vice President of the Tennessee State constitutional convention at age 28 [20].\n\nSpecific details regarding Cohen's personal business interests, ownership stakes in private companies, or the specific sources of his family wealth are not provided in the available source materials. The provided texts focus on his legislative career, political service history, and public policy advocacy rather than his personal financial disclosures or commercial holdings [1][10].\n\n## Family\n\nSteve Cohen is a fourth-generation Memphian [9]. He self-describes his life story as one of resilience and determination, noting that he contracted polio at age five, which required months in the hospital and extensive time on crutches [20]. Cohen states that this hardship forged his character and shaped his career as a legislator who overcomes obstacles through persistence [12].\n\nThe provided sources do not contain information regarding his spouse, children, or other family members in politics.\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Steve Cohen (Tennessee) - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Steve_Cohen_(Tennessee))\n[2] [Tennessee's 9th Congressional District - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Tennessee's_9th_Congressional_District)\n[3] [Tennessee's 9th Congressional District election, 2018 - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Tennessee's_9th_Congressional_District_election,_2018)\n[4] [Tennessee's 9th Congressional District election, 2024 - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Tennessee's_9th_Congressional_District_election,_2024)\n[5] [Tennessee's 9th Congressional District election, 2016 - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Tennessee's_9th_Congressional_District_election,_2016)\n[6] [Tennessee's 9th Congressional District election, 2022 - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Tennessee's_9th_Congressional_District_election,_2022)\n[7] [Tennessee's 9th Congressional District elections, 2014 - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Tennessee's_9th_Congressional_District_elections,_2014)\n[8] [Congressman Steve Cohen | Representing the 9th District of Tennessee](https://cohen.house.gov/)\n[9] [Shelby County | Congressman Steve Cohen - House.gov](https://cohen.house.gov/issues/shelby-county)\n[10] [Representative Steve Cohen, Tennessee - CSCE](https://www.csce.gov/commissioner-or-staff-bios/representative-steve-cohen-tennessee/)\n[11] [Congressman Cohen Urges Governor Lee to Submit Additional FEMA Major Disaster Declaration Request for Shelby County | Congressman Steve Cohen](https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cohen-urges-governor-lee-submit-additional-fema-major)\n[12] [Biography - Congressman Steve Cohen - House.gov](https://cohen.house.gov/about/biography)\n[13] [Tennessee | Congressman Steve Cohen - House.gov](https://cohen.house.gov/issues/tennessee)\n[14] [Cohen Praises DOJ for Sending Election Monitors to Shelby County | Congressman Steve Cohen](https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cohen-praises-doj-sending-election-monitors-shelby-county)\n[15] [9th District | Congressman Steve Cohen - House.gov](https://cohen.house.gov/issues/9th-district)\n[16] [Fighting to Preserve Memphis' and Tennessee's Black Vote | Congressman Steve Cohen](https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/enewsletters/fighting-preserve-memphis-and-tennessees-black-vote)\n[17] [Steve Cohen (politician) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Cohen_(politician))\n[18] [Steve Cohen - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Cohen)\n[19] [2026 United States House of Representatives elections in Tennessee - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_United_States_House_of_Representatives_elections_in_Tennessee)\n[20] [Cohen for Congress - Cohen for Congress](https://cohenforcongress.com/)\n[21] [Tennessee congressman Steve Cohen plans to file lawsuit against redistricting map | News | fox13memphis.com](https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/tennessee-congressman-steve-cohen-plans-to-file-lawsuit-against-redistricting-proposal/article_c671c6ea-17a2-4611-8c4f-da68cf63d53c.html)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Steve","fullname":"Steve Cohen","lastname":"Cohen","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Steve Cohen is a Democratic U.S. Representative for Tennessee's 9th District, serving since 2007 and currently running for re-election in 2026.","token":"OJPkeAo7E4"}]