[{"bio_snippet":"No specific metadata found for Judy Bowman Cooley as Tennessee Republican State Executive Committeewoman; sources reference other individuals named Judy Cooley or general 2026 election data.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nJudy Bowman Cooley is a candidate for Tennessee Republican State Executive Committeewoman for District 1, which covers Bradley, McMinn, Meigs, and Rhea counties, in the August 6, 2026 election.\n\nShe has stated she will attend Tennessee Republican State Executive Committee meetings, promote conservative values, work to build the Republican Party, and report back to county parties within District 1.\n\n## Career\nCooley has been active in Republican Party organizing for many years. She has served as McMinn County Republican Women's Club President for five years, and on the Tennessee Federation of Republican Women's Executive Committee as second vice president, area vice president (three terms), and board member. She currently serves as vice treasurer and legislative chair of the McMinn County Republican Women.\n\nShe has served on the McMinn County Republican Executive Committee. She and her husband have volunteered for Republican voter canvassing efforts in North Carolina, Missouri, and Tennessee.\n\n## Family\nShe is married to \"Bug\" Cooley. They reside in the Mt. Verd community of McMinn County and attend Clearwater Baptist Church. They have four adult children: David Cooley, Shannon Varnes, Jason McPhail, and Jessica Green.\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Cooley announces District 1 Republican Executive Committee run \u2013 Cleveland Banner](https://www.clevelandbanner.com/entertainment/cooley-announces-district-1-republican-executive-committee-run/article_df39e33f-f4bc-597d-92c9-7f68c7b36299.html)\n","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Judy","fullname":"Judy Bowman Cooley","lastname":"Cooley","middlename":"Bowman","suffix":null,"summary":"No specific metadata found for Judy Bowman Cooley as Tennessee Republican State Executive Committeewoman; sources reference other individuals named Judy Cooley or general 2026 election data.","token":"OuChp0VpaY"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Rhonda","fullname":"Rhonda Cooley","lastname":"Cooley","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"d1ZgZXRjjg"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Rhonda","fullname":"Rhonda Cooley-Harold","lastname":"Cooley-Harold","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"ByFYIzd3Ls"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"David","fullname":"David Coombes","lastname":"Coombes","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"sG8vlptCqk"},{"bio_snippet":"Demetrus Coonrod is a former Chattanooga City Councilwoman and independent candidate for Tennessee House District 28 in the 2026 election.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nDemetrus Coonrod is an independent candidate running for election to the Tennessee House of Representatives to represent District 28 [1]. She is listed on the ballot for the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026 [1]. The primary election for this race occurred on August 6, 2026 [1]. Coonrod\u2019s opponent in the general election is fellow independent Johnny Horne [1].\n\nCoonrod previously served as a Chattanooga City Councilwoman representing District 9 from 2018 to 2021 and again from April 24, 2021, until her departure in April 2025 [24][9]. She announced in November 2024 that she would not seek reelection to the City Council seat [4][6]. Her tenure on the council was marked by advocacy for underserved communities and a residency investigation that was ultimately dismissed by a judge who found she resided within her district [2][3].\n\nPrior to her 2026 campaign, Coonrod ran for District 28 in the 2024 Democratic primary against incumbent Rep. Yusuf Hakeem [11][15]. She lost that primary race [19]. Following her departure from city council, she issued statements criticizing the Hamilton County Democratic Party regarding internal dynamics and resignations within the organization [13]. For her current campaign, Coonrod self-describes as a principled, progressive leader who has risen from humble beginnings and a past felony conviction to pursue public service [20][21].\n\n## Background and education\n\nDemetrus Coonrod was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on December 30, 1974 [24]. She self-describes as the oldest of four children who grew up in a working-class family in East Chattanooga [20]. Her early life included significant challenges; she has stated that she was convicted of a felony and served time in prison before rebuilding her life [12]. Coonrod is open about this past, noting it shaped her advocacy for police reform and justice-involved individuals [12]. She identifies with the Christian faith, describing her journey as one involving healing and faith [21].\n\nCoonrod earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology with a minor in Criminal Justice from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga [12]. She was among the first in Tennessee and the United States to have her voting rights restored following her felony conviction [24].\n\n## Career\n\nCoonrod is the franchise owner of JanPro [5]. She previously served as vice chairwoman of the Hamilton County Democratic Party [5] and later as its chairwoman [22]. Outside of party leadership, she served as president of the Eastdale Neighborhood Association [22].\n\nIn 2024, Coonrod graduated from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga with a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology and a minor in criminal justice [12]. She has been open about her past felony conviction and time in prison, which she says helped shape her advocacy for police reform and second chances for justice-involved individuals [12][20][26]. Coonrod is among the first in Tennessee, and the U.S., to have her voting rights restored after a felony conviction [24].\n\n## Office history\n\nDemetrus Coonrod served on the Chattanooga City Council representing District 9 from 2018 to 2025 [24]. She first assumed office in April 2018 after winning a special election on April 11, 2017, defeating incumbent Yusuf Hakeem [9][16]. During her tenure, she served as the chairwoman of the Council's Economic Development and Human Resources Committees [16]. Her time in office was marked by advocacy for underserved communities and efforts to bridge political divides within the city [4][10].\n\nCoonrod was sworn in for a second term on April 19, 2021, having been re-elected in April 2021 [9][24]. Her residency qualifications were challenged during this period, leading to an investigation by City Auditor Stan Sewell and a subsequent court ruling that dismissed the challenge, allowing her to continue serving [2][3]. In November 2024, she announced that she would not seek re-election for the District 9 seat in the upcoming March 2025 municipal elections [4][6][8]. She completed her final day in office on April 8, 2025 [9].\n\nIn November 2023, Coonrod declared her candidacy for the Tennessee House of Representatives District 28 seat, challenging three-term incumbent Rep. Yusuf Hakeem in the Democratic primary [15][16]. She launched her campaign officially in February 2024 [17]. In the 2024 election cycle, she lost the primary to Hakeem, who retained the seat [19].\n\nCoonrod is currently running for election to the Tennessee House of Representatives to represent District 28 as an independent candidate [1]. She is on the ballot in the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026 [1].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nDuring her tenure on the Chattanooga City Council, Coonrod served as chairwoman of the Economic Development and Human Resources Committees [16]. She also previously held the position of vice chairwoman of the Hamilton County Democratic Party [5][22]. Her legislative focus during this period included advocating for affordable housing, economic empowerment, and infrastructure improvements, such as those for the Wilcox Tunnel in her District 9 [21][22].\n\nCoonrod\u2019s policy positions have centered on criminal justice reform and second chances for justice-involved individuals, drawing from her own experience with a prior felony conviction [12][21]. She has described herself as a champion for equity and has advocated for police reform [12]. In 2025, she publicly criticized the Hamilton County Democratic Party, stating that resignations within the party reflected systemic issues that made it unsafe or disrespectful for Black members and young leaders to serve [13].\n\nIn her campaign for Tennessee House District 28, Coonrod outlined a vision for an \"inclusive and prosperous future\" focused on representation for marginalized residents [14][15]. She has stated that she aims to bridge political divides and ensure every resident has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of zip code or background [20][23]. As of May 2026, she is a candidate in the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026 [1].\n\n## Documented disputes and controversies\n\nIn March 2024, Chattanooga City Auditor Stan Sewell launched an investigation into Coonrod\u2019s residency qualifications after the city attorney requested a review of allegations that she did not live in her District 9 council district or within city limits [2][18]. The dispute centered on whether Coonrod resided at her Moss Street home or a property she purchased off Heritage Drive in January 2022, which was located outside city limits [3]. A Hamilton County Circuit Court judge dismissed the legal challenge to her residency in June 2024, finding that Coonrod was a resident of the Moss Street home and could continue to serve on the council [3].\n\nCoonrod\u2019s tenure on the Chattanooga City Council included a public controversy regarding her conduct during a June traffic stop involving a driver cited for driving without a license [25]. Body camera footage showed Coonrod, who was a passenger in the vehicle, insisting that the officer contact Police Chief Fred Fletcher [25]. Coonrod later issued a public apology for her behavior during the incident, stating she did not know Chief Fletcher personally and had no reason to contact him at that time [25].\n\nDuring her 2024 campaign for Tennessee House District 28, Coonrod engaged in a contentious Democratic primary against incumbent Representative Yusuf Hakeem [11][15]. The race was characterized by mutual criticism, with Coonrod accusing the Hamilton County Democratic Party of impeding her run through threats to supporters and negative campaigning [19]. In response to these allegations, Coonrod described the contest as a \"profound struggle against broader systemic challenges\" rather than a simple two-candidate race [19].\n\nIn December 2025, following her departure from city council, Coonrod issued a statement criticizing the Hamilton County Democratic Party for internal resignations [13]. She characterized these departures not as routine turnover but as evidence of a \"systemic issue\" that created an unsafe culture for Black members and young leaders who refused to acquiesce to internal power structures [13].\n\nAn FBI probe into Coonrod was reported as unresolved in October 2025 [7]. The status of the investigation had not been clarified in available records by that date [7].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nCoonrod\u2019s business background includes ownership of a JanPro franchise [5]. She has described her upbringing in a working-class family in East Chattanooga and states that she rose from humble beginnings to achieve financial stability [20]. Her public narrative emphasizes personal redemption following a felony conviction and time served in prison, which she cites as foundational to her advocacy work rather than as a source of wealth [12][26].\n\nSpecific details regarding her current business ownership stakes, the sale of any businesses, or the specific sources of her personal wealth are not detailed in the available records. While Coonrod has held public office and engaged in political fundraising, the provided sources do not list significant financial disclosure facts, such as asset values or income brackets, for her candidacy for Tennessee House District 28 [1].\n\n## Family\n\nCoonrod self-describes her most important titles as \"Mom and Grandmother\" [20]. She is the oldest of four children and grew up in a working-class family in East Chattanooga [20]. Her personal narrative includes a past felony conviction for which she served time, an experience she has cited as foundational to her advocacy for second chances and criminal justice reform [12][26].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Demetrus Coonrod - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Demetrus_Coonrod)\n[2] [City Auditor investigating Chattanooga City Council member\u2019s compliance of residency rules | Local News | local3news.com](https://www.local3news.com/local-news/city-auditor-investigating-chattanooga-city-council-member-s-compliance-of-residency-rules/article_2e958b9c-dfe4-11ee-9edf-5fe508535876.html)\n[3] [Judge dismisses challenge to Chattanooga council member\u2019s residency qualifications | Chattanooga Times Free Press](https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/jun/11/judge-dismisses-challenge-to-chattanooga-council/)\n[4] [Chattanooga councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod announces she will not seek reelection](https://foxchattanooga.com/news/local/chattanooga-councilwoman-demetrus-coonrod-announces-she-will-not-seek-reelection)\n[5] [Demetrus Coonrod seeks District 9 city council seat | Chattanooga Times Free Press](https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2016/nov/26/demetres-coonrod-seeks-district-9-city-counci/)\n[6] [Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod Announces She Will Not Seek Re-Election - Chattanoogan.com](https://www.chattanoogan.com/2024/11/17/495581/Councilwoman-Demetrus-Coonrod-Announces.aspx)\n[7] [FBI probe into Demetrus Coonrod remains unresolved | Chattanooga Times Free Press](https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2025/oct/18/fbi-probe-into-demetrus-coonrod-remains-unresolved/)\n[8] [Demetrus Coonrod won\u2019t seek reelection to Chattanooga City Council seat | Chattanooga Times Free Press](https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/nov/17/demetrus-coonrod-wont-seek-reelection-to/)\n[9] [Demetrus Coonrod Leaves Chattanooga City Council After Historic and Controversial Tenure - Chattanooga News Chronicle](https://www.chattnewschronicle.com/local/demetrus-coonrod-leaves-chattanooga-city-council-after-historic-and-controversial-tenure/)\n[10] [Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod Not Seeking Re-election | Local News | local3news.com](https://www.local3news.com/local-news/chattanooga-councilwoman-coonrod-wont-seek-re-election/article_a45303c2-a515-11ef-97e0-bffd2b7d695a.html)\n[11] [Opinion: Demetrus Coonrod fires salvo at Yusuf Hakeem in what might be the most closely contended Hamilton County legislative race | Chattanooga Times Free Press](https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/may/02/opinion-demetrus-coonrod-fires-salvo-at-yusuf/)\n[12] [Former felon, current Chattanooga city councilwoman now a college graduate](https://newschannel9.com/news/local/former-felon-current-chattanooga-city-councilwoman-now-a-college-graduate)\n[13] [Former Chattanooga council member blasts Democrats | Chattanooga Times Free Press](https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2025/dec/05/former-chattanooga-council-member-blasts-democrats/)\n[14] [Chattanooga city councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod launches campaign for Tennessee State House](https://newschannel9.com/amp/news/local/chattanooga-city-councilwoman-demetrus-coonrod-launches-campaign-for-tennessee-state-house)\n[15] [Chattanooga Council Member Coonrod makes 2024 challenge to Rep. Hakeem official | Chattanooga Times Free Press](https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2023/nov/15/chattanooga-council-member-coonrod-makes-2024/)\n[16] [Demetrus Coonrod Announces Candidacy For State House District 28 - Chattanoogan.com](https://www.chattanoogan.com/2023/11/15/478293/Demetrus-Coonrod-Announces-Candidacy.aspx)\n[17] [Councilwoman Coonrod Launches Campaign For Tennessee State House District 28 - Chattanoogan.com](https://www.chattanoogan.com/2024/2/9/482458/Councilwoman-Coonrod-Launches-Campaign.aspx)\n[18] [City Auditor Investigating Residency Of Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod - Chattanoogan.com](https://www.chattanoogan.com/2024/3/12/484164/City-Auditor-Investigating-Residency.aspx)\n[19] [Different year, different seat: Incumbent Hakeem fends off challenger Coonrod](https://foxchattanooga.com/news/local/different-year-different-seat-incumbent-hakeem-hopes-to-fight-off-challenger-coonrod-yusuf-hakeem-demetrus-coonrod-tennessee-district-28-seat)\n[20] [Demetrus Coonrod](https://www.demetruscoonrod.com/demetruscoonrod)\n[21] [The Path through Shadows | Demetrus Coonrod](https://www.demetruscoonrod.com/)\n[22] [About | Demetrus Coonrod](https://www.demetruscoonrod.com/aboutdemetruscoonrod)\n[23] [Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod will not seek re-election - WDEF](https://www.wdef.com/councilwoman-demetrus-coonrod-will-not-seek-re-election/)\n[24] [Demetrus Coonrod - - Wikitia](https://wikitia.com/wiki/Demetrus_Coonrod)\n[25] [Councilwoman apologizes for behavior during traffic stop | | local3news.com](https://www.local3news.com/councilwoman-apologizes-for-behavior-during-traffic-stop/article_eefe27ed-3348-59f2-84fc-aa307870847b.html)\n[26] [Prison to Purpose | Demetrus Coonrod](https://www.demetruscoonrod.com/product-page/prison-to-purpose)","birthdate":"Mon, 30 Dec 1974 00:00:00 GMT","firstname":"Demetrus","fullname":"Demetrus Coonrod","lastname":"Coonrod","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Demetrus Coonrod is a former Chattanooga City Councilwoman and independent candidate for Tennessee House District 28 in the 2026 election.","token":"MCXiBpOotI"},{"bio_snippet":"Current office and 2026 campaign Demetrus \"Meechie\" Coonrod is an Independent candidate for Tennessee House of Representatives District 28, having previously served as Chattanooga City Councilwoman for District 9 from 2018 to 2025 1 2 . She challenged incumbent Rep. Yusuf Hakeem ","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nDemetrus \"Meechie\" Coonrod is an Independent candidate for Tennessee House of Representatives District 28, having previously served as Chattanooga City Councilwoman for District 9 from 2018 to 2025 [1][2]. She challenged incumbent Rep. Yusuf Hakeem in the 2024 Democratic primary for this seat and lost [3].\n\n## Background and education\nCoonrod has spoken publicly about a past felony conviction and time served in prison earlier in her life, which she has said shaped her advocacy for criminal-justice reform and second chances for justice-involved people [1][4]. In 2024 she graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a Bachelor of Science in sociology and a minor in criminal justice [4]. She was among the first people in Tennessee to have her voting rights restored after a felony conviction [1].\n\n## Career\nCoonrod owns a JanPro cleaning-franchise business and previously served as vice chairwoman, and later chairwoman, of the Hamilton County Democratic Party [5].\n\n## Office history\nCoonrod served on the Chattanooga City Council representing District 9 from 2018 until her term ended in April 2025; she announced in November 2024 that she would not seek re-election [2][6]. Her residency qualifications were challenged in 2024, and a Hamilton County Circuit Court judge dismissed the challenge in June 2024, finding she resided within her district [7].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Demetrus Coonrod - Wikitia](https://wikitia.com/wiki/Demetrus_Coonrod)\n[2] [Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod Announces She Will Not Seek Re-Election - Chattanoogan.com](https://www.chattanoogan.com/2024/11/17/495581/Councilwoman-Demetrus-Coonrod-Announces.aspx)\n[3] [Different year, different seat: Incumbent Hakeem fends off challenger Coonrod - Fox Chattanooga](https://foxchattanooga.com/news/local/different-year-different-seat-incumbent-hakeem-hopes-to-fight-off-challenger-coonrod-yusuf-hakeem-demetrus-coonrod-tennessee-district-28-seat)\n[4] [Former felon, current Chattanooga city councilwoman now a college graduate - NewsChannel 9](https://newschannel9.com/news/local/former-felon-current-chattanooga-city-councilwoman-now-a-college-graduate)\n[5] [Demetrus Coonrod seeks District 9 city council seat - Chattanooga Times Free Press](https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2016/nov/26/demetres-coonrod-seeks-district-9-city-counci/)\n[6] [Chattanooga councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod announces she will not seek reelection - Fox Chattanooga](https://foxchattanooga.com/news/local/chattanooga-councilwoman-demetrus-coonrod-announces-she-will-not-seek-reelection)\n[7] [Judge dismisses challenge to Chattanooga council member's residency qualifications - Chattanooga Times Free Press](https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/jun/11/judge-dismisses-challenge-to-chattanooga-council/)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Demetrus \"Meechie\"","fullname":"Demetrus \"Meechie\" Coonrod","lastname":"Coonrod","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"nkrlQBxC2A"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"J.","fullname":"J. BRYAN COONS","lastname":"COONS","middlename":"BRYAN","suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"Jp6ifN95Fi"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"BEN","fullname":"BEN COOPER","lastname":"COOPER","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"lHPfO09jJI"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Betsy","fullname":"Betsy Cooper","lastname":"Cooper","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"A2gXPlVnXe"},{"bio_snippet":"Per the NC voter file: DEM voter in Halifax County since 1984.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n**Cooper did not win re-election to the Halifax County Schools Board of Education: in the nonpartisan election held March 3, 2026, he finished 4th of 7 candidates with 1,904 votes, one spot short of the three seats, which were won outright by Elizabeth \"Lizzie\" Silver (2,332), Curtis W. Young (2,162), and Michael Hawkins Sr. (1,965); the contest was decided in this single election, with no subsequent November runoff [6].** Cooper had been a candidate for the Halifax County Schools Board of Education in the 2026 election, according to the North Carolina State Board of Elections 2026 candidate filing list [3].\n\n## Background and education\nAccording to the North Carolina voter file, Cooper is a registered Democratic voter in Halifax County, registered since 1984 (42 years); the voter file lists his year of birth as 1947 (NC bulk voter export publishes only year of birth) [1]. The voter history file shows 11 elections voted in since 2016, most recently the 2026-03-03 primary [2].\n\n## Career\nCooper is a sitting member of the Halifax County Board of Education. Halifax County Schools publicly thanked him, alongside fellow board member Dr. Joyce Lashley, for his \"time, wisdom, and unwavering commitment\" to the district [4]. He discussed his board service in an episode of the \"Wright Experience\" podcast [5].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [North Carolina State Board of Elections -- Voter Search](https://vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup/)\n[2] North Carolina State Board of Elections voter history file (ncvhis_Statewide), published at [dl.ncsbe.gov](https://dl.ncsbe.gov/)\n[3] [2026 Candidate Filing List, North Carolina State Board of Elections](https://s3.amazonaws.com/dl.ncsbe.gov/Elections/2026/Candidate%20Filing/Candidate_Listing_2026.csv)\n[4] [Halifax County Schools -- Facebook post thanking Claude Cooper and Joyce Lashley for board service](https://www.facebook.com/HalifaxCountySchoolsNC/photos/we-extend-our-sincere-gratitude-to-two-dedicated-members-of-the-halifax-county-b/1596268969172997/)\n[5] [The Wright Experience, Episode 85: Mr. Claude Cooper, Board Member Halifax County Schools, NC](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4Pb0Y1JGyM)\n[6] [North Carolina State Board of Elections -- 2026 certified election results, Halifax County](https://s3.amazonaws.com/dl.ncsbe.gov/ENRS/2026_03_03/results_precinct_sort/HALIFAX_PRECINCT_SORT.txt) -- accessed 2026-07-23","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Claude","fullname":"Claude E Cooper","lastname":"Cooper","middlename":"E","suffix":null,"summary":"Per the NC voter file: DEM voter in Halifax County since 1984.","token":"42c83655a57dac39"},{"bio_snippet":"Per the NC voter file: REP voter in Franklin County since 2023.","biography":"**Update: David Ashley Cooper did not advance from the March 3, 2026 nonpartisan primary for Franklin County Board of Education, District 5, finishing third among three candidates with 487 votes, behind Jonathan Vanderford (829) and Chris Perry (619) [1]. Vanderford and Perry both advanced to the November 3, 2026 general election; Cooper does not appear on the North Carolina State Board of Elections' 2026 candidate filing list for that contest [2].**\n\nAccording to the North Carolina voter file, David Ashley Cooper is a registered voter in Franklin County, North Carolina, registered since 2023 (3 years), with party affiliation listed as Republican [3].\n\nThe voter file shows David Ashley Cooper's year of birth as 1977; NC publishes only the year of birth in its bulk voter export, so day and month are not part of the public record [3].\n\nThe voter history file shows 4 elections voted in since 2016, most recently the 2026-03-03 primary election [4].\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 David Ashley Cooper can reach ballotproject.org with corrections or additions.\n\n## Sources\n[1] North Carolina State Board of Elections, certified March 3, 2026 primary election results by precinct (`results_pct_20260303.txt`), published at [dl.ncsbe.gov/ENRS/2026_03_03/](https://dl.ncsbe.gov/ENRS/2026_03_03/) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-24\n\n[2] North Carolina State Board of Elections, 2026 Candidate Filing List (`Candidate_Listing_2026.csv`), published at [dl.ncsbe.gov](https://s3.amazonaws.com/dl.ncsbe.gov/Elections/2026/Candidate%20Filing/Candidate_Listing_2026.csv) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-24\n\n[3] [North Carolina State Board of Elections \u2014 Voter Search](https://vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup/)\n\n[4] North Carolina State Board of Elections voter history file (`ncvhis_Statewide`), published at [dl.ncsbe.gov](https://dl.ncsbe.gov/)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"David","fullname":"David Ashley Cooper","lastname":"Cooper","middlename":"Ashley","suffix":null,"summary":"Per the NC voter file: REP voter in Franklin County since 2023.","token":"99f6216646e3bd5f"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"James","fullname":"James Cooper","lastname":"Cooper","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"DvtFNmvhSF"},{"bio_snippet":"Republican candidate for Fayette County Commissioner District 8 Position 2; won a contested May 2026 primary and is unopposed in the August general.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nJay Cooper is a Republican candidate for Fayette County Commissioner, District 8, Position 2, in Tennessee [1]. He won a contested May 5, 2026 Republican primary, defeating Jeff Fisher 132 votes to 67 (66.33% to 33.67%) [2]. No Democratic candidate qualified for the race, leaving Cooper unopposed for the August 6, 2026 Fayette County general election [2]. In campaign materials, Cooper describes his candidacy this way: \"I am running for Fayette County Commissioner, District 8, Position 2 and it is my desire to bring Christian family values into my leadership position, protecting our community's character with responsible growth and advocating for seniors, families, and local businesses. This campaign is about service - not politics.\" [3]\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Candidate Lists | Tennessee Secretary of State](https://sos.tn.gov/elections/2026-candidate-lists) - accessed 2026-07-06\n[2] [Fayette County Election Commission, 2026 Primary Election Summary Report](https://fayettetn.us/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/26-5-5-Primary-Totals.pdf) - accessed 2026-07-06\n[3] [Facebook campaign statement](https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10230027353123154&set=pcb.1960899541189412) - accessed 2026-07-06","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Jay","fullname":"Jay Cooper","lastname":"Cooper","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Republican candidate for Fayette County Commissioner District 8 Position 2; won a contested May 2026 primary and is unopposed in the August general.","token":"3TuhR64rQy"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"JERRY","fullname":"JERRY COOPER","lastname":"COOPER","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"Y28BQ8CXHd"},{"bio_snippet":"Republican nominee for Blount County Commission District 2, Seat B, in the 2026 general election, having won a primary against John Craw after incumbent Dyran Bledsoe withdrew.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nJoe Cooper is the Republican nominee for Blount County Commission District 2, Seat B, on the August 6, 2026 general-election ballot, where he faces Democrat Jennifer Wright [2]. Cooper's path to the nomination followed incumbent Dyran Bledsoe's withdrawal from the race, which opened a seven-day extension for new petitions; John Craw was verified as a candidate under that extension on March 5 and faced Cooper in the May 5 Republican primary, which Cooper won [1][2].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Blount County Election Commission approves May ballot](https://www.thedailytimes.com/news/blount-county-election-commission-approves-may-ballot/article_cbd68c94-04e7-42e3-ab6b-3c70daee2bfa.html) (The Daily Times) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-09\n[2] [August 6, 2026 Official Ballot for Blount County](https://www.blounttn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/30077/August-6-2026-Sample-Ballot-PDF) (Blount County Election Commission) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-09","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Joe","fullname":"Joe Cooper","lastname":"Cooper","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Republican nominee for Blount County Commission District 2, Seat B, in the 2026 general election, having won a primary against John Craw after incumbent Dyran Bledsoe withdrew.","token":"mG1D0Q4g1w"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"KYLE","fullname":"KYLE COOPER","lastname":"COOPER","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"nFdQfopixE"},{"bio_snippet":"Independent candidate for Fentress County Executive; appears to be the sitting 5th District county commissioner (name match to be verified).","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nLarry Cooper is an independent candidate for Fentress County Executive on the August 6, 2026 county general ballot, one of two independents challenging Republican nominee Jacob Rosenbaum.\n\n## Office history\nA Larry Cooper currently serves on the Fentress County Commission representing the 5th District [1]. This appears to be the same person, but the name match should be confirmed before publication.","birthdate":null,"firstname":"LARRY","fullname":"LARRY COOPER","lastname":"COOPER","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Independent candidate for Fentress County Executive; appears to be the sitting 5th District county commissioner (name match to be verified).","token":"mxhAWuzjWd"},{"bio_snippet":"Per the NC voter file: DEM voter in Sampson County since 1992.","biography":"According to the North Carolina voter file, Patrick Dwayne Cooper is a registered voter in Sampson County, North Carolina, registered since 1992 (34 years), with party affiliation listed as Democratic [1].\n\nThe voter file shows Patrick Dwayne Cooper's year of birth as 1971; 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 9 elections voted in since 2018, 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 Patrick Dwayne Cooper 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":"Patrick","fullname":"Patrick Dwayne Cooper","lastname":"Cooper","middlename":"Dwayne","suffix":null,"summary":"Per the NC voter file: DEM voter in Sampson County since 1992.","token":"c29fb4b96d65adc1"},{"bio_snippet":"Pell Carlton Cooper is a Democratic judge on North Carolina\u2019s 7th Judicial District Court, serving since 1999 and active in law, business, and community affairs.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nPell Carlton Cooper is a Democratic candidate for North Carolina District Court Judge, District 8, Seat 1, serving Edgecombe, Nash, and Wilson counties, on the November 3, 2026 general-election ballot [5]. He has served as a judge of what is now the 8th Judicial District Court since 1999; Wikipedia's biography (last substantively updated around his 2014 re-election) refers to the same Nash/Edgecombe/Wilson seat as the 7th Judicial District Court, reflecting North Carolina's judicial district renumbering since then [4][5].\n\n## Background and education\nCooper was born in 1959 in Nashville, North Carolina, to Beverly Thorne Batchelor Cooper, a teacher, and Roy Asberry Cooper II, an attorney and Democratic Party operative. He is the brother of former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1984, spent a year at the Sorbonne in Paris in 1982, and received his Juris Doctor from UNC School of Law in 1988 [4].\n\n## Career\nCooper joined the district court bench in 1999 and was re-elected in 2014, serving Nash, Edgecombe, and Wilson counties [4]. He presented the Nashville Chamber of Commerce's Distinguished Citizen Award in 2013 and was a guest speaker at the chamber's 2019 awards reception [4].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\nCooper and his brother Roy Cooper established Will Clark Properties LLC, a real-estate investment company, on land purchased from their father in 1996. The company's 40-acre farm in Nash County has been leased to Strata Solar, a Durham-based solar-energy company; management of the farm was later handed to Cooper's wife, Meredith Garriss [4].\n\n## Sources\n- [4] [Pell Cooper - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pell_Cooper)\n- [5] North Carolina State Board of Elections, 2026 Candidate Filing list (District Court Judge District 08 Seat 01), accessed 2026-07-20","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Pell","fullname":"Pell Carlton Cooper","lastname":"Cooper","middlename":"Carlton","suffix":null,"summary":"Pell Carlton Cooper is a Democratic judge on North Carolina\u2019s 7th Judicial District Court, serving since 1999 and active in law, business, and community affairs.","token":"6bf9c316b8582825"},{"bio_snippet":"Rebecca Ann Cooper is the Democratic candidate for Onslow County Commissioner in 2026, emphasizing business\u2011driven governance and local healthcare.","biography":"Rebecca Ann Cooper is the Democratic candidate for the Onslow County Board of Commissioners in the November\u202f3,\u202f2026 general election\u202f[3][12]. She has been listed as a candidate on the Onslow County election information page and in local news coverage of the race\u202f[3][10]. Cooper describes herself as a homeschooling mother of five and the spouse of a Marine veteran who now serves as a police officer, and notes that she has lived in Onslow County for 25\u202fyears\u202f[9]. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and is completing a Master of Business Administration at East\u202fCoast\u202fUniversity\u202f[9]. Her campaign emphasizes a business\u2011driven approach to county governance, advocating for fiscally responsible growth, developer accountability, and improved local healthcare access, especially for families like hers with a child who has Type\u202f1 diabetes\u202f[9]. Cooper positions herself as a non\u2011career politician focused on smart growth, infrastructure, and aligning local wages with the cost of living for both active\u2011duty military families and civilian residents\u202f[9].\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [North Carolina elections, 2026 - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/North_Carolina_elections,_2026)\n- [3] [Candidate Information | Onslow County, NC](https://www.onslowcountync.gov/386/Candidate-Information)\n- [5] [Candidate Lists | NCSBE](https://www.ncsbe.gov/results-data/candidate-lists)\n- [6] [2026 United States Senate election in North Carolina - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_United_States_Senate_election_in_North_Carolina)\n- [9] [Rebecca Cooper | Onslow County Commissioner](https://rcooper4onslow.com/)\n- [10] [6 vie for Onslow County commissioner in March primary | Local News | jdnews.com](https://www.jdnews.com/news/local/6-vie-for-onslow-county-commissioner-in-march-primary/article_e569fa16-561b-5eb6-906c-538cee53764b.html)\n- [11] [Rebecca Cooper Obituary | Oct 9, 2022 | Reidsville, NC](https://www.cittyfh.com/obituary/Rebecca-Cooper)\n- [12] [Meet your Onslow County Candidates for the 2026 Election](https://wcti12.com/news/election/local-election/meet-your-onslow-county-candidates-for-the-2026-election)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Rebecca","fullname":"Rebecca Ann Cooper","lastname":"Cooper","middlename":"Ann","suffix":null,"summary":"Rebecca Ann Cooper is the Democratic candidate for Onslow County Commissioner in 2026, emphasizing business\u2011driven governance and local healthcare.","token":"3c79f4c82a7d14db"}]