[{"bio_snippet":"Billy Austin, a sitting Washington County constable and small business owner, is the Republican candidate for County Commission District 2, after previous runs for constable and commission.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nBilly Austin is the Republican candidate for Washington County Commission District 2 in the August 6, 2026 county general election [1].\n\n## Career\nAustin is a small business owner [1].\n\n## Office history\nAustin currently serves as Washington County Constable for District 1, a term set to run until August 1, 2028 [1]. He previously sought the Constable, District 1 seat in the March and August 2024 elections, and ran for Washington County Commission District 2 in the May 3, 2022 primary [1].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Billy Austin | BallotReady](https://www.ballotready.org/people/billy-austin) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-06\n","birthdate":null,"firstname":"BILLY","fullname":"BILLY AUSTIN","lastname":"AUSTIN","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Billy Austin, a sitting Washington County constable and small business owner, is the Republican candidate for County Commission District 2, after previous runs for constable and commission.","token":"jLnCqyu8YH"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"John","fullname":"John Austin","lastname":"Austin","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"pkep2Kaiue"},{"bio_snippet":"Keith D. Austin ran as a challenger for Memphis City Council District 6 in the October 5, 2023 general election; incumbent Edmund Ford Sr. won re-election.","biography":"## Background and education\n\nAustin grew up in the Walker Homes area of Memphis and attended LeMoyne-Owen College [4]. He also studied at Remington College's Memphis campus, according to his LinkedIn profile [3] (LinkedIn requires login; reflects the public profile as of 2023).\n\n## Career\n\nAustin worked as an employee at Blues City Brewery in Memphis [2].\n\n## Office history\n\nAustin was a candidate for Memphis City Council District 6 in the October 5, 2023 general election, challenging incumbent Edmund Ford Sr. [2]. Campaign coverage described Austin as active in neighborhood cleanup efforts in his community and framed him as an outsider \"challenging a local political dynasty\" [1]. Austin identified crime as the top issue facing Memphis and called for expanded community-center programming and after-school activities to give young people alternatives to gang involvement; he also expressed interest in economic development along Third Street, without providing specifics [2]. Ford Sr. won re-election in the three-way race, according to unofficial returns reported by the Daily Memphian, defeating Austin and fellow challenger Larry Hunter [5].\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Keith Austin: I couldn't see the change, so I decided to be the change - JustMyMemphis](https://justmymemphis.com/view-post/2017) (published September 10, 2023)\n- [2] [Two challengers look to unseat incumbent in District 6 race - Daily Memphian](https://dailymemphian.com/article/38410/edmund-ford-sr-keith-austin-larry-hunter-district-6) (published September 11, 2023)\n- [3] [Keith Austin II - City Council Candidate - Memphis, TN - LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithforcityc) (LinkedIn requires login; not independently re-verified this session)\n- [4] [Memphis Election Guide: Meet the candidates for mayor and city council - WREG](https://wreg.com/news/your-local-election-headquarters/memphis-mayoral-debate-2023/memphis-mayor-candidates-who-are-they/) (published September 27, 2023)\n- [5] [2023 Memphis mayor and city council election results live blog - Daily Memphian](https://dailymemphian.com/article/38898/2023-memphis-mayor-city-council-election-results-blog) (accessed 2026-07-06)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Keith","fullname":"Keith D. Austin","lastname":"Austin","middlename":"D.","suffix":null,"summary":"Keith D. Austin ran as a challenger for Memphis City Council District 6 in the October 5, 2023 general election; incumbent Edmund Ford Sr. won re-election.","token":"AAgc02pJEY"},{"bio_snippet":"Shante K. Avant is a public figure who was elected to the Shelby County Board of Commissioners in 2022 to represent District 5. She previously served as a member of the Shelby County Board of Education representing District 6. Avant holds a BA in Psychology and a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee. She has over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector and currently serves as the Deputy Director of the Women's Foundation for Greater Memphis (WFGM), where she manages staff, operations, and fund development. Avant is actively involved in her local community, serving as Chair of the Shelby County School Board and as a board member for Clean Memphis. She also serves on the advisory boards for the University of Memphis College of Social Work and the New Memphis Institute.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nShante Avant was elected to the Shelby County Board of Commissioners on August 4, 2022, to represent District 5. She is a native of Memphis and earned her BA in Psychology and Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee.\n\nShante was a member of the Shelby County Board of Education representing District 6 until 2022. She serves as deputy director for the Women\u2019s Foundation for Greater Memphis (WFGM) and manages its staff and operations. She also has 17 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. \n\nCommanding over 20 years of non-profit experience, Shante K. Avant works towards the economic security of thousands of women and their families in the Greater Memphis Area every day. As Deputy Director of the Women\u2019s Foundation for a Greater Memphis (WFGM), she manages staff, operations, and fund development. She is responsible for grant allocations, fostering strategic partnerships within the corporate community, stewarding relationships with local and national foundations and local community-based organizations, institutional giving, and large donor stewardship.\n\nAvant\u2019s local community involvements include serving as Chair of the Shelby County School Board. She represents District 6 which includes the South Memphis, Riverside, Westwood, and Whitehaven communities. She is a board member for Clean Memphis and serves on the advisory boards for the University of Memphis College of Social Work and the New Memphis Institute.\n\nShe has one daughter named Peyton.\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=AVANT&id=61851&f=197886&v=1) \u2014 filed as a Shelby County official/candidate\n- **2025** \u2014 [County Commission (SS-8005)](https://conflict.app.tn.gov/conflict/view_form_8005.htm?name=AVANT&id=61851&f=188364&v=1) \u2014 filed as a Shelby County official/candidate\n- **2024** \u2014 [County Commission (SS-8005)](https://conflict.app.tn.gov/conflict/view_form_8005.htm?name=AVANT&id=61851&f=179246&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","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Shante","fullname":"Shante K. Avant","lastname":"Avant","middlename":"K.","suffix":null,"summary":"Shante K. Avant is a public figure who was elected to the Shelby County Board of Commissioners in 2022 to represent District 5. She previously served as a member of the Shelby County Board of Education representing District 6. Avant holds a BA in Psychology and a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee. She has over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector and currently serves as the Deputy Director of the Women's Foundation for Greater Memphis (WFGM), where she manages staff, operations, and fund development. Avant is actively involved in her local community, serving as Chair of the Shelby County School Board and as a board member for Clean Memphis. She also serves on the advisory boards for the University of Memphis College of Social Work and the New Memphis Institute.","token":"I3OzK82mKK"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Bryan","fullname":"Bryan K. Avery","lastname":"Avery","middlename":"K.","suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"MWzJyKkfx6"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Jessica","fullname":"Jessica Avery","lastname":"Avery","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"XlapoLhzJi"},{"bio_snippet":"Per the NC voter file: REP voter in Jones County since 2012.","biography":"According to the North Carolina voter file, Richard Gene Avery JR is a registered voter in Jones County, North Carolina, registered since 2012 (14 years), with party affiliation listed as Republican [1].\n\nThe voter file shows Richard Gene Avery JR's year of birth as 1972; 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 12 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 Richard Gene Avery 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":"Richard","fullname":"Richard Gene Avery JR","lastname":"Avery","middlename":"Gene","suffix":"JR","summary":"Per the NC voter file: REP voter in Jones County since 2012.","token":"a33b82f8e9d42e00"},{"bio_snippet":"David Woodall Aycock is a Republican attorney and former Army captain running for an unspecified North Carolina office in 2026.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nDavid Woodall Aycock is a Republican candidate for North Carolina District Court Judge, District 36, Seat 1, on the November 3, 2026 general-election ballot, per the NC State Board of Elections' 2026 candidate filing list [1]. The district covers Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba counties. Aycock filed his candidacy on December 9, 2025, and resides in Hickory, NC [1].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [North Carolina 2026 Candidate Listing (NCSBE)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/dl.ncsbe.gov/Elections/2026/Candidate%20Filing/Candidate_Listing_2026.csv) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-20","birthdate":null,"firstname":"David","fullname":"David Woodall Aycock","lastname":"Aycock","middlename":"Woodall","suffix":null,"summary":"David Woodall Aycock is a Republican attorney and former Army captain running for an unspecified North Carolina office in 2026.","token":"335b29891a17367d"},{"bio_snippet":"Ann Ayers-Colvin is listed as a candidate for Tn Exec Committeewoman 12 R Primary in the Tennessee Secretary of State's 2026 candidate lists.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nAnn Ayers-Colvin is a Republican candidate for the Tennessee State Executive Committee, District 12 [1]. She qualified for the ballot by meeting the filing deadline of March 10, 2026, at noon [1]. The election for this office is scheduled to take place after May 11, 2026 [1].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Candidate Lists | Tennessee Secretary of State](https://sos.tn.gov/elections/2026-candidate-lists)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Ann","fullname":"Ann Ayers-Colvin","lastname":"Ayers-Colvin","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Ann Ayers-Colvin is listed as a candidate for Tn Exec Committeewoman 12 R Primary in the Tennessee Secretary of State's 2026 candidate lists.","token":"qSmlo3RFpt"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Jennifer","fullname":"Jennifer Barnes Aylor","lastname":"Aylor","middlename":"Barnes","suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"rjRGFECRlE"},{"bio_snippet":"Per the NC voter file: UNA voter in Vance County since 2020.","biography":"> **Status update.** Pamela Michele Ayscue lost the Republican primary for NC House District 32 to Frank Sossamon, 653 votes to 4,996 (Granville and Vance counties, March 3, 2026); Sossamon advances to the November 3, 2026 general election [3].\n\nAccording to the North Carolina voter file, Pamela Michele Ayscue is a registered voter in Vance County, North Carolina, registered since 2020 (6 years), with party affiliation listed as Unaffiliated [1].\n\nThe voter file shows Pamela Michele Ayscue's year of birth as 1975; 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 Pamela Michele Ayscue can reach ballotproject.org with corrections or additions.\n\n## Sources\n[1] [North Carolina State Board of Elections -- 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/)\n\n[3] North Carolina State Board of Elections, March 3, 2026 primary results by precinct (results_pct_20260303, dl.ncsbe.gov) -- accessed 2026-07-24; NC House District 32 (REP): Frank Sossamon 4,996, Pamela M. Ayscue 653.","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Pamela","fullname":"Pamela Michele Ayscue","lastname":"Ayscue","middlename":"Michele","suffix":null,"summary":"Per the NC voter file: UNA voter in Vance County since 2020.","token":"2c67e1a36da79896"},{"bio_snippet":"James Q Bacchus, a candidate for the Memphis Shelby County School Board District 4, is a seasoned educator with a remarkable track record of service, exudes a genuine passion for ensuring that every child can reach their full potential in education. James Q Bacchus commitment to ","biography":"James Q Bacchus, a candidate for the Memphis Shelby County School Board District 4, is a seasoned educator with a remarkable track record of service, exudes a genuine passion for ensuring that every child can reach their full potential in education.\n\nJames Q Bacchus commitment to this cause stems years ago when he would \u201ctake his children to school every day, in the district he worked in\u201d. He has a deeply rooted desire to be a part of positive change, especially in the wake of the transformative shifts brought about by the pandemic.\n\nBacchus will leverage his background, contacts, and expertise completely to address the evolving needs of children and families in the Memphis, Shelby County community.\n\nWith a Bachelor of Education in Educational Instruction and Technology from Jackson State University and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration from the University of Memphis, and an abundance of Professional Developments and certifications. Bacchus brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.\n\nOne of Bacchus\u2019 key achievements was his transformative leadership at Whitehaven High School where he served as principal. By breaking down barriers and implementing innovative strategies, Bacchus was able to significantly increase enrollment and improve outcomes for students. His approach exemplifies his values of self-reflection, collaboration, and a relentless focus on outcomes.\n\nBacchus also has experience and expertise as a superintendent and assistant superintendent, where he gained invaluable insights into the inner workings of school boards. For over 45 years, Bacchus highlighted the importance of strong leadership in education and identified key challenges such as top-down management and the need for greater support for principals.\n\nBacchus is 100% confidence that once you get to know him, and his accomplishments, you will rally behind his candidacy.\n\nWith an inescapable urge to serve,\" Bacchus encapsulates his deep-rooted commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and families. His number one priority is listening to his constituents, being data driven, and providing practical solutions!\n\nAll initiatives and decisions made by Bacchus, MUST answer YES to this question:\n\n\"IS IT GOOD FOR THE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES?\"\nJames Q Bacchus emerges as a \u201cseasoned\u201d dedicated educator, and visionary leader with a clear mission to improve education outcomes for all. His extensive experience, values-driven approach, and commitment to serving the community make him a compelling candidate for the Memphis Shelby County School Board. Bacchus is poised to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families in District 4 and beyond.\nLinks: \n\nLinkedin: [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bacchusjames)\n\nFacebook: [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/james.q.bacchus/)\n\nCampaign Site: [Campaign SIte](https://bacchus-schoolboard-district4.com/)\n\nTwitter: [Twitter](https://x.com/booksey1?lang=en)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"James","fullname":"James Q. Bacchus","lastname":"Bacchus","middlename":"Q.","suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"8N35MPE14S"},{"bio_snippet":"Taylor Eskridge Bachelor was appointed by Shelby County commissioners to replace Bill Anderson as Criminal Court Judge for Division 7.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nTaylor E Bachelor currently serves as a General Sessions Criminal Court Judge for Division 7 in Shelby County [1]. She was appointed to this position by Shelby County commissioners in February 2025 to fill the vacancy left by Bill Anderson [2][3][4]. The appointment was confirmed as a measure to address the vacant judicial seat within the county's court system [5].\n\nBachelor is running for election to the Division 7 General Sessions Criminal Court Judge position in 2026. As of May 18, 2026, she remains on the ballot for this upcoming race, with the outcome yet to be determined.\n\n## Background and education\n\nTaylor E Bachelor serves as a General Sessions Criminal Court Judge for Division 7 in Shelby County [1]. The Shelby County commissioners appointed Bachelor to this position to replace Bill Anderson [2][3][4]. This appointment filled a vacant judicial seat within the county's court system [5].\n\n## Career\n\nTaylor Bachelor brings over sixteen years of legal experience to her role in Shelby County General Sessions Criminal Court, Division 7 [6]. Her professional background spans state and federal prosecution, defense work, and judicial appointments [7]. She is a graduate of Tennessee State University and the University of Memphis School of Law [6].\n\nBachelor is licensed to practice law by the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Supreme Court of Tennessee [8]. On February 24, 2025, Shelby County commissioners appointed her as a Criminal Court Judge to replace Bill Anderson Jr. following his retirement in March [3]. She was selected to fill the vacant Division 7 judicial seat [5].\n\nCommissioners approved her appointment as an interim judge to serve during the transition period [9]. Bachelor serves through a special election on the August 2026 county general election ballot for the remaining four years of Anderson\u2019s eight-year term [10].\n\n## Office history\n\nTaylor E Bachelor was appointed to Division 7 of the General Sessions Criminal Court in Shelby County by Shelby County commissioners in February 2025 [2][3][4]. This appointment filled the vacancy left by Judge Bill Anderson [2][3][4]. As a judge for Division 7, Bachelor serves on the bench handling criminal cases within the jurisdiction of the General Sessions Court [1].\n\nThe provided sources do not contain information regarding other elected or appointed offices held by Taylor E Bachelor prior to this appointment, nor do they detail any prior electoral races run or lost.\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Taylor E Bachelor | Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts](https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/general-sessions-courts/judges/taylor-e-bachelor)\n[2] [Shelby Co. commissioners appoint Taylor Bachelor as ...](https://www.actionnews5.com/video/2025/02/24/shelby-co-commissioners-appoint-taylor-bachelor-criminal-court-judge-bill-andersons-replacement/)\n[3] [Shelby Co. commissioners appoint Taylor Bachelor as Criminal ...](https://www.actionnews5.com/2025/02/24/shelby-co-commissioners-appoint-taylor-bachelor-criminal-court-judge-bill-andersons-replacement/)\n[4] [Shelby Co. commissioners appoint Taylor Bachelor as Criminal ...](https://www.actionnews5.com/video/2025/02/24/shelby-co-commissioners-appoint-taylor-bachelor-criminal-court-judge-bill-andersons-replacement-2/)\n[5] [Taylor Bachelor appointed to fill vacant Division 7 Judicial ...](https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/local/shelby-county-commission-black-leaders-resolutions/522-7e879764-61e5-447f-8bf1-99345420043c)\n[6] [Meet Judge Taylor Bachelor \u2660\ufe0f - Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ6mQwsNM7d/)\n[7] [Meet Judge Taylor Bachelor of Shelby County General Sessions Court](https://www.facebook.com/cgientertainment/posts/meet-judge-taylor-bachelor-%EF%B8%8F-general-sessions-criminal-court-division-7judge-tay/1624856011788539/)\n[8] [Attorney Details for Bachelor, Taylor Eskridge](https://www.tbpr.org/attorneys/027211)\n[9] [Commission approves interim judge as replacement for Bill Anderson - TSDMemphis.com](https://tri-statedefender.com/commission-approves-interim-judge-as-replacement-for-bill-anderson/02/26/)\n[10] [Shelby County commissioners appointed Taylor Bachelor as the ...](https://www.instagram.com/p/DGeeTAcs1V8/)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Taylor","fullname":"Taylor Bachelor","lastname":"Bachelor","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Taylor Eskridge Bachelor was appointed by Shelby County commissioners to replace Bill Anderson as Criminal Court Judge for Division 7.","token":"n6ZEbcUEDe"},{"bio_snippet":"Anne Backus is a Democratic candidate running for Tennessee House District 33 in the 2026 election, citing her background as a retired Y-12 project manager and community volunteer.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nAnne Backus is a Democratic Party candidate running for election to the Tennessee House of Representatives to represent District 33 [1]. She qualified as a candidate following the March 10, 2026, deadline and appears on the ballot for the Democratic primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1][2]. Backus is currently serving as a board member with the Tennessee Democratic Party [7].\n\nA retired project manager who spent 33 years at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Backus anchors her campaign on Anderson County values of honesty and transparency [3][12]. She states that she was encouraged to enter the race by constituents who felt their concerns were not being adequately represented in the state legislature [8]. Her platform prioritizes public schools and gun safety [6].\n\nBackus has been active in community advocacy, including a decade of service with CASA of the Tennessee Heartland, where she was honored for her work advocating for children in foster care [9]. She also supports the Tennessee Equality Project [5]. In 2026, she completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey and hosted a campaign kickoff event organized by the Anderson County Democratic Party [1][13].\n\n## Background and education\n\nAnne Backus was born in Pensacola, Florida [1]. She earned a bachelor's degree from Mississippi State University in 1980 [1].\n\nBackus spent 33 years working as a project manager at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge before retiring [3][6][10][11]. In her retirement, she has become an active volunteer in the community, including serving with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of the Tennessee Heartland for ten years [4][9]. She is also affiliated with PFLAG and the Democratic Party at the state level [1][5].\n\n## Career\n\nAnne Backus earned a bachelor\u2019s degree from Mississippi State University in 1980 [1]. She spent 33 years working as a project manager at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge before retiring from that position [3][6][10][11]. In her professional role, she managed projects to achieve goals on time and under budget while working with diverse groups of people [6].\n\nFollowing her retirement, Backus has remained active in the community through various volunteer roles. She has served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for CASA of the Tennessee Heartland, where she was honored alongside another volunteer for 10 years of dedicated service advocating for children in foster care [9]. Her volunteer work includes discussing advocacy efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic and participating in training initiatives for new volunteers in Anderson and Blount Counties [4]. Additionally, she is affiliated with PFLAG and has been active with the Tennessee Equality Project [1][5].\n\n## Office history\n\nAnne Backus served as a member of the Democratic State Executive Committee [1]. She was also listed as a board member of the Tennessee Democratic Party [7].\n\nBackus ran for election to the Tennessee House of Representatives to represent District 33 in 2024. She filed her petition with the Anderson County Election Commission in April 2024 and was approved as a candidate [10]. As the only Democrat in the race, she did not face an opponent in the August 1 primary election [8][10].\n\nIn 2026, Backus is running for election to the Tennessee House of Representatives to represent District 33 [1]. She qualified as a candidate by the March 10, 2026 deadline and is on the ballot for the Democratic primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [2].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nAnne Backus\u2019s professional background is rooted in her 33-year tenure as a project manager at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge [3][6][10][11]. She retired from this position prior to her current political campaigns, having earned a bachelor's degree from Mississippi State University in 1980 [1][3][6].\n\nThere is no available information in the provided sources regarding Backus\u2019s personal wealth source, family wealth, private business ownership stakes, or sales of businesses. The candidate self-describes her financial and professional history primarily through her long-term employment at Y-12 and her current status as a retiree [3][11].\n\nBackus has not publicly disclosed specific details about her personal assets or income sources in the provided materials. Her campaign communications focus on her volunteer work, particularly with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of the Tennessee Heartland, where she was honored for ten years of service [4][9], and her role as a member of the Democratic State Executive Committee [7].\n\n## Family\n\nAnne Backus identifies herself as a mother and grandmother [3]. She has served for ten years as a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children in foster care [9]. Her community involvement also includes affiliation with PFLAG and her local church [1].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Anne Backus - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Anne_Backus)\n[2] [Candidate Lists | Tennessee Secretary of State](https://sos.tn.gov/elections/2026-candidate-lists)\n[3] [Anne Backus for State House (TN 33)](https://www.backusfortn33.com/)\n[4] [Watch as Anderson Co CASA, Anne Backus, and Anderson Co Program Coordinator chat about what CASA of the Tennessee Heartland has been up to during... | By CASA of the Tennessee Heartland | Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/CASATNH/videos/watch-as-anderson-co-casa-anne-backus-and-anderson-co-program-coordinator-chat-a/1312622918934691/)\n[5] [Anne Backus at Tennessee Equality Project](https://www.tnep.org/82705)\n[6] [Anne Backus: Running for state representative; public schools, gun safety are priorities](https://www.yahoo.com/news/anne-backus-running-state-representative-154301998.html)\n[7] [Anne Backus - Board Member at Tennessee Democratic Party | The Org](https://theorg.com/org/tennessee-democratic-party/org-chart/anne-backus)\n[8] [Anne Backus to run for Tennessee House seat](https://mycouriernews.com/articles/2024/05/8423/anne-backus-to-run-for-tennessee-house-seat)\n[9] [CASA honors two volunteers for 10 years of advocacy | Community | thedailytimes.com](https://www.thedailytimes.com/community/casa-honors-two-volunteers-for-10-years-of-advocacy/article_866cff72-fadc-4fab-a3ff-4454fee50e76.html)\n[10] [Backus Files Petition as Candidate for Tennessee House District 33 \u2013 BBBTV12](https://www.bbbtv12.com/2024/04/backus-files-petition-as-candidate-for-tennessee-house-district-33/)\n[11] [Backus announces she's a candidate for Tennesseee House District 33 - AOL](https://www.aol.com/articles/backus-announces-shes-candidate-tennesseee-131249851.html)\n[12] [Backus announces she's a candidate for Tennesseee House District 33](https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/backus-announces-shes-candidate-tennesseee-131249831.html)\n[13] [Anne Backus 2026 Campaign Kickoff \u2014 Anderson County Democratic Party](https://www.andersoncountydemocraticparty.com/events/backuskickoff-25)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Anne","fullname":"Anne Backus","lastname":"Backus","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Anne Backus is a Democratic candidate running for Tennessee House District 33 in the 2026 election, citing her background as a retired Y-12 project manager and community volunteer.","token":"zr8TvVnoAi"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"AMANDA","fullname":"AMANDA BACON","lastname":"BACON","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"jUeLSjifWM"},{"bio_snippet":"No evidence found linking Catherine Bacon to the Tennessee State House District 5 Democratic Primary; sources identify her as a fashion designer or unrelated individuals.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nCatherine Bacon, of Greeneville, is the Democratic candidate for Tennessee House of Representatives District 5 (Greene County) in the 2026 election [1]. Republican David B. Hawk, also of Greeneville, is running for the same seat [1]. Bacon met the qualifying deadline of March 10, 2026, at noon, and was confirmed on the Tennessee Secretary of State's official candidate list for District 5 as of March 24, 2026 [1]. The primary election is scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Candidates for Tennessee House of Representatives as of March 24, 2026 | Tennessee Secretary of State](https://sos-prod.tnsosgovfiles.com/s3fs-public/document/TNHouse_2026.pdf) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-20","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Catherine","fullname":"Catherine Bacon","lastname":"Bacon","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"No evidence found linking Catherine Bacon to the Tennessee State House District 5 Democratic Primary; sources identify her as a fashion designer or unrelated individuals.","token":"xDf3PJiAwb"},{"bio_snippet":"No information found linking Kenneth Woltz Badgett to a 2026 political candidacy in North Carolina.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nKenneth \"Ken\" Badgett is the Democratic candidate for North Carolina House of Representatives District 90 (Surry and Wilkes counties) in the 2026 general election on November 3, 2026, according to the NC State Board of Elections candidate filing [1]. He faces Republican Dan Kiger [1].\n\n## Sources\n[1] North Carolina State Board of Elections, 2026 Candidate Listing (NC House District 090, Surry/Wilkes counties) \u2014 https://s3.amazonaws.com/dl.ncsbe.gov/Elections/2026/Candidate%20Filing/Candidate_Listing_2026.csv, accessed 2026-07-20","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Kenneth","fullname":"Kenneth Woltz Badgett","lastname":"Badgett","middlename":"Woltz","suffix":null,"summary":"No information found linking Kenneth Woltz Badgett to a 2026 political candidacy in North Carolina.","token":"26986685a5721bd9"},{"bio_snippet":"Current office and 2026 campaign Christie Lane Baer ran as a Republican candidate for Dare County Board of Education, District 1, in the March 3, 2026 primary. She placed second among three Republican candidates with 2,063 votes, behind winner Stephen Nichols 2,733 ; Shannon Walt","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nChristie Lane Baer ran as a Republican candidate for Dare County Board of Education, District 1, in the March 3, 2026 primary. She placed second among three Republican candidates with 2,063 votes, behind winner Stephen Nichols (2,733); Shannon Walters placed third (1,556). Since this was a vote-for-one primary, Baer will not appear on the November 3, 2026 general-election ballot, where Nichols will face Democratic candidate Kelleta Govan [1].\n\n## Career\nBaer has built a career in public service and the private sector on the Outer Banks. She worked for Dare County Water from 1995 to 2003, then served with the Town of Nags Head from 2003 to 2014 [2]. She subsequently moved into the private sector, working in accounting at Croswait Composites from 2014 to 2022 [2]. Since 2019, she has also worked in real estate, helping families with homeownership and investment goals [2].\n\nBaer is an active school parent in the Dare County community and framed her candidacy around her direct stake in the school system's outcomes for students and families [3].\n\n## Sources\n[1] North Carolina State Board of Elections, certified March 3, 2026 primary results by precinct (`results_pct_20260303.txt`), published at [dl.ncsbe.gov](https://s3.amazonaws.com/dl.ncsbe.gov/ENRS/2026_03_03/results_pct_20260303.zip) -- accessed 2026-07-21\n[2] [District 1 Board of Education candidates on their qualifications and priorities -- Outer Banks Voice](https://www.outerbanksvoice.com/2026/02/10/district-1-board-of-education-candidates-on-their-qualifications-and-priorities/)\n[3] North Carolina State Board of Elections, 2026 Candidate Filing listing (`Candidate_Listing_2026.csv`), accessed 2026-07-19\n","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Christie","fullname":"Christie Lane Baer","lastname":"Baer","middlename":"Lane","suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"6c66e0413ba87091"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Glen","fullname":"Glen A. Baggett","lastname":"Baggett","middlename":"A.","suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"K2jsGT5pi0"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Kurt","fullname":"Kurt Baggett","lastname":"Baggett","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"4nJN0BX5KB"}]