[{"bio_snippet":"After much thought and prayer, I'm thrilled to announce my candidacy for the Arlington Community School Board. This decision comes after discussions with Kay Morgan Williams, who has decided not to pursue re election. I personally expressed my gratitude to Kay for her years of de","biography":"After much thought and prayer, I'm thrilled to announce my candidacy for the Arlington Community School Board. This decision comes after discussions with Kay Morgan Williams, who has decided not to pursue re-election. I personally expressed my gratitude to Kay for her years of dedicated service, leadership, and sacrifices for our children and community. It is my intention to build upon the progress achieved by Kay and the current school board members- ensuring students, teachers, staff, and administrators have the necessary resources, policies, and tools for an outstanding educational system in Arlington.\nAs a dedicated parent of both a graduate and current ACS student, I'm passionate about ensuring that every child receives a high-quality education. I believe in and love our Arlington community, our schools, our teachers and our people. Our Arlington community inspires me to ensure that every child has access to a top-notch education. I'm committed to maintaining the high standards that have been set, while also bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table. Together, let's uphold their legacy and propel our schools to even greater heights. With your support, I'm eager to serve and make a positive difference for Arlington's future. Thank you for your trust and consideration. Go Tigers!\n\nLinks:\n\nLinkedin: [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-barnes-973a446/)\n\nFacebook: [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/courtneybarnes38002/)\n\nInstagram: [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/courtneybarnes38002realtor/)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Courtney","fullname":"Courtney Barnes","lastname":"Barnes","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"5j10CJPEjy"},{"bio_snippet":"Per the NC voter file: REP voter in Dare County since 1990.","biography":"According to the North Carolina voter file, Edgar L Barnes is a registered voter in Dare County, North Carolina, registered since 1990 (36 years), with party affiliation listed as Republican [1].\n\nThe voter file shows Edgar L Barnes's year of birth as 1959; 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 14 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 Edgar L Barnes 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":"Edgar","fullname":"Edgar L Barnes","lastname":"Barnes","middlename":"L","suffix":null,"summary":"Per the NC voter file: REP voter in Dare County since 1990.","token":"85f180c0d4a719f3"},{"bio_snippet":"Per the NC voter file: REP voter in Swain County since 2023.","biography":"According to the North Carolina voter file, Elizabeth Allyson Barnes is a registered voter in Swain County, North Carolina, registered since 2023 (3 years), with party affiliation listed as Republican [1].\n\nThe voter file shows Elizabeth Allyson Barnes's year of birth as 1979; 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 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 Elizabeth Allyson Barnes 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":"Elizabeth","fullname":"Elizabeth Allyson Barnes","lastname":"Barnes","middlename":"Allyson","suffix":null,"summary":"Per the NC voter file: REP voter in Swain County since 2023.","token":"cc38af9585585b73"},{"bio_snippet":"Democratic nominee and incumbent DeKalb County commissioner for District 6, seeking re-election in 2026.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nJeff Barnes is a Democratic nominee for one of two DeKalb County Commission seats in District 6 in the August 6, 2026 general election, running with fellow Democrat Keith Vencel and Republicans Andy Pack and Bruce Parsley [1]. He was nominated in the May 5, 2026 Democratic primary [2].\n\n## Office history\nBarnes currently represents District 6 on the DeKalb County Commission as a Democrat, holding a 2022-2026 term [3].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [New County Mayor and Sheriff to be Elected August 6 \u2014 WJLE Radio](https://www.wjle.com/new-county-mayor-and-sheriff-to-be-elected-august-6-early-voting-begins-friday-july-17/) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-23\n[2] [Hale and Green Unseat Merriman in Tuesday GOP Primary \u2014 WJLE Radio](https://www.wjle.com/hale-and-green-unseat-merriman-in-tuesday-gop-primary-to-win-nomination-for-county-commission-district-5/) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-23\n[3] [DeKalb County Election Commission \u2014 Elected Officials](https://www.dekalbelections.com/elected-officials/) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-23\n","birthdate":null,"firstname":"JEFF","fullname":"JEFF BARNES","lastname":"BARNES","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Democratic nominee and incumbent DeKalb County commissioner for District 6, seeking re-election in 2026.","token":"4tSnNO2rIn"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"JEREMEY","fullname":"JEREMEY BARNES","lastname":"BARNES","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"rA3XL5kmzY"},{"bio_snippet":"Jerry Quemby Barnes Jr. is seeking the GOP primary nomination for County Commission District 7 in North Carolina.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nJerry Quemby Barnes Jr. is a Republican candidate seeking the District 7 seat on the County Commission [1]. He has entered the race to compete in the upcoming general election for this position [1]. Personal records indicate that Barnes resides in Whitakers, North Carolina [2].\n\n## Background and education\n\nJerry Q Barnes Jr is a resident of Whitakers, North Carolina [2]. He has also resided in Rocky Mount, North Carolina [2]. Public records indicate he was born 67 years prior to May 2026, placing his birth year approximately in 1959 [2].\n\nSpecific details regarding his upbringing, religious affiliation, schools attended, and degrees earned are not provided in the available sources.\n\n## Career\n\nJerry Q Barnes Jr. is a 67-year-old resident of Rocky Mount, North Carolina [2]. He has lived in Whitakers, North Carolina, and maintains current residence at WJBD Hunter Hill Road in Rocky Mount [2]. His contact information includes the email address j EVUW @aol.com and phone number (252) 985- HGRF [2].\n\n## Office history\n\nJerry Quemby Barnes Jr. is seeking the Republican nomination for County Commission District 07 [1]. The provided sources do not contain information regarding any other elected or appointed offices held by Barnes, nor do they detail previous election outcomes or specific term lengths for prior roles.\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nJerry Barnes is associated with Jerry Barnes Electric Inc., a business based in Whitakers, North Carolina [5]. The company has received reviews on Angi, indicating its presence in the local market for electrical services [6]. Public records and people-search databases list him as residing at WJBD Hunter Hill Road in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, with past addresses including Whitakers [2] [3]. Additional public record data associates him with the address 1201 Beal St in Rocky Mount [4].\n\nInformation regarding specific ownership stakes, sales of businesses, or detailed financial disclosures is not available in the provided source material. The candidate seeks the District 7 seat in the GOP primary, but details on his wealth sources beyond his business affiliation are not covered in the current records [1].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Barnes seeks District 7 seat in GOP primary | Local News | rockymounttelegram.com](https://www.rockymounttelegram.com/news/local/barnes-seeks-district-7-seat-in-gop-primary/article_f6dd2902-a578-41fb-9de2-627fc5b5f0c1.html)\n[2] [Jerry Q Barnes, Whitakers, NC (27891) - Spokeo](https://www.spokeo.com/Jerry-Barnes/North-Carolina/Whitakers/p2015111419342438791613238169281)\n[3] [Jerry Q Barnes Jr, Whitakers, NC (27891)](https://www.spokeo.com/Jerry-Barnes/North-Carolina/Whitakers/p2284137091)\n[4] [Jerry Q Barnes, (252) 972-0340, Rocky Mount, NC \u2014 Public Records Instantly](https://clustrmaps.com/person/Barnes-4ocib2)\n[5] [Jerry Barnes Electric Company Profile -Sales, Contacts, Competitors \u2013 Buzzfile](https://www.buzzfile.com/business/Barnes-Electric-252-977-8845)\n[6] [JERRY BARNES ELECTRIC INC Reviews - Whitakers, NC | Angi](https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/nc/whitakers/jerry-barnes-electric-inc-reviews-5734139.htm)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Jerry","fullname":"Jerry Quemby Barnes JR","lastname":"Barnes","middlename":"Quemby","suffix":"JR","summary":"Jerry Quemby Barnes Jr. is seeking the GOP primary nomination for County Commission District 7 in North Carolina.","token":"c95804add4340c70"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Kenneth","fullname":"Kenneth Barnes","lastname":"Barnes","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"BGj4jkhCpk"},{"bio_snippet":"LeVon Barnes, a teacher and coach, is the Democratic candidate for NC House District\u202f64 in 2026, emphasizing affordability, education equity, and government accountability.","biography":"LeVon Barnes is the Democratic candidate for the North Carolina House of Representatives, District 64, on the November\u202f3,\u202f2026 ballot. He previously ran for the same seat in 2024, earning 45.2% of the vote against incumbent Republican Dennis Riddell [1].\n\nBarnes earned a Bachelor of Science in physical education teaching and coaching from Campbell University in 2004 and a Master of Education in health and physical education from Prairie View A&M University in 2008 [1]. He has spent his career in education and athletics, working as a physical\u2011education teacher for Durham Public Schools during his 2017 Durham city\u2011council campaign, serving as head men\u2019s basketball coach and associate dean of students at Lackawanna College, and as an assistant men\u2019s basketball coach and adjunct instructor for the Dallas County Community College District [1].\n\nBeyond the classroom, Barnes is active in several civic groups, including Alpha\u202fPhi\u202fAlpha Fraternity, Inc., the North Carolina Institute of Political Leadership, and the Leadership Triangle Transforming Leaders Goodmon Fellowship [1]. His personal narrative emphasizes community service: he describes himself as a father, husband, teacher, and coach who grew up learning \u201cservant leadership\u201d from his parents and from the broader village that supported his family after his father\u2019s death when Barnes was nine [9].\n\nBarnes\u2019s campaign platform focuses on making Alamance County more affordable and accountable. Key priorities listed on his campaign website include \u201cAffordability: Making Alamance Livable Again,\u201d \u201cGovernment Accountability,\u201d \u201cEducation Equality,\u201d \u201cCommunity Investment and Resiliency,\u201d \u201cProtecting What We\u2019ve Built,\u201d and \u201cReproductive Equality\u201d \u2013 a set of policies aimed at lowering living costs, improving public\u2011school funding, and safeguarding reproductive rights [5].\n\nIn the 2024 election, Barnes was defeated by Riddell, who captured 54.8% of the vote while Barnes received 45.2% (44,753 total votes) [1]. The 2026 Democratic primary was canceled, allowing Barnes to advance automatically to the general election, where he will again face Riddell [1].\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [LeVon Barnes - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/LeVon_Barnes)\n- [4] [iVoterGuide - LeVon Barnes iVoterGuide Profile](https://ivoterguide.com/candidate/79768/race/8435/election/1206)\n- [5] [Coach LeVon Barnes for NC House](https://www.levonfornc.com/)\n- [6] [Endorsements for LeVon Barnes - North Carolina Democratic Party Candidate](https://bluevoterguide.org/NC/candidate_LeVon_Barnes/288879)\n- [9] [About Coach Barnes](https://www.levonfornc.com/about)\n- [10] [Coach LeVon Barnes for NC](https://www.facebook.com/LeVonforNC/posts/it-doesnt-have-to-be-this-hard-there-is-an-easier-way-out-north-carolina-we-cant/1425580899581671/)\n- [11] [Help LeVon Barnes Reach the North Carolina House with a $43 ...](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRBUBmjD8S1/)\n- [15] [LeVon Barnes | BallotReady](https://www.ballotready.org/people/levon-barnes)\n- [16] [LeVon Barnes - North Carolina Candidate - Transparency USA](https://www.transparencyusa.org/nc/candidate/levon-barnes)\n- [18] [The Committee to Elect Levon Barnes - North Carolina Committee - Transparency USA](https://www.transparencyusa.org/nc/committee/the-committee-to-elect-levon-barnes-sta-yq2gm4-c-001)\n- [19] [Why We Run: LeVon Barnes. LeVon Barnes is 34-year-old an\u2026 | by Run for Something | Why We Run (And You Can, Too!) | Medium](https://medium.com/why-we-run-young-people-in-government/why-we-run-levon-barnes-661b87f0c63)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Levon","fullname":"Levon Ivan Barnes","lastname":"Barnes","middlename":"Ivan","suffix":null,"summary":"LeVon Barnes, a teacher and coach, is the Democratic candidate for NC House District\u202f64 in 2026, emphasizing affordability, education equity, and government accountability.","token":"bd5afb2eca51da4d"},{"bio_snippet":"Lisa Stone Barnes, Republican incumbent NC State Senator for District\u202f11, is running for re\u2011election in 2026.","biography":"Lisa Stone Barnes is the incumbent Republican State Senator for North Carolina\u2019s 11th District, seeking re\u2011election in the 2026 general election.  The North Carolina Senate is the upper chamber of the General Assembly; senators represent roughly 200,000 residents, introduce and vote on legislation, approve the state budget, and serve on standing committees that shape policy in areas such as agriculture, education, health care, and fiscal matters [1].  Senator Barnes has served in this role since January\u202f1,\u202f2021, with her current term set to end on January\u202f1,\u202f2027, and she will appear on the November\u202f3,\u202f2026 ballot for a second full term [1].\n\nBarnes was born and raised in Nash County, North Carolina.  She graduated from Southern Nash High School, earned an Associate of Arts from Peace College, and received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from North Carolina State University.  She later completed the University of North Carolina School of Government\u2019s Advanced Leadership Corps program and a Legal Assistants Program at Meredith College [11][12].\n\nBefore entering elected office, Barnes worked as a real\u2011estate paralegal for a private firm and served in the Rocky\u202fMount Planning and Development Department.  She also has extensive experience in agribusiness, working alongside her husband, Johnny Barnes, in their family farming operations [12][1].  Her community involvement includes service on the Nash County Broadband Committee, the Nash County Planning Board, and various local nonprofit boards.\n\nBarnes\u2019 political career began with a seat on the Nash County Board of Commissioners, where she eventually served as chair.  She was elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives for District\u202f7, serving from 2019 to 2021, before winning the State Senate seat for District\u202f11 in 2020 and taking office in 2021 [11][1][17].  In the Senate, she has held several leadership positions, most recently chairing the Agriculture, Energy, and Environment Committee and the Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Natural and Economic Resources for the 2025\u20112026 session.  She also serves on the Appropriations/Base Budget, Education/Higher Education, Health Care, and Rules and Operations of the Senate committees, among others [1].\n\nDuring her tenure, Senator Barnes has sponsored and co\u2011sponsored legislation focused on supporting North Carolina\u2019s agricultural sector, improving infrastructure, and maintaining fiscal responsibility.  Vote Smart records show her participation in numerous key votes, including bills on budget appropriations, health care, and regulatory reforms, reflecting her emphasis on low taxes and balanced budgeting [6].\n\nBarnes\u2019 campaign platform emphasizes responsible government spending, economic growth for rural and suburban communities, high\u2011paying jobs, quality health care, reliable roads and infrastructure, and strong education systems.  She describes herself as a \u201cbusinesswoman with strong roots in agriculture\u201d who will continue to fight for \u201chard\u2011working people of North Carolina\u201d and keep taxes low while promoting job creation and quality of life in Franklin, Nash, and Vance counties [10][12].\n\nShe maintains a Capitol office at 300\u202fN. Salisbury Street, Room\u202f628, Raleigh, NC\u202f27603, and a campaign office in Nashville, NC.  Contact numbers include the Capitol office line 919\u2011715\u20113030 and the campaign office line 252\u2011900\u20116562.  No direct email address is listed in the available sources [17][8].\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Lisa Barnes - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Lisa_Barnes)\n- [4] [Senator Lisa S. Barnes - Biography - North Carolina General Assembly](https://www.ncleg.gov/Members/Biography/S/427)\n- [6] [Lisa Barnes' Voting Records](https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/key-votes/163025/lisa-barnes)\n- [8] [Lisa Barnes' Finances](https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/campaign-finance/163025/lisa-barnes)\n- [10] [Lisa Stone Barnes for Senate](https://lisabarnesfornc.com/)\n- [11] [Vote Smart | Facts For All](https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/163025/lisa-barnes)\n- [12] [Meet Lisa \u2013 Lisa Stone Barnes for Senate](https://lisabarnesfornc.com/about/)\n- [14] [Lisa Stone Barnes (@ElectLisaBarnes) ...](https://twitter.com/electlisabarnes)\n- [15] [Lisa Stone Barnes (@ElectLisaBarnes) / X](https://x.com/electlisabarnes?lang=en)\n- [16] [Senator Lisa Stone Barnes (@LisaStoneBarnes)](https://www.facebook.com/LisaStoneBarnes/)\n- [17] [State Senator Lisa Barnes | BillTrack50](https://www.billtrack50.com/legislatordetail/23995)\n- [18] [North Carolina State Sen. Lisa Barnes - Biography | LegiStorm](https://www.legistorm.com/person/bio/309757/Lisa_Stone_Barnes.html)\n- [20] [Senate District 11 - North Carolina Republican Senate Caucus](https://ncstatesenate.com/twentytwentyfour/senate-district-11/)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Lisa","fullname":"Lisa Stone Barnes","lastname":"Barnes","middlename":"Stone","suffix":null,"summary":"Lisa Stone Barnes, Republican incumbent NC State Senator for District\u202f11, is running for re\u2011election in 2026.","token":"b6ab07a02501755a"},{"bio_snippet":"Phil Barnes is identified as a Democratic candidate for Tennessee House District 35, though specific biographical details are scarce in the provided sources.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nPhil Barnes, of Hendersonville, is a Democratic candidate for Tennessee House of Representatives District 35, which covers all of Trousdale County and part of Sumner County [1]. He filed the required signatures (2 of 2) by the March 10, 2026 qualifying deadline, and the Tennessee Secretary of State's office listed his signatures as approved in the March 24, 2026 candidate list [1]. The incumbent, Republican William Slater of Gallatin, and fellow Democrat Lance C. Loftis of Gallatin are also on the ballot for this seat [1]. The Democratic primary is scheduled for August 6, 2026, with the general election on November 3, 2026 [1].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Candidates for Tennessee House of Representatives](https://sos-prod.tnsosgovfiles.com/s3fs-public/document/TNHouse_2026.pdf) \u2014 District 35, p.9, accessed 2026-07-20","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Phil","fullname":"Phil Barnes","lastname":"Barnes","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Phil Barnes is identified as a Democratic candidate for Tennessee House District 35, though specific biographical details are scarce in the provided sources.","token":"6LLXKzr7dk"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Ronald","fullname":"Ronald G. Barnes","lastname":"Barnes","middlename":"G.","suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"Iq31UXXM2B"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Sam","fullname":"Sam Barnes","lastname":"Barnes","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"7SgtiEMPTD"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Terry","fullname":"Terry Wayne Barnes","lastname":"Barnes","middlename":"Wayne","suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"In7oqBi86F"},{"bio_snippet":"Michaela Barnett is a Democratic candidate running for Tennessee's 2nd Congressional District in the 2026 election.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nMichaela Barnett is a Democratic candidate running for election to the U.S. House of Representatives to represent Tennessee's 2nd Congressional District in the 2026 cycle [1]. She officially declared her candidacy for the Democratic primary, which is scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1]. The general election for this seat is set for November 3, 2026, and will determine the successor to the current Republican representative, Tim Burchett [1][8].\n\nBarnett self-describes as a scientist, small business owner, and former Congressional science policy fellow who previously served as the executive director of Blue Tennessee [4][8]. She founded KnoxFill, a zero-waste refill store in Knoxville, and holds a PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Virginia, where her research focused on waste behaviors [5][12]. Her campaign platform emphasizes investing in East Tennessee's workforce and infrastructure, healthcare accessible to people rather than profits, and addressing issues such as housing and reproductive freedom [3][10].\n\nFinancially, Barnett has raised significant funds for her campaign. Federal Election Commission data indicates she has received total receipts of $190,931.35, including $180,301.31 in total contributions and $6,000.00 in loans [2]. Her campaign materials state that she is running against Burchett because she believes East Tennessee deserves leaders who will provide real solutions rather than aligning with Donald Trump or the Democratic establishment [6][7].\n\n## Background and education\n\nMichaela Barnett is a scientist and entrepreneur who self-describes as being \"made for Knoxville\"[5]. She holds a B.S. in sustainability science and Spanish from Furman University[12]. Barnett subsequently earned a PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Virginia, where her research focused on waste behaviors[12].\n\n## Career\n\nMichaela Barnett is a scientist and entrepreneur who holds a PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Virginia, where her research focused on waste behaviors [12]. She also earned a B.S. in sustainability science and Spanish from Furman University [12]. Prior to her recent political activities, Barnett worked as an outdoor educator abroad and in university recycling programs [12].\n\nBarnett is the founder of KnoxFill, a zero-waste refill store in Knoxville, Tennessee, which she operates as a small business [5][9]. Through KnoxFill, she manages a \"milkman-like\" system for sustainable products, fulfilling online orders via delivery and offering pickup options at her home or cooperating local businesses [5][13]. She has written about waste, sustainability, and behavioral science for publications including Gizmodo\u2019s Earther, MIT Sloan Management Review, Behavioral Scientist, and The Conversation [11][12].\n\nIn addition to her business and academic work, Barnett served as the executive director of Blue Tennessee, a grassroots organization that helps elect Democratic leaders [8][9]. She also spent time working in Congress as a Congressional science policy fellow, an experience she cites as providing firsthand insight into federal dysfunction [4][9].\n\n## Office history\n\nMichaela Barnett has not previously held elected or appointed public office [1]. She self-describes as a scientist and small business owner who spent the previous year working in Congress as a Congressional science policy fellow [9]. Her professional background includes serving as the executive director of Blue Tennessee, a grassroots organization that helps elect Democratic leaders [8].\n\nBarnett ran for election to the U.S. House of Representatives to represent Tennessee's 2nd Congressional District in the 2026 Democratic primary [1]. She declared her candidacy for the primary scheduled on August 6, 2026, challenging incumbent Republican Rep. Tim Burchett [1]. As of May 11, 2026, this election has not yet occurred, and its outcome is unknown [1].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nMichaela Barnett served as a Congressional science policy fellow for one year prior to her 2026 campaign, a period during which she observed legislative dysfunction firsthand [4][9]. Her platform emphasizes making government represent the people by addressing issues such as healthcare costs, housing, and the cost of living, while also prioritizing investments in Tennessee\u2019s workforce and rural infrastructure [3][10].\n\nBarnett self-describes her policy positions as focused on an economy that works for East Tennesseans, healthcare centered on patients rather than profits, and sustainable infrastructure [3]. She advocates for affordable healthcare solutions, action on gun violence, and the protection of reproductive freedom, contrasting her stance with that of incumbent Republican Rep. Tim Burchett, whom she accuses of opposing these measures [7]. Barnett also positions herself against corporate interests and the Democratic establishment, arguing that traditional political tactics are insufficient for the current moment [4][9].\n\nAs a candidate, Barnett has not sponsored legislation in Congress, as she is seeking election to the U.S. House for Tennessee's 2nd Congressional District in the primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1]. Her legislative agenda, as outlined by her campaign, includes challenging Republican policies that she claims provided tax breaks to the wealthy at the expense of working families and expanded ICE enforcement [4]. She has not yet held a seat in the House of Representatives during this term, so no votes or committee assignments from this specific congressional session are applicable [1].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nBarnett is a small business owner and the founder of KnoxFill, a zero-waste refill store in Knoxville, Tennessee [5]. She describes herself as an entrepreneur who manages the business using a \"milkman-like method\" to provide sustainable products to the community [5]. The business fulfills online orders via delivery within select Knoxville zip codes and operates pickup locations including her home porch and cooperating local businesses [13].\n\nFinancially, Barnett has not made personal contributions to her campaign. Federal Election Commission data indicates that of the $180,301.31 in total contributions received, none came from the candidate herself [2]. She did receive a loan of $6,000.00, though details regarding the lender or repayment status are not specified in the available summary [2].\n\nBarnett also serves as the executive director of Blue Tennessee, a grassroots organization focused on electing Democratic leaders [8]. Her professional background includes work as a scientist and former Congressional science policy fellow, with a PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Virginia where her research focused on waste behaviors [12]. She has written extensively on sustainability and behavioral science for publications such as *Behavioral Scientist* and *The Conversation* [11][12].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Michaela Barnett - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Michaela_Barnett)\n[2] [BARNETT, MICHAELA - Candidate overview - FEC.gov](https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/H6TN02170/)\n[3] [Michaela Barnett for Tennessee-02](https://www.michaelafortennessee.com/)\n[4] [About \u2014 Michaela For Tennessee](https://www.michaelafortennessee.com/about)\n[5] [Made for Knoxville \u2014 Michaela Barnett](https://madeforknoxville.com/story/michaela-barnett/)\n[6] [Absolutely VILE. I'm Michaela Barnett and I'm running ...](https://www.facebook.com/MichaelaForTennessee/posts/absolutely-vile-im-michaela-barnett-and-im-running-against-tim-burchett-because-/122145778166979506/)\n[7] [Dr. Michaela Barnett announces her candidacy for ...](https://www.facebook.com/WBIRChannel10/posts/dr-michaela-barnett-announces-her-candidacy-for-tennessees-2nd-congressional-dis/1225731826266753/)\n[8] [Dr. Michaela Barnett runs for Tennessee's 2nd congressional district | wbir.com](https://www.wbir.com/article/news/politics/democrat-enters-race-east-tennessee-congressional-seat/51-dd3d4f9c-0e9d-4962-9731-5d700e8d5e71)\n[9] [Michaela Barnett | Take Back Congress](https://www.take-bac-congress.us/team/michaela-barnett)\n[10] [Help Michaela put hope to work in East Tennessee!](https://secure.actblue.com/donate/michaelafortn)\n[11] [Michaela Barnett, Columnist at Behavioral Scientist](https://behavioralscientist.org/author/michaela-barnett/)\n[12] [Michaela Barnett \u2013 The Conversation](https://theconversation.com/profiles/michaela-barnett-1451782)\n[13] [Hellbender Press - Michaela Barnett wants to help break your consumer chains](https://hellbenderpress.org/news/michaela-barrett-wants-to-help-break-your-consumer-chains)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Michaela","fullname":"Michaela Barnett","lastname":"Barnett","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Michaela Barnett is a Democratic candidate running for Tennessee's 2nd Congressional District in the 2026 election.","token":"VNrbHD21ID"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Rosemary","fullname":"Rosemary Barnett","lastname":"Barnett","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"hxjzG8Kmf4"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Royce","fullname":"Royce Barnett","lastname":"Barnett","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"qAiW7Qdgum"},{"bio_snippet":"Republican nominee for County Commission District 16; Goodlettsville Planning Commission vice chair and former Goodlettsville City Commission candidate.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nBilly Barnfield is the Republican Party nominee for Sumner County Commission District 16 (the Goodlettsville area), facing independent candidate David A. Long on the August 6, 2026 ballot [1]. He won the May 5, 2026 Republican primary with 318 votes [2].\n\n## Background\nBarnfield is a longtime Goodlettsville resident of about 20 years [3].\n\n## Office history\nHe serves as Vice Chair of the Goodlettsville Planning Commission and was a candidate for Goodlettsville City Commission in the November 2024 municipal election [3][4].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Federal and State Primary, State Judicial and Sumner County General Elections Sample Ballot](https://www.votesumnertn.org/uploads/files/884379eec0cf6e5fb6f5678acff70a3783bde79d.pdf) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-22\n[2] [Sumner County elections: Who's ahead in the May 5 primary's key races](https://www.aol.com/articles/sumner-county-elections-whos-ahead-204532050.html) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-22\n[3] [Billy Barnfield for Goodlettsville City Commission \u2014 campaign Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/p/Billy-Barnfield-for-Goodlettsville-City-Commission-61563062264842/) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-22\n[4] [Candidate List, November 5, 2024 Municipal Elections \u2014 Metro Nashville/Davidson County](https://www.nashville.gov/sites/default/files/2024-09/Candidate_List_November_5_2024_MUNICIPAL_ELECTIONS.pdf) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-22","birthdate":null,"firstname":"BILLY","fullname":"BILLY BARNFIELD","lastname":"BARNFIELD","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Republican nominee for County Commission District 16; Goodlettsville Planning Commission vice chair and former Goodlettsville City Commission candidate.","token":"yPd1RffW8b"},{"bio_snippet":"Per the NC voter file: REP voter in New Hanover County since 2013.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nJosephine Arissa Barnhart, known as Josie Barnhart, is an incumbent Republican member of the New Hanover County Board of Education seeking re-election in 2026 [1]. She advanced from the March 3, 2026 Republican primary, placing second among five candidates with 20.66% of the vote, and is on the ballot for the November 3, 2026 general election alongside fellow Republicans Pat Bradford, Amy Dunning, and Chris Sutton [1][2].\n\n## Background\nAccording to the North Carolina voter file, Barnhart is a registered Republican in New Hanover County, registered since 2013 (13 years) [3]. The voter file lists her year of birth as 1988; North Carolina's bulk voter export publishes only birth year, not a full date [3]. Her voting history shows participation in 10 elections since 2016, most recently the March 3, 2026 primary [4].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [A look at who filed in the 2026 tri-county elections \u2013 Port City Daily](https://portcitydaily.com/local-news/2025/12/19/look-at-who-filed-in-2026-elections/)\n[2] [2026 Primary Results: New Hanover County \u2013 Port City Daily](https://portcitydaily.com/latest-news/2026/03/03/2026-primary-results-new-hanover-county/)\n[3] [North Carolina State Board of Elections \u2014 Voter Search](https://vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup/)\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":"Josephine","fullname":"Josephine Arissa Barnhart","lastname":"Barnhart","middlename":"Arissa","suffix":null,"summary":"Per the NC voter file: REP voter in New Hanover County since 2013.","token":"ddf654270fb86d0a"},{"bio_snippet":"Incumbent Hickman County commissioner for District 3, running for re-election as an independent in 2026.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nMatthew Barnhill is an independent candidate for Hickman County Commission, District 3, in the August 6, 2026 county general election [1]. District 3 is a two-seat district; the ballot instruction reads \"Vote for Two (2)\" [2].\n\n## Office history\nBarnhill currently serves as one of the two Hickman County commissioners representing District 3, per the county's official commissioner roster; the other District 3 seat is held by fellow 2026 candidate Michael Wayne Thomasson [3]. His 2026 candidacy is a bid for re-election.\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Candidates finalized for Hickman County's May 5 Primary ballot - Main Street Media of Tennessee](https://mainstreetmediatn.com/articles/hct-print/candidates-qualified-finalized-for-may-elections/) - accessed 2026-07-23\n[2] [Official Hickman County Primary Ballot, May 5, 2026](https://hickmancountytn.gov/images/uploads/content_files/May_Primary_2026_Ballot.pdf) - accessed 2026-07-23\n[3] [Commissioners | Hickman County, TN](https://hickmancountytn.gov/government/commissioners) - accessed 2026-07-23","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Matthew","fullname":"Matthew Barnhill","lastname":"Barnhill","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Incumbent Hickman County commissioner for District 3, running for re-election as an independent in 2026.","token":"IBa99VmhLJ"},{"bio_snippet":"Current office and 2026 campaign Kathryn \"Kate\" Compton Barr ran as a Republican in the 2026 primary for North Carolina's 14th Congressional District, challenging incumbent Timothy K. Moore 1 2 . She openly identifies as a lifelong Democrat and entered the Republican primary spec","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nKathryn \"Kate\" Compton Barr ran as a Republican in the 2026 primary for North Carolina's 14th Congressional District, challenging incumbent Timothy K. Moore [1][2]. She openly identifies as a lifelong Democrat and entered the Republican primary specifically to draw attention to gerrymandering [1][2]. She lost to Moore in the March 3, 2026 Republican primary [3]; NC State Board of Elections candidate filing records show Barr filed only for the primary while Moore filed for both the primary and the November 3, 2026 general election, where he faces Democrat Lakesha Womack [3][4].\n\nBarr's central campaign issue was gerrymandering and redistricting reform. On economic policy, she supported making the first $100,000 of income tax-free, raising the minimum wage to $20 per hour, and progressive taxation on high earners [1].\n\n## Background and education\nBarr was born in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She graduated from the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics in 2000, earned a bachelor's degree in biology and Spanish from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2004, and a master's degree in health behavior from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2008 [3].\n\n## Career\nBarr worked as a behavioral scientist at the University of Michigan before returning to North Carolina [1][3]. She later served as CEO of Pip and Grow, a North Carolina company that manufactures eco-conscious cardboard baby bassinets marketed as the \"Smitten\" baby box, before stepping back from that role in 2021 to focus on her career in behavioral science [1]. She is also a part-owner of a small business [3].\n\n## Family\nBarr has been married to her husband for 20 years and is the mother of two children [1].\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Facing the voters: Kate Compton Barr \u2014 Shelby Independent](https://www.shelbyindependent.com/post/facing-the-voters-kate-compton-barr)\n- [2] [N.C. Democrat runs as Republican to shed light on gerrymandering \u2014 Spectrum Local News](https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/charlotte/news/2026/01/05/n-c--democrat-runs-as-republican-to-shed-light-on-gerrymandering)\n- [3] [Kate Barr \u2014 Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Kate_Barr) (used only for the birthplace, education, and primary-result facts not available from any other public source found)\n- [4] [North Carolina State Board of Elections 2026 Candidate Filing listing](https://s3.amazonaws.com/dl.ncsbe.gov/Elections/2026/Candidate%20Filing/Candidate_Listing_2026.csv), accessed 2026-07-20\n","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Kathryn","fullname":"Kathryn Leigh Compton Barr","lastname":"Barr","middlename":"Leigh Compton","suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"dd06dd8a8f757242"}]