[{"bio_snippet":"Current office and 2026 campaign Democratic candidate for Shelby County Criminal Court Clerk in the May 5, 2026 primary. SCEC Final Candidate List, May 5 2026 https://electionsshelbytn.gov/wp content/uploads/2026/03/Final Candidate List May 5 2026 Election.pdf General Sessions Cr","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n- Democratic candidate for **Shelby County Criminal Court Clerk** in the May 5, 2026 primary. ([SCEC Final Candidate List, May 5 2026](https://electionsshelbytn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Final-Candidate-List-May-5-2026-Election.pdf))\n\n- General Sessions Criminal Administrator, Shelby County clerk's office. ([Commercial Appeal via Yahoo](https://www.yahoo.com/news/heres-running-general-sessions-court-110642666.html))\n- Listed in the National Association for Court Management *The Court Manager* new-members directory (Vol. 34, No. 3, Fall 2019) as \"Administrator of General Sessions Criminal Court, Memphis, Tennessee.\" ([NACM](https://thecourtmanager.org/new-members/?issue=vol-34-3-fall-2019))\n\nFrom her 2024 campaign, which focused on a closely related office:\n\n- Improving customer service and community access.\n- Upgrading technology, including e-filing. In 2024 she noted: *\"Shelby County (general sessions) is one of the largest court systems and we have yet to get into e-filing.\"* ([Commercial Appeal via Yahoo](https://www.yahoo.com/news/heres-running-general-sessions-court-110642666.html))\n- Completing a case-management system for the criminal division and advancing a new system for the civil division. ([Q&A](https://www.yahoo.com/news/shelby-county-general-sessions-court-110949557.html))\n\n---\n\n*Compiled from publicly available web sources on 2026-04-18. The 2026 race (Criminal Court Clerk) is a distinct office from her 2020 and 2024 runs (General Sessions Court Clerk). Education and family background were not located in online sources.*\n\n## Career\n- Per her own campaign statements, 30 years of experience in the General Sessions Court Clerk's Office / court operations and leadership. ([Commercial Appeal via Yahoo, Q&A](https://www.yahoo.com/news/shelby-county-general-sessions-court-110949557.html))\n\n## Office history\n- **2020 Democratic primary**, Shelby County General Sessions Court Clerk \u2014 lost to incumbent Joe Brown. ([Commercial Appeal via Yahoo](https://www.yahoo.com/news/heres-running-general-sessions-court-110642666.html), [Memphis Flyer](https://www.memphisflyer.com/two-2020-races-generate-a-flood-of-candidates-in-shelby-county))\n- **2024 Democratic primary**, Shelby County General Sessions Court Clerk \u2014 lost to Tami Sawyer in a multi-candidate field that included incumbent Joe Brown and Shelandra Ford. ([Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Rheunte_Benson), [Tri-State Defender](https://tri-statedefender.com/incumbent-joe-brown-and-tami-sawyer-on-course-to-vie-for-general-sessions-court-clerk/11/15/))\n- Prior campaigns used [electbensonforclerk.com](https://electbensonforclerk.com/) and the Facebook page [facebook.com/BensonforClerk2020](https://www.facebook.com/BensonforClerk2020/). The campaign site was not reachable during this research.\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n- **2026** \u2014 [Criminal Court Clerk (SS-8005)](https://conflict.app.tn.gov/conflict/view_form_8005.htm?name=BENSON&id=86312&f=198103&v=1) \u2014 filed as a Shelby County official/candidate\n- **2024** \u2014 [General Sessions Court Clerk (SS-8005)](https://conflict.app.tn.gov/conflict/view_form_8005.htm?name=BENSON&id=86312&f=172815&v=1) \u2014 filed as a Shelby County official/candidate\n- **2024** \u2014 [General Sessions Court Clerk (SS-8005 (Amended))](https://conflict.app.tn.gov/conflict/view_form_8005.htm?name=BENSON&id=86312&f=172815&v=2) \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":"Rheunte","fullname":"Rheunte E. Benson","lastname":"Benson","middlename":"E.","suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"fGsKWl6zwy"},{"bio_snippet":"Kenneth Walter Bentley Jr. is a Republican candidate for an unknown office in North Carolina in the November 3, 2026 election; no further biographical details are available in the sources.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nKenneth Walter Bentley Jr. is the Republican nominee for the North Carolina House of Representatives District 27, covering Halifax, Northampton, and Warren counties. The Republican primary was canceled because he had no opponent [1]. He faces incumbent Democrat Rodney D. Pierce in the November 3, 2026 general election [1].\n\n## Sources\n\n- [1] [Kenneth Bentley Jr. - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Kenneth_Bentley_Jr.)\n- [2] NC State Board of Elections 2026 Candidate Filing list, [dl.ncsbe.gov](https://s3.amazonaws.com/dl.ncsbe.gov/Elections/2026/Candidate%20Filing/Candidate_Listing_2026.csv)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Kenneth","fullname":"Kenneth Walter Bentley JR","lastname":"Bentley","middlename":"Walter","suffix":"JR","summary":"Kenneth Walter Bentley Jr. is a Republican candidate for an unknown office in North Carolina in the November 3, 2026 election; no further biographical details are available in the sources.","token":"524aa8ad8da81eab"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Nick","fullname":"Nick Bentley","lastname":"Bentley","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"3Njt0bSA5d"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Zachary","fullname":"Zachary Bentley","lastname":"Bentley","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"GwqaOw3Wap"},{"bio_snippet":"Current office and 2026 campaign Philip Edward Berger served as President Pro Tempore of the North Carolina State Senate from January 2011 through 2026, representing District 26 Guilford and Rockingham counties . In 2026, he ran for re election in the Republican primary but narro","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nPhilip Edward Berger served as President Pro Tempore of the North Carolina State Senate from January 2011 through 2026, representing District 26 (Guilford and Rockingham counties). In 2026, he ran for re-election in the Republican primary but narrowly lost to Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page by 23 votes after a full machine recount. Berger conceded on March 24, 2026, ending a career spanning more than a quarter-century in the state legislature.\n\n## Background and education\n\nBerger was born on August 8, 1952, in New Rochelle, New York, and grew up in Danville, Virginia, where he graduated from George Washington High School in 1970. He attended Danville Community College and earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from Averett College in 1980. He earned his J.D. from Wake Forest University School of Law in 1982.\n\n## Career\n\nAfter law school, Berger clerked for a year at the North Carolina Court of Appeals, then joined an Eden law firm in 1984. In 2001, he co-founded the Berger Law Firm with his two sons. He was first elected to the North Carolina Senate in 2000, and became President Pro Tempore when Republicans took control of the Senate for the first time in 140 years in 2011.\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Phil Berger (politician) \u2013 Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Berger_(politician))\n- [2] [Senator Phil Berger Biography \u2013 NC General Assembly](https://www.ncleg.gov/Members/Biography/s/64)\n- [3] [Phil Berger concedes NC Senate primary \u2013 CNN](https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/24/politics/phil-berger-sam-page-north-carolina-senate)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Philip","fullname":"Philip Edward Berger","lastname":"Berger","middlename":"Edward","suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"72373615b4d42e54"},{"bio_snippet":"Lore Bergman is a Democratic candidate for Tennessee's 6th Congressional District, advocating for disability rights and progressive policies.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nLore Bergman is a Democratic candidate running for election to the U.S. House of Representatives in Tennessee's 6th Congressional District [1]. She filed her Statement of Organization with the Federal Election Commission on November 6, 2023, establishing \"Lore Bergman for US Congress\" as her principal campaign committee [3]. Bergman officially declared her candidacy for the Democratic primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1].\n\nBergman describes herself as a disability and elderly advocate who previously ran in the 2024 cycle for the same seat [7]. Her 2026 campaign is driven by the motto \"Love Thy Neighbor\" and focuses on issues including affordable housing, Medicare, resources for people with disabilities, banning assault weapons, lower drug prices, and women's reproductive rights [12]. She states that she is running again because she believes the economy is being destroyed, prices are skyrocketing, and democracy is being challenged daily [10].\n\nThe candidate's platform includes fighting price gouging, implementing rent control and freezes, and providing free childcare and pre-kindergarten [11]. Bergman has engaged in voter registration events and public appearances to promote her campaign [9]. She faces incumbent Republican John Rose in the general election if she wins the primary [13].\n\n## Background and education\n\nLore Bergman was born in Chicago, Illinois [1]. She is a first-generation immigrant [12]. Bergman self-describes as a disabled person who has spent much of her life navigating complex systems involving Social Security, disability benefits, and public housing [4], [7], [8].\n\nBergman graduated from the Marquette Manor Baptist Academy [1]. She earned a bachelor's degree from the Pillsbury Baptist institution, though the specific name of the college is not fully provided in available records [1].\n\n## Career\n\nLore Bergman is a disability and elderly advocate who has spent much of her life navigating Social Security, disability benefits, public housing, and other assistance programs [4][7][8]. She states that these experiences revealed significant flaws in resources designed to help those in need, noting that the system can often frustrate users to the point of hopelessness and despair [4][8]. Bergman self-describes as a disabled person and draws upon this personal experience to inform her advocacy work [7][8].\n\nBergman is a first-generation immigrant who was born in Chicago, Illinois [12]. She graduated from Marquette Manor Baptist Academy and earned a bachelor's degree from Pillsbury Baptist College [1]. Professionally, she identifies as an activist [6].\n\n## Office history\n\nLore Bergman has not held any elected or appointed public office prior to her current campaign [6]. She self-describes as a disability and elderly advocate, citing her personal experiences navigating Social Security, disability benefits, and public housing systems as the basis for her political focus [4][7][8].\n\nBergman ran for election to the U.S. House of Representatives in Tennessee's 6th Congressional District during the 2024 cycle [1]. She filed a Statement of Organization with the Federal Election Commission on November 6, 2023, establishing her principal campaign committee for this race [3]. In the Democratic primary held on August 1, 2024, Bergman was defeated by incumbent Republican John Rose [2][13].\n\nBergman is currently running for election to the U.S. House of Representatives in Tennessee's 6th Congressional District as a Democrat [1]. She declared her candidacy for the Democratic primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1]. On her campaign website, Bergman states that she won the primary \"last year,\" although official records indicate she lost the 2024 Democratic primary to John Rose [10].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nLore Bergman has not held elected office prior to her 2026 campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives in Tennessee's 6th District [1][2]. Consequently, she has no legislative record, sponsored bills, or committee assignments to report [6]. Her political experience is self-described as stemming from her advocacy work rather than formal government service [6].\n\nBergman\u2019s policy positions are centered on progressive issues, including affordable housing, Medicare expansion, resources for people with disabilities, banning assault weapons, lowering drug prices, and protecting women\u2019s reproductive health [6][12]. She identifies as a disability and elderly advocate, citing her personal experiences navigating Social Security, disability benefits, and public housing systems as the basis for her platform [4][8].\n\nOn economic issues, Bergman states that she will fight to pass legislation against price gouging and implement strict controls on annual price increases for goods and services, including rent payments [11]. Her platform also includes calls for free childcare and pre-kindergarten, as well as rent control measures to protect tenants' rights [11]. She has described the current political environment as chaotic and dysfunctional, expressing concern over rising hate, racism, bigotry, and misogyny in the country [5].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Lore Bergman - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Lore_Bergman)\n[2] [Tennessee's 6th Congressional District election, 2024 (August 1 Democratic primary) - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Tennessee's_6th_Congressional_District_election,_2024_(August_1_Democratic_primary))\n[3] [Form 1 for Lore Bergman for US Congress](https://docquery.fec.gov/cgi-bin/forms/C00855684/1734510/)\n[4] [Lore Bergman for Tennessee\u2019s 6th Congressional District | News | lebanondemocrat.com](https://www.lebanondemocrat.com/maconcounty/news/lore-bergman-for-tennessee-s-6th-congressional-district/article_a18b65c5-88c1-5423-9408-aec7e53a9b4e.html)\n[5] [Lore Bergman \u2013 The Official website of Lore Bergman](https://lorebergman.org/)\n[6] [Democrat Lore Bergman runs for 6th congressional district - Nashville Banner](https://nashvillebanner.com/2024/07/20/lore-bergman-candidate-6th-congressional-district/)\n[7] [Candidate announcement: Lore Bergman for Congress, 6th District - Main Street Media of Tennessee](https://mainstreetmediatn.com/articles/news-thewilsonpost/candidate-announcement-lore-bergman-for-congress-6th-district/)\n[8] [Bergman announces candidacy for 6th Congressional District - Main Street Media of Tennessee](https://mainstreetmediatn.com/articles/gallatinnews/bergman-announces-candidacy-for-6th-congressional-district/)\n[9] [Lore Bergman for US Congress | Tennessee Technological University Event Calendar](https://reserve.tntech.edu/events/QiiqhIHRpLsyCYJsxwHV/7SZB0ui31rEiK5d4IHj7)\n[10] [Meet Lore \u2013 Lore Bergman](https://lorebergman.org/meet-lore/)\n[11] [Platform \u2013 Lore Bergman](https://lorebergman.org/platform/)\n[12] [Lore Bergman Archives - Nashville Banner](https://nashvillebanner.com/tag/lore-bergman/)\n[13] [Tennessee House District 6 General Election Results 2024](https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-elections/tennessee-us-house-district-6-results)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Lore","fullname":"Lore Bergman","lastname":"Bergman","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Lore Bergman is a Democratic candidate for Tennessee's 6th Congressional District, advocating for disability rights and progressive policies.","token":"St1frYKvJh"},{"bio_snippet":"Charlotte Bergmann is a Republican candidate for Tennessee's 9th Congressional District, with campaign activity documented in elections from 2010 through 2026.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nCharlotte Bergmann is a Republican candidate running for election to the U.S. House to represent Tennessee's 9th Congressional District in the 2026 cycle [1]. She declared her candidacy for the Republican primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1]. As of May 2026, the outcome of this upcoming election is unknown [1].\n\nBergmann\u2019s campaign has emphasized traditional campaigning methods following Labor Day, focusing on issues such as crime and economic concerns in the district [9]. Her platform highlights a \"Law and Order\" stance, arguing that Washington must support local law enforcement with resources and policy reforms to restore safety [7]. She states that the current representative has neglected veterans and contributed to skyrocketing crime rates, including murders and carjackings [3]. Bergmann self-describes as a native Memphian who was the first in her family to receive a higher level college education [6].\n\nFinancial data from the Federal Election Commission indicates that Bergmann\u2019s campaign raised $11,734.59 in total receipts, with $9,234.59 coming from individual contributions and $2,500 from other committees [2]. Her campaign website lists a maximum individual contribution limit of $3,500 per election cycle [3]. Bergmann serves as a State Executive Committeewoman for the Tennessee Republican Party (TNGOP) District 33 and is a board member of the Sober House Homeless Mission [4].\n\n## Background and education\n\nCharlotte Bergmann is a native of Memphis, Tennessee, where she was raised in a Christian household as one of ten children [6]. Her father was a Baptist minister who instilled religious values in his upbringing [12]. She self-describes as a Christian and has been affiliated with Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, serving as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister [4].\n\nBergmann was the first member of her family to receive a higher level college education [6]. She earned an associate degree from State Technical Institute at Memphis in 1986, where she served as president of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society during the 1985\u201386 academic year [6]. She subsequently graduated from Christian Brothers University with a Bachelor of Science in Technology in 1992 and earned a Master of Business Administration (CMBA) from the same institution in 1996 [4].\n\n## Career\n\nCharlotte Bergmann is a native of Memphis, Tennessee, who was raised in a Christian household as one of ten children.[6] She became the first member of her family to pursue higher education, graduating from State Technical Institute at Memphis with an associate degree in 1986, where she served as president of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society during the 1985\u201386 academic year.[6] She later earned a Bachelor of Science in Technology from Christian Brothers University in 1992 and completed additional education there in 1996, including a Master of Business Administration.[1][6]\n\nProfessionally, Bergmann has worked as a marketing professional.[13] Her career experience includes roles in business, though specific details of her employment history are not fully detailed in available sources.[1] She is also associated with the Sober House Homeless Mission as a board member.[4]\n\n## Office history\n\nCharlotte Bergmann has served as a State Executive Committeewoman for District 33 of the Tennessee Republican Party (TNGOP) [4][5]. She also serves on the board of the Sober House Homeless Mission and holds roles as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church [4][5].\n\nBergmann ran for the U.S. House to represent Tennessee's 9th Congressional District in three separate general elections, all against incumbent Democrat Steve Cohen. In the 2010 election, she was defeated by Cohen [10]. She ran again in the 2022 general election and lost to Cohen [4]. In the 2024 general election, she was once more defeated by Cohen [5].\n\nBergmann is currently a candidate for the U.S. House to represent Tennessee's 9th Congressional District in the upcoming 2026 Republican primary, which is scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nCharlotte Bergmann has not held elected legislative office, and therefore has no prior legislative record, sponsored bills, or committee assignments to cite [4][5]. Her political experience is limited to party service as a State Executive Committeewoman for District 33 of the Tennessee Republican Party (TNGOP) [4][5].\n\nIn her campaigns for Tennessee's 9th Congressional District, Bergmann has self-described as a \"Conservative\" and a \"Tea Party-style Republican\" [4][5][13]. Her stated policy positions emphasize \"Law and Order,\" arguing that Washington must support local law enforcement with resources and technology to combat violent crime in Memphis [7]. She states that she supports federal partnerships to strengthen public safety initiatives and protect victims [7].\n\nEconomically, Bergmann has focused her platform on issues affecting families and entrepreneurs, citing inflation, rising housing costs, and regulatory burdens as key challenges [7]. She has criticized the incumbent representative for neglecting veterans in Shelby County and allowing crime and poverty to rise [3]. During her 2010 campaign, she was backed by the Tea Party movement [10]. In subsequent cycles, including 2022 and 2024, she continued to seek the Republican nomination for the district [4][5].\n\n## Documented disputes and controversies\n\nIn the 2010 general election for Tennessee\u2019s 9th Congressional District, incumbent Democrat Steve Cohen defeated Bergmann, who was backed by the Tea Party movement [10]. Bergmann later sought to unseat Cohen in subsequent cycles, including a 2020 campaign where she stated her goal was to win the seat from the Democratic representative [12].\n\nDuring her 2026 campaign for the Republican nomination in Tennessee\u2019s 9th District, Bergmann\u2019s platform focused on criticizing the incumbent\u2019s record regarding public safety and veteran affairs. Her campaign materials asserted that murders, carjackings, rapes, homelessness, and poverty had \"skyrocketed\" during the incumbent's seventeen-year tenure, accusing him of neglecting the district's veterans and exhibiting \"corruption and disdain\" for residents [3]. Bergmann also characterized her political approach as a \"Tea Party-style\" conservative effort to challenge Cohen [13].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nCharlotte Bergmann\u2019s professional background is rooted in marketing and technology. She has worked as a business marketing professional [1][13]. Her father was a Baptist minister, and she was the first member of her family to receive a higher-level college education [6][8][11].\n\nSpecific details regarding her current business interests, ownership stakes, or sources of personal wealth are not provided in available public records. Campaign finance data for her 2026 bid shows total receipts of $11,734.59, consisting entirely of individual contributions and other committee donations, with no candidate contributions reported [2]. Bergmann states that she is running to address economic concerns such as inflation and regulatory burdens on entrepreneurs in the district [7].\n\n## Family\n\nBergmann is a native Memphian who grew up in a Christian household as one of ten children [6]. Her father was a Baptist minister [8]. She self-describes as the first member of her family to attain a college education [12].\n\nThe provided sources do not contain information regarding Bergmann's spouse, children, or other family members in politics.\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Charlotte Bergmann - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Charlotte_Bergmann)\n[2] [BERGMANN, CHARLOTTE - Candidate overview - FEC.gov](https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/H0TN09061/)\n[3] [Charlotte Bergmann for US Congress](https://electbergmann.com/)\n[4] [Voter Guide Profile for TN U.S. Rep., Dist. 9 candidate - Charlotte Bergmann](https://ivoterguide.com/candidate/4418/race/1114/election/979)\n[5] [Voter Guide Profile for TN U.S. Rep., Dist. 9 candidate - Charlotte Bergmann](https://ivoterguide.com/candidate/4418/race/1114/election/1242)\n[6] [Charlotte Bergmann for US Congress](https://electbergmann.com/about.html)\n[7] [Charlotte Bergmann for US Congress](https://bergmannforcongress.com/issues.html)\n[8] [Charlotte Bergmann for US Congress](https://www.bergmannforcongress.com/about.html)\n[9] [Republican Charlotte Bergmann announces campaign for Tennessee's 9th Congressional District](https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/politics/republican-charlotte-bergmann-announces-campaign-for-tennessees-9th-congressional-district/522-01a63319-f8be-44d1-9399-853af055d767)\n[10] [Cohen defeats Bergmann in Tennessee's 9th District](https://www.actionnews5.com/story/13433853/cohen-defeats-bergmann-in-tennessees-9th-district/)\n[11] [Charlotte Bergmann for US Congress](https://charlottebergmann.com/about.html)\n[12] [Republican Charlotte Bergmann Wants U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen's Job - Tennessee Star](https://tennesseestar.com/news/republican-charlotte-bergmann-wants-u-s-rep-steve-cohens-job/cbutler/2020/09/14/)\n[13] [PolitiFact | Charlotte Bergmann](https://www.politifact.com/personalities/charlotte-bergmann/)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Charlotte","fullname":"Charlotte Bergmann","lastname":"Bergmann","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Charlotte Bergmann is a Republican candidate for Tennessee's 9th Congressional District, with campaign activity documented in elections from 2010 through 2026.","token":"Z9vkhGU1Ti"},{"bio_snippet":"Jill Nelson Berlin is the Republican candidate for Forsyth County Board of Education District\u202f2 in the 2026 general election.","biography":"Jill Nelson Berlin is the Republican candidate for the Winston\u2011Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education, District\u202f2, on the November\u202f3,\u202f2026 general\u2011election ballot in Forsyth County, North\u202fCarolina. The board of education governs the public school system, setting policy, approving the district budget, overseeing curriculum decisions, and hiring the superintendent, duties that are typical for county school boards in the state\u202f[1].\n\nBerlin advanced from the March\u202f3,\u202f2026 Republican primary, finishing second with 5,578 votes (11.8\u202f% of the primary total), behind Robert\u202fWeiss and ahead of several other contenders; the primary was closely contested and triggered recount\u2011level margins for the next\u2011place finishers\u202f[1][11]. She is listed on the general\u2011election ballot alongside three other Republicans and four Democrats for the four seats in District\u202f2\u202f[1].\n\nDuring the campaign, Berlin received endorsements from state Republicans State Senator Dana\u202fCaudill\u202fJones and former State Senator Joyce\u202fKrawiec\u202f[1]. No campaign\u2011specific platform details or prior public\u2011service experience are provided in the available sources.\n\nBerlin\u2019s candidacy is recorded in the North\u202fCarolina State Board of Elections candidate lists, though the publicly released files do not include her personal contact information such as email or phone number\u202f[4]. No official campaign website or candidate portrait image is linked in the sources examined.\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Jill Nelson Berlin - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Jill_Nelson_Berlin)\n- [2] [North Carolina elections, 2026 - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/North_Carolina_elections,_2026)\n- [4] [Candidate Lists | NCSBE](https://www.ncsbe.gov/results-data/candidate-lists)\n- [5] [2026 Election United States House - North Carolina - District 06 - FEC.gov](https://www.fec.gov/data/elections/house/NC/06/2026/)\n- [6] [Upcoming Election | NCSBE](https://www.ncsbe.gov/voting/upcoming-election)\n- [7] [2026 United States House of Representatives elections in North Carolina - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_United_States_House_of_Representatives_elections_in_North_Carolina)\n- [8] [Candidate Profiles \u2013 NC Voter Guide](https://ncvoterguide.org/profiles/)\n- [10] [Jill Berlin (@Jillberlinn) / X](https://x.com/jillberlinn)\n- [11] [Primary Election Day 2026 | 88.5 WFDD](https://www.wfdd.org/live-updates/primary-election-day-2026)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Jill","fullname":"Jill Nelson Berlin","lastname":"Berlin","middlename":"Nelson","suffix":null,"summary":"Jill Nelson Berlin is the Republican candidate for Forsyth County Board of Education District\u202f2 in the 2026 general election.","token":"21058b14c4a47e50"},{"bio_snippet":"Jennings Bernard is a public figure from Memphis, Tennessee. He has a diverse background, having worked at the Shelby County Sheriff's Office and currently serving as the CEO of Bernard Enterprise and CEO of NATIONAL PROBATION OF AMERICA INC. He studied at Ashworth University and The School of Paralegal Studies, specializing in Civil Litigation, Real Estate Law, and Business Organization Law. Additionally, he holds degrees from Arkansas Institute of Biblical Studies, including a Bachelor's degree, Master of Divinity, and Doctor Divinity. Jennings Bernard is currently running for the position of Memphis Mayor in the upcoming election on October 5, 2023.","biography":"https://ballotpedia.org/Jennings_Bernard\n\nhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jennings-bernard-01435447/\n\nhttps://www.facebook.com/sonnybernard\n\n\nWorked at Shelby County Sheriff's Office\n\nStudied at Ashworth University\n\nStudied Civil Litigation, Real Estate Law, Business Organization Law at The School of Paralegal Studies\n\nWent to Douglass High School Memphis\n\nLives in Memphis, Tennessee\n\nFrom Memphis, Tennessee\n\nMarried\n\nCEO at Bernard Enterprise\n\nCEO NATIONAL PROBATION OF AMERICA INC.\nJun 1998 - Present \u00b7 25 yrs 3 mos\n\nArkansas Institute of Biblical Studies\nBachelor's degree,Master of Divinity,Doctor Divinity\n\n\nProfessional Career Development Institute\nParalegal Studies, Civil Litigation, Real Estate LawParalegal Studies, Civil Litigation, Real Estate Law\n1996 - 1998\n\n","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Jennings","fullname":"Jennings Bernard","lastname":"Bernard","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Jennings Bernard is a public figure from Memphis, Tennessee. He has a diverse background, having worked at the Shelby County Sheriff's Office and currently serving as the CEO of Bernard Enterprise and CEO of NATIONAL PROBATION OF AMERICA INC. He studied at Ashworth University and The School of Paralegal Studies, specializing in Civil Litigation, Real Estate Law, and Business Organization Law. Additionally, he holds degrees from Arkansas Institute of Biblical Studies, including a Bachelor's degree, Master of Divinity, and Doctor Divinity. Jennings Bernard is currently running for the position of Memphis Mayor in the upcoming election on October 5, 2023.","token":"LuCp1RkQgY"},{"bio_snippet":"Blount County Sheriff since 1989; Tennessee Sheriff of the Year (2024); unopposed on the Aug. 6, 2026 general ballot after winning renomination in May.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nJames Lee Berrong is the incumbent Blount County Sheriff, appointed to the post in 1989 and re-elected every term since 1990 [1][2]. He won the May 5, 2026 Republican primary against challenger Jerry D. Burns; no Democrat or independent qualified, so the primary winner will be elected to office in the August 6, 2026 general election [2].\n\n## Career\nBerrong was raised in Blount County [2]. Under his leadership, the Blount County Sheriff's Office established one of the state's first school resource officer programs in 1996, now placing an SRO in every school in the county, and launched a POST-certified deputy training academy in 2007 that has since graduated 31 classes [2]. He describes leading the office's Drug Task Force through a shift from methamphetamine labs in the early-to-mid 2000s to today's fentanyl crisis [2]. In August 2024, the Tennessee Sheriffs' Association named Berrong its Tennessee Sheriff of the Year [3].\n\n## Office history\nBerrong has held the office of Blount County Sheriff continuously since his 1989 appointment, through every subsequent election [1][2].\n\n## Documented disputes and controversies\nBerrong's tenure has included line-of-duty losses: Deputy Greg McCowan was shot and killed during a traffic stop in February 2024, with a second deputy wounded in the same incident, and Deputy Justin Mowery died in an on-duty vehicle crash in December 2025 [1]. In June 2026, Berrong announced that a Sheriff's Office employee had been placed on unpaid administrative leave following multiple allegations of misconduct; after consulting Blount County District Attorney General Ryan Desmond, the office opened an internal investigation, and Desmond asked the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to separately review the matter for potential criminal violations. The employee's name and the nature of the allegations were not made public [4].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [James Lee Berrong, Blount County Sheriff \u2014 About](https://jamesberrong.com/about/), campaign site\n[2] [Hats in the Ring: Sheriff](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/thedailytimes.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/4b/74b84810-4ff5-4f37-8a83-5c64b3011208/69e2e767d7eeb.pdf.pdf), The Daily Times (candidate questionnaire)\n[3] [Blount County sheriff earns top spot in the state amid taxing year](https://www.wvlt.tv/2024/08/02/blount-county-sheriff-earns-top-spot-state-amid-taxing-year/), WVLT\n[4] [Internal investigation opened after Blount County Sheriff's Office employee placed on administrative leave](https://www.wvlt.tv/2026/06/03/internal-investigation-opened-after-blount-county-sheriffs-office-employee-placed-administrative-leave/), WVLT","birthdate":null,"firstname":"James","fullname":"James Lee Berrong","lastname":"Berrong","middlename":"Lee","suffix":null,"summary":"Blount County Sheriff since 1989; Tennessee Sheriff of the Year (2024); unopposed on the Aug. 6, 2026 general ballot after winning renomination in May.","token":"bMRsixJv8B"},{"bio_snippet":"Incumbent Democratic CMCSS School Board member for District 1 seeking re-election in 2026; retired career educator and former teachers-association president.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nCarol Berry is the incumbent Democratic representative for District 1 on the Clarksville-Montgomery County School Board and is running for re-election in the Aug. 6, 2026 election, facing Republican Kailee Cordell [1][2]. She has been endorsed by the Clarksville-Montgomery County Education Association [1].\n\n## Background and education\nBerry was born and raised in Lafayette, Alabama, and graduated with honors from Lafayette High School [1]. She earned a Bachelor of Science in elementary education with a minor in English/language arts from Texas College and a Master of Education from Drury University [1].\n\n## Career\nA lifelong educator, Berry taught in Missouri, Texas, Department of Defense schools in Germany, and CMCSS, retiring from CMCSS in May 2015 [1]. She served as president of the Clarksville-Montgomery County Education Association from 2010 to 2012 and has earned the Tennessee School Boards Association Level IV Boardmanship Award [1].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Carol Berry running for re-election to Clarksville-Montgomery County School Board, District 1](https://clarksvillenow.com/local/carol-berry-running-for-re-election-to-clarksville-montgomery-county-school-board-district-1/) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-22\n[2] [Who\u2019s on ballot for Montgomery County mayor, sheriff, commission, School Board](https://clarksvillenow.com/local/whos-on-ballot-for-montgomery-county-mayor-sheriff-commission-school-board/) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-22","birthdate":null,"firstname":"CAROL","fullname":"CAROL A. BERRY","lastname":"BERRY","middlename":"A.","suffix":null,"summary":"Incumbent Democratic CMCSS School Board member for District 1 seeking re-election in 2026; retired career educator and former teachers-association president.","token":"qgbKEY8Kv9"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"DUSTIN","fullname":"DUSTIN BERRY","lastname":"BERRY","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"Za3ggyglxe"},{"bio_snippet":"Erin Berry is an incumbent member of the Bartlett City Schools Board of Education seeking reelection for Position 2.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nErin Berry is an incumbent Republican member of the Bartlett City Schools Board of Education, Position 2, seeking reelection in the 2026 election [1][2].\n\n## Background and education\nBerry's family moved to Bartlett in 1988; she graduated from Bartlett High School in 1998 and later earned a degree in General Education from the University of Memphis after attending Southwest Tennessee Community College [2].\n\n## Career\nBerry has worked in accounting at Camco Roofing Supplies since 2001 \u2014 more than 24 years \u2014 gaining experience in accounting, budgeting, and auditing, per her official district biography [2].\n\n## Office history\nBerry and fellow board member Bryan Woodruff have served on the Bartlett City Schools Board of Education 'since its inception when the municipal district was formed,' according to the Daily Memphian [1]; she won reelection to Position 2 in 2022 [1][3].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\nBerry has achieved Level 4 board-member status through Tennessee School Boards Association training [2]. She has served on the Bartlett Education Advisory Committee, volunteered with the Better Bartlett Schools group, and is a member of the Northeast Shelby County Republican Club [2][3].\n\n## Family\nBerry and her husband, Brett, have been married 23 years and have two children, Joshua and Lucas, both of whom attended Bartlett City Schools [2].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Two seek reelection to Bartlett City Schools board \u2013 Daily Memphian](https://dailymemphian.com/article/27181/bsc-incumbents-plan-run-for-new-terms) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-20\n[2] [Erin Berry - Bio - Bartlett City Schools](https://www.bartlettschools.org/board/staff/erin-berry-bio) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-20\n[3] [Two seek reelection to Bartlett City Schools board \u2013 Shelby County Chamber Alliance](https://shelbychamberalliance.org/two-seek-reelection-to-bartlett-city-schools-board/) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-20","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Erin","fullname":"Erin Berry","lastname":"Berry","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Erin Berry is an incumbent member of the Bartlett City Schools Board of Education seeking reelection for Position 2.","token":"n2UAOESKis"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Mallory","fullname":"Mallory M. Berry","lastname":"Berry","middlename":"M.","suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"luvwb4YePA"},{"bio_snippet":"Ronald Berry is listed as a candidate for Tn Exec Committeeman 12 R Primary in the Tennessee Secretary of State's 2026 candidate lists.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nRonald Berry is a Republican candidate for Campbell County Commission District 1 in the August 6, 2026 general election [1].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Candidate Lists | Tennessee Secretary of State](https://sos.tn.gov/elections/2026-candidate-lists)\n","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Ronald","fullname":"Ronald Berry","lastname":"Berry","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Ronald Berry is listed as a candidate for Tn Exec Committeeman 12 R Primary in the Tennessee Secretary of State's 2026 candidate lists.","token":"qJeTAq0acn"},{"bio_snippet":"Per the NC voter file: DEM voter in Buncombe County since 2008.","biography":"According to the North Carolina voter file, Margaret Ullman Berthiaume is a registered voter in Buncombe County, North Carolina, registered since 2008 (18 years), with party affiliation listed as Democratic [1].\n\nThe voter file shows Margaret Ullman Berthiaume's year of birth as 1984; 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 10 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 Margaret Ullman Berthiaume 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":"Margaret","fullname":"Margaret Ullman Berthiaume","lastname":"Berthiaume","middlename":"Ullman","suffix":null,"summary":"Per the NC voter file: DEM voter in Buncombe County since 2008.","token":"a8953875d4001925"},{"bio_snippet":"Democratic nominee for Hamilton County, Tennessee Commission District 7, facing Republican incumbent Lee Helton in the August 6, 2026 general election; works as a counselor at River City Counseling.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nLaura J. Bertrand is the Democratic Party's nominee for the Hamilton County, Tennessee Board of Commissioners District 7 seat, facing Republican incumbent Lee Helton in the August 6, 2026 general election [1][2]. District 7's Democratic primary was held May 5, 2026, but was not among the five contested Hamilton County Commission primary races that year [3][4]; Bertrand advanced to the general election as the sole Democratic candidate on file for the seat.\n\n## Career\n\nBertrand works as a therapist/counselor at River City Counseling, a private practice in Hamilton County [2].\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [County Commission District 7 - Democratic Party Sample Ballot](https://elect.hamiltontn.gov/Portals/12/HTML/DemSample.html) - Hamilton County (TN) Election Commission, accessed 2026-07-06\n- [2] [Who's on the ballot? Hamilton County Commission to see six contested races in August](https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2026/jun/27/whos-on-the-ballot-hamilton-county-commission-to/) - Chattanooga Times Free Press, June 27, 2026 (paywalled; confirmed via indexed excerpt, full text not directly accessible)\n- [3] [Who's on the ballot? Hamilton County Commission races have five contested primaries](https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2026/feb/21/whos-on-the-ballot-hamilton-county-commission/) - Chattanooga Times Free Press, Feb. 21, 2026 (paywalled; confirmed via indexed excerpt)\n- [4] [Voters return Geter to Hamilton County Commission, as incumbents otherwise win contested primaries](http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2026/may/05/voters-return-geter-to-hamilton-county-commission/) - Chattanooga Times Free Press, May 5, 2026 (paywalled; confirmed via indexed excerpt)","birthdate":"Tue, 02 Jun 1981 00:00:00 GMT","firstname":"Laura","fullname":"Laura J. Bertrand","lastname":"Bertrand","middlename":"J.","suffix":null,"summary":"Democratic nominee for Hamilton County, Tennessee Commission District 7, facing Republican incumbent Lee Helton in the August 6, 2026 general election; works as a counselor at River City Counseling.","token":"UhKFaMOcMk"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Jenni","fullname":"Jenni Berz","lastname":"Berz","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"lBZTAw6Ewz"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"JIM","fullname":"JIM BESHEARSE","lastname":"BESHEARSE","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"TO2jKG9SRO"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Lance","fullname":"Lance Beshires","lastname":"Beshires","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"BJe7WPkf2a"}]