[{"bio_snippet":"Incumbent District 5 member of the Giles County Board of Education, running as a Republican to retain the seat.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nRichie Brewer is the incumbent representative for District 5 on the Giles County Board of Education and is running as a Republican (nominated by caucus) to retain the seat on the August 6, 2026 county general ballot [1][2].\n\n## Office history\nBrewer currently serves as the District 5 member of the seven-member Giles County Board of Education, whose members are elected from single-member districts to four-year terms; District 5, an odd-numbered district, is up for election in 2026 [1].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Giles County School Board Members - Giles County School System](https://www.gcboe.us/our-district/board-of-education/giles-county-school-board-members) - accessed 2026-07-23\n[2] [Giles County Candidate List (as of 5/6/2026), Primary & General Election August 6, 2026](https://gilescountytn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Candidate-List-August-6-2026.pdf) - accessed 2026-07-23","birthdate":null,"firstname":"RICHIE","fullname":"RICHIE BREWER","lastname":"BREWER","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Incumbent District 5 member of the Giles County Board of Education, running as a Republican to retain the seat.","token":"A8JIqVkANk"},{"bio_snippet":"Stacey Hardin Brewer is listed as a candidate for Tennessee Republican State Executive Committee in the 2026 primary.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nStacey Hardin Brewer is a candidate for the Republican State Executive Committee, District 26, covering Chester, Fayette, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Lawrence, McNairy, and Wayne counties, on the ballot for the August 6, 2026 Republican primary [1]. The Tennessee Secretary of State's certified candidate list shows Brewer, of Waynesboro, Tennessee, as the committeewoman candidate for that seat, having met the March 10, 2026 qualifying deadline [1].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Candidates for Republican State Executive Committee, District 26 - Tennessee Secretary of State](https://sos-prod.tnsosgovfiles.com/s3fs-public/document/TNGOPSEC_Filed_2026-03-24.pdf) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-20","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Stacey","fullname":"Stacey Hardin Brewer","lastname":"Brewer","middlename":"Hardin","suffix":null,"summary":"Stacey Hardin Brewer is listed as a candidate for Tennessee Republican State Executive Committee in the 2026 primary.","token":"O7CpTjL4Nu"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Chris","fullname":"Chris Brewington","lastname":"Brewington","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"H645cXCb4f"},{"bio_snippet":"Current office and 2026 campaign Zelda Thaker Briarwood ran as a Democrat in the 2026 primary for North Carolina's 11th Congressional District, one of five Democrats seeking to represent the western North Carolina district. She lost the March 3, 2026 Democratic primary to Jamie A","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nZelda Thaker Briarwood ran as a Democrat in the 2026 primary for North Carolina's 11th Congressional District, one of five Democrats seeking to represent the western North Carolina district. She lost the March 3, 2026 Democratic primary to Jamie Ager.\n\nBriarwood ran on a 29-point progressive platform. Key positions included banning for-profit healthcare, expanding Medicare, raising the federal minimum wage to at least $20 per hour, banning private equity from purchasing residential housing, and free community college for all.\n\n## Background and education\nBriarwood grew up in Newtown, Pennsylvania. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of South Carolina with a focus on psychology and outdoor recreation, and pursued advanced studies in adventure-based psychotherapy and adventure education at Prescott College.\n\n## Career\nBriarwood has lived and worked in western North Carolina since the 2010s. Her career has spanned mental health and outdoor therapeutic work: she guided backpack expeditions at Red Oak Recovery, worked in admissions at Outward Bound and CooperRiis, managed crisis services at Appalachian Community Center, and provided case management for survivors of sexual violence and human trafficking at OurVoice.\n\nBriarwood served as secretary of the Haywood County Young Democrats and has been open about her personal recovery from addiction, having achieved more than seven years of sobriety.\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Get to know the 5 Democratic candidates for District 11 \u2013 WLOS](https://wlos.com/news/election/democratic-candidates-district-11-western-north-carolina-jamie-ager-lee-whipple-paul-maddox-richard-hudspeth-zelda-briarwood-key-issues-hurricane-helene-recovery-congress)\n- [2] [Zelda For Congress \u2013 Campaign Website](https://www.zeldaforcongress.org)\n","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Zelda","fullname":"Zelda Thaker Briarwood","lastname":"Briarwood","middlename":"Thaker","suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"c5b8925281232d28"},{"bio_snippet":"Rush Bricken is a Republican member of the Tennessee House of Representatives for District 47, first elected in 2018 and currently seeking re-election.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nRush Bricken is a Republican member of the Tennessee House of Representatives representing District 47, which encompasses Coffee County and portions of Grundy County[1][3]. He assumed office on November 6, 2018, succeeding Judd Matheny[1][2]. His current term is scheduled to end on November 3, 2026[1].\n\nBricken is seeking re-election to the Tennessee House of Representatives in the 2026 cycle[1]. He is listed as a candidate for District 47 on the ballot for the Republican primary election scheduled for August 6, 2026[1][12]. As an incumbent, he has established a campaign website and volunteer infrastructure to support his bid for another term[3][7].\n\nDuring his tenure, Bricken has served on several legislative committees, including the Civil Justice Committee, the Commerce Committee where he holds the position of Vice Chair, the State Government Committee, and the Fiscal Review Committee[1]. In the 2023-2024 session, he was also assigned to the Business & Utilities Subcommittee, Elections & Campaign Finance Subcommittee, and the Naming & Designating Committee[15]. He has sponsored legislation such as Tennessee House Joint Resolution 1030 regarding academic achievements at Tullahoma High School[14].\n\n## Background and education\n\nB. Rush Bricken was born on August 4, 1951 [2]. He self-describes as coming from a humble background in Tullahoma, Tennessee, where he was raised by his mother, a third-grade public school teacher, alongside two brothers and two sisters [4][15]. His upbringing instilled a foundation of Christian faith and personal responsibility [4][15]. Bricken began working at age ten delivering newspapers and worked as a grocery clerk from age fifteen through college to pay for his education [4].\n\nBricken earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Auburn University and a Master of Business Administration from Vanderbilt University [2].\n\n## Career\n\nB. Rush Bricken is an American banker and politician from Tennessee [2]. He holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Auburn University and a Master of Business Administration from Vanderbilt University\u2019s Owen Graduate School of Management [2][16]. His professional career includes serving as the Chief Financial Officer at First Federal Savings Bank in Tullahoma, Tennessee, from 1975 to 1992 [16]. He has also worked in roles involving commercial banking, credit analysis, and small business lending [16].\n\nPrior to his election to the state legislature, Bricken served as a Coffee County Commissioner [11][15]. He describes coming from a humble background, noting that he was raised by his mother, a third-grade public school teacher, alongside two brothers and two sisters [4][15]. He states that he began working at age ten delivering newspapers and worked as a grocery clerk from age fifteen through college to pay for his education [4].\n\n## Office history\n\nRush Bricken served as a Coffee County Commissioner prior to his election to the state legislature [9]. He entered the race for Tennessee\u2019s 47th District House of Representatives to succeed Representative Judd Matheny, who was running for the U.S. House [11]. Bricken won the general election and assumed office on November 6, 2018 [1]. His current term in the Tennessee House of Representatives is scheduled to end on November 3, 2026 [1].\n\nIn the 2022 election cycle, Bricken ran for re-election to the Tennessee House of Representatives for District 47 as an incumbent [6]. He is currently listed as a candidate for re-election in the Republican primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nDuring his tenure in the Tennessee House of Representatives, Bricken has held several committee assignments. In 2023 and 2024, he served on the Civil Justice Committee, the Commerce Committee as Vice Chair, the State Government Committee, and the Fiscal Review Committee [1]. More recently, his committee affiliations have included the Business & Utilities Subcommittee, the Commerce Committee, the Elections & Campaign Finance Subcommittee, the Fiscal Review Committee, the Naming & Designating Committee, and the State & Local Government Committee [15].\n\nBricken has sponsored legislation focused on memorials and limited government principles. In early 2026, he sponsored Tennessee House Joint Resolution 1030, which honored Tullahoma High School FBLA national award winners, and House Joint Resolution 758; both measures were passed by the House and signed by the Governor [14]. His legislative record has been tracked by various organizations, with the Institute for Limited Government assigning him a score of 77.65% in 2023 for alignment with limited-government principles [13].\n\nOn social issues, Bricken has consistently supported pro-life measures and Second Amendment rights [5]. Scorecards from the Family Action Council of Tennessee indicate his voting record on key bills during the 2020 session, including SB 16/HB 1 (Tennessee Sports Gaming Act), SB 364/HB 563 (Business Protection Act), and SB 2196/HB 2263 (Governor Lee's Pro-Life Bill) [10]. He has also received endorsements from conservative organizations such as the National Rifle Association and Tennessee Right to Life [6].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nRush Bricken is an American banker who holds a Bachelor of Science from Auburn University and a Master of Business Administration from Vanderbilt University [2]. He self-describes his background as humble, stating that he was raised by his mother, a third-grade public school teacher, alongside two brothers and two sisters [4][15]. Bricken states that he worked delivering newspapers at age ten and as a grocery clerk from age fifteen through college, paying for his own degree [4].\n\nPrior to his legislative service, Bricken served as a Coffee County Commissioner [11]. He was sworn in as the State Representative for Tennessee\u2019s 47th District on November 6, 2018, succeeding Judd Matheny [1][9]. His current term is scheduled to end on November 3, 2026 [1].\n\nSpecific details regarding Bricken\u2019s private business ownership stakes, personal wealth sources, or significant financial-disclosure facts are not provided in the available records. Campaign materials focus on his political platform rather than detailed financial disclosures [3][8].\n\n## Family\n\nRush Bricken self-describes coming from a humble background and states that he was raised by his mother, a third-grade public school teacher, alongside two brothers and two sisters [4]. He notes that she instilled in him a foundation of Christian faith and personal responsibility [4].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Rush Bricken - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Rush_Bricken)\n[2] [Rush Bricken - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rush_Bricken)\n[3] [Rush Bricken for Tennessee State House of Representatives - 47th District | Home](https://rushforstatehouse.com/)\n[4] [About | Rush Bricken for Tennessee State House of Representatives - 47th District](https://www.rushforstatehouse.com/about.html)\n[5] [Values | Rush Bricken for Tennessee State House of Representatives - 47th District](https://www.rushforstatehouse.com/values.html)\n[6] [iVoterGuide - Rush Bricken iVoterGuide Profile](https://ivoterguide.com/candidate/59119/race/15597/election/979)\n[7] [Volunteer | Rush Bricken for Tennessee State House of Representatives - 47th District](https://rushforstatehouse.com/volunteer.html)\n[8] [Donate | Rush Bricken for Tennessee State House of Representatives - 47th District](https://rushforstatehouse.com/donate.html)\n[9] [Coffee County TN GOP on X: \"Congratulations to Representative Rush Bricken, who was sworn in Tuesday to his new office as State Representative for Tennessee's 47th District! Former Coffee County Commissioner, he now succeeds Judd Matheny as our representative in the Tennessee Legislature! https://t.co/BUxIroYeV6\" / X](https://x.com/CoffeeTNGOP/status/1083054041679257607)\n[10] [Rep. Rush Bricken - Family Action Council of Tennessee](https://scorecard.factennessee.org/representatives/rush-bricken)\n[11] [Coffee County commissioner enters state House race to replace Matheny | Local News | manchestertimes.com](https://www.manchestertimes.com/news/local/coffee-county-commissioner-enters-state-house-race-to-replace-matheny/article_04163734-7eef-5d00-a1c0-cf1374836b7e.html)\n[12] [Rush Bricken | BallotReady](https://www.ballotready.org/people/rush-bricken)\n[13] [Rush Bricken](https://analysis.limitedgov.org/lawmakers/history/c4423cc0-4b9f-4f45-a8ec-79e01fcb00af)\n[14] [Rush Bricken - Tennessee Representative Republican - Bill Sponsor](https://www.billsponsor.com/politicians/7150/rush-bricken)\n[15] [Representative Rush Bricken \u2014 Tennessee House Republican Caucus](https://tnhousegop.org/members/representative-rush-bricken/)\n[16] [Rush Bricken Email & Phone Number | Coffee County Bank CEO- EVP Contact Information](https://rocketreach.co/rush-bricken-email_12410356)","birthdate":"Sat, 04 Aug 1951 00:00:00 GMT","firstname":"Rush","fullname":"Rush Bricken","lastname":"Bricken","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Rush Bricken is a Republican member of the Tennessee House of Representatives for District 47, first elected in 2018 and currently seeking re-election.","token":"7dQoOIteei"},{"bio_snippet":"Sean Mackenzie Bridgers, an actor and Western Carolina University graduate, is the Democratic candidate for Jackson County Commissioner District\u202f2, focusing on budget transparency and library services.","biography":"Sean Mackenzie Bridgers is the Democratic candidate for Jackson County Board of Commissioners District\u202f2 in the 2026 North Carolina election. The county board sets policy, adopts the annual budget, and oversees county services such as libraries and public safety; the race has centered on issues of budget growth and library governance, underscoring the board\u2019s fiscal responsibilities [5].\n\nBorn March\u202f15,\u202f1968, Bridgers grew up in Sylva, North Carolina, the son of Ben and Sue Ellen Bridgers. He graduated from Western Carolina University, a fact he cites in his campaign outreach and which is confirmed by his Wikipedia biography and his own Instagram post announcing his candidacy [2][3]. After college he pursued a career as a working actor, appearing in television series such as *Deadwood* and *Rectify* and in films including *The Woman* and *Room* [2][11].\n\nBridgers entered local politics by filing for the Jackson County Board of Commissioners District\u202f2 seat. He appeared on the Democratic primary ballot on March\u202f3,\u202f2026 and won the primary with roughly 69\u202f% of the vote, defeating fellow Democrat Frances O. Owens who received about 31\u202f% [5]. In the primary, he emphasized opposition to the county\u2019s withdrawal from the Fontana Regional Library system and criticized rapid budget growth, calling for greater transparency, deliberation, and responsible fiscal management [5]. These positions reflect the duties of a commissioner to oversee the county budget and public services.\n\nHis campaign messaging, posted on Instagram, stresses a deep personal connection to the mountains and community of Jackson County, noting that \u201cmy heart never leaves these mountains and this community\u201d despite a career that has taken him to Hollywood [3]. He invites residents to share their thoughts on local governance and promises to serve with a focus on protecting the area\u2019s resources.\n\nBridgers can be contacted via the email address listed on his Ballotpedia profile, seanbridgers4jacksoncounty@gmail.com, and he encourages constituents to follow his Instagram account for updates [1][3]. While no official campaign website is listed in the available sources, his public statements and primary victory indicate an active effort to address local fiscal and service issues as a prospective county commissioner.\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Sean Bridgers (Jackson County Board of Commissioners District 2, North Carolina, candidate 2026) - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Sean_Bridgers_(Jackson_County_Board_of_Commissioners_District_2,_North_Carolina,_candidate_2026))\n- [2] [Sean Bridgers - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sean_Bridgers)\n- [3] [I'm Sean Bridgers and I'm running to serve you as your next ...](https://www.instagram.com/p/DTaoNw0ABSf/)\n- [5] [Bridgers wins big in Jackson District 2 Dem primary](https://smokymountainnews.com/news/item/40968-jackson-commission-2d)\n- [11] [Sean Bridgers | Criminal Minds Wiki | Fandom](https://criminalminds.fandom.com/wiki/Sean_Bridgers)\n- [12] [Sylva native Bridgers stars in HBO series Deadwood | News | thesylvaherald.com](https://www.thesylvaherald.com/news/article_77878076-963f-5280-a32f-0d7ccc9d39d0.html)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Sean","fullname":"Sean Mackenzie Bridgers","lastname":"Bridgers","middlename":"Mackenzie","suffix":null,"summary":"Sean Mackenzie Bridgers, an actor and Western Carolina University graduate, is the Democratic candidate for Jackson County Commissioner District\u202f2, focusing on budget transparency and library services.","token":"4282c5a75d2025f1"},{"bio_snippet":"Aaron Bridges is the incumbent Vice Chairman of the Cleveland County Board of Education seeking re\u2011election in 2026.","biography":"Aaron Daniel Bridges is a Republican incumbent serving as Vice Chairman of the Cleveland County Board of Education in North Carolina and is a candidate for a Republican seat on the same board in the November 3, 2026 election.  In 2022 he won his first seat on the four\u2011member board, appearing on the general\u2011election ballot on November 8, 2022 after advancing from a crowded Republican primary that included seven other candidates [1].  He now seeks re\u2011election to continue the work he began during his first term.\n\nBridges grew up in Cleveland County and attended the local public schools, beginning at Jefferson Elementary and graduating from Kings Mountain High School.  He currently resides in Shelby with his wife and their four children, all of whom are enrolled in Cleveland County schools from pre\u2011K through 12th grade [9].  No higher\u2011education credentials are listed in the available sources.\n\nSince taking office, Bridges has focused on several key issues for the district.  He has highlighted teacher and staff retention as a major challenge, arguing that low pay drives educators to leave the profession or move to neighboring states.  To address this, the board, in partnership with county commissioners, instituted a 10\u202f% salary supplement for teachers and a 4\u202f% supplement for support staff, paid twice a year [9].  Bridges has advocated for increased state education funding to sustain these raises.\n\nBridges also opposed two controversial board actions.  He voted against a policy that would limit board members\u2019 ability to speak with the media, asserting that elected officials must remain accountable to the public.  He also voted against the proposed sale of the Marion Elementary School property, citing community concerns and the need for greater public input before proceeding.  The board subsequently paused the sale [9].\n\nAcademic performance has been another focus.  Bridges points to rising test scores and higher graduation rates, noting that many students graduate with an associate\u2019s degree or have taken college courses through Cleveland Community College.  He attributes these gains to the district\u2019s return to in\u2011person instruction after the COVID\u201119 pandemic and to new instructional strategies implemented by the board [9].\n\nIn addition to his board duties, Bridges has been active in community outreach, emphasizing the importance of listening to diverse perspectives among board members and constituents.  He describes his role as a logical decision\u2011maker who seeks to balance fiscal responsibility with educational quality.\n\nBridges can be contacted via the email address listed on his Ballotpedia profile, electaaronbridgesboe@gmail.com, which is provided for voters to request additional information or to submit survey responses [1].\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Aaron Bridges (Cleveland County Board of Education, North Carolina, candidate 2022) - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Aaron_Bridges_(Cleveland_County_Schools,_North_Carolina,_candidate_2022))\n- [2] [Aaron Bridges (Cleveland County Board of Education, North Carolina, candidate 2022) - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Aaron_Bridges_(Cleveland_County_Board_of_Education,_North_Carolina,_candidate_2022))\n- [4] [Vote-USA | Aaron Bridges | Previous Candidate for Cleveland County Board of Education, Cleveland County, North Carolina](https://vote-usa.org/Intro.aspx?State=NC&Id=NCBridgesAaron)\n- [9] [Aaron Bridges, Cleveland County School Board Vice Chairman Seeks Re-Election - Wise News Network](https://wisenewsnetwork.com/stories/aaron-bridges-cleveland-county-school-board-vice-chairman-seeks-re-election,4765)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Aaron","fullname":"Aaron Daniel Bridges","lastname":"Bridges","middlename":"Daniel","suffix":null,"summary":"Aaron Bridges is the incumbent Vice Chairman of the Cleveland County Board of Education seeking re\u2011election in 2026.","token":"72d2a9a7ef72169f"},{"bio_snippet":"Current office and 2026 campaign Brandon Mills Bridges ran as a Republican for the Cleveland County Board of Education in the March 3, 2026 primary, competing for one of four available seats in a nine candidate Republican field. Bridges supported raising teacher pay when given th","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nBrandon Mills Bridges ran as a Republican for the Cleveland County Board of Education in the March 3, 2026 primary, competing for one of four available seats in a nine-candidate Republican field.\n\nBridges supported raising teacher pay when given the opportunity at the local board level, and made cafeteria food quality a cornerstone issue of his campaign.\n\n## Background and education\nBridges grew up in Shelby, North Carolina, and spent his entire school career in the Cleveland County Schools system. He graduated from Burns High School in 2009 and earned two degrees from Cleveland Community College in 2012, in Computer Security and Computer Networking.\n\n## Career\nBridges runs a local news page covering Cleveland County. He has been an advocate for food quality improvements in Cleveland County school cafeterias since 2022.\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Brandon Bridges, Cleveland County School Board Candidate Interviews with WNN \u2013 Wise News Network](https://wisenewsnetwork.com/stories/brandon-bridges-cleveland-county-school-board-candidate-interviews-with-wnn,4674)\n- [2] [Facing the voters: Brandon Bridges \u2013 Shelby Independent](https://www.shelbyindependent.com/post/facing-the-voters-brandon-bridges-school-board)\n","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Brandon","fullname":"Brandon Mills Bridges","lastname":"Bridges","middlename":"Mills","suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"5f4d330cecfb9b76"},{"bio_snippet":"Per the NC voter file: REP voter in Henderson County since 2016.","biography":"According to the North Carolina voter file, Debra  Bridges is a registered voter in Henderson County, North Carolina, registered since 2016 (10 years), with party affiliation listed as Republican [1].\n\nThe voter file shows Debra  Bridges's year of birth as 1958; 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 13 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 Debra  Bridges 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":"Debra","fullname":"Debra Bridges","lastname":"Bridges","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Per the NC voter file: REP voter in Henderson County since 2016.","token":"f763339ac8c0dbac"},{"bio_snippet":"Per the NC voter file: REP voter in Cleveland County since 1972.","biography":"According to the North Carolina voter file, Douglas Gene Bridges is a registered voter in Cleveland County, North Carolina, registered since 1972 (54 years), with party affiliation listed as Republican [1].\n\nThe voter file shows Douglas Gene Bridges's year of birth as 1953; 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 19 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 Douglas Gene Bridges 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":"Douglas","fullname":"Douglas Gene Bridges","lastname":"Bridges","middlename":"Gene","suffix":null,"summary":"Per the NC voter file: REP voter in Cleveland County since 1972.","token":"e9c20611bb346a5f"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Kim","fullname":"Kim Bridges","lastname":"Bridges","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"jRaOh892cu"},{"bio_snippet":"Amber Leigh Briggs served as Director of the Avery-Mitchell-Yancey Regional Library System and was involved in a dispute with Yancey County commissioners regarding library control.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nAmber Leigh Briggs, director of the Avery-Mitchell-Yancey Regional Library System [2], is a Democratic candidate for the Yancey County Board of Commissioners in the November 3, 2026 general election, according to North Carolina State Board of Elections candidate filing records, where she is listed by her full name, Amber Westall Briggs [3].\n\n## Background and education\nBriggs grew up in the South Toe River Valley in Yancey County and graduated from Mountain Heritage High School. She completed biology coursework at North Carolina State University, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Literature from Western Carolina University, and holds a Master of Library Science from Appalachian State University. She is a certified North Carolina public librarian [2].\n\n## Career\nBriggs began her library career as a volunteer with the Yancey County Friends of the Library in 2007 [2]. She joined the Yancey County Public Library staff in 2011 as an assistant librarian, later becoming Assistant Regional Director [1][2]. She was unanimously selected by the AMY Regional Board to become system director in 2015 [1][2]. Under her leadership the AMY system secured more than $500,000 in grants for digital-inclusion initiatives, including $225,000 from the High Country Council of Governments and $270,000 from the Dogwood Health Trust [2]. She received the North Carolina Library Director of the Year Award for 2024 from the Public Library Directors Association [2].\n\nBriggs serves on the boards of High Country Workforce Development, Mountain Community Health Partnership, and the State Library LSTA Grant Committee. She co-chairs the Carolina Mountains Literary Festival board and its Program Committee [2].\n\n## Family\nBriggs, the daughter of Forrest and Sabra Westall, grew up in the South Toe River Valley. She and her husband, Shane, have three children [2].\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Briggs Chosen to Lead Avery-Mitchell-Yancey Regional Library System \u2013 Avery Journal](https://www.averyjournal.com/news/briggs-chosen-to-lead-avery-mitchell-yancey-regional-library-system/article_8f9b80a8-15c8-11e5-a2c3-67b2b46f7493.html)\n- [2] [AMY Regional Director Briggs Named NC's PLDA Library Director of the Year \u2013 Avery Journal](https://www.averyjournal.com/news/amy-regional-director-briggs-named-nc-s-plda-library-director-of-the-year/article_f260ee82-e771-11ef-b14f-1746a13f6151.html)\n- [3] NC State Board of Elections, 2026 Candidate Filing, Yancey County Board of Commissioners (`Candidate_Listing_2026.csv`) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-19","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Amber","fullname":"Amber Leigh Briggs","lastname":"Briggs","middlename":"Leigh","suffix":null,"summary":"Amber Leigh Briggs served as Director of the Avery-Mitchell-Yancey Regional Library System and was involved in a dispute with Yancey County commissioners regarding library control.","token":"a1f48e2d27adba0f"},{"bio_snippet":"Democratic candidate for Washington County Commission District 8 in the Aug. 6, 2026 general, running on fiscal responsibility and reduced county spending.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nBilly L. Briggs is a Democratic candidate for the Washington County Commission's 8th District seat in the county general election on August 6, 2026, running against Republican incumbent Freddie Malone and independent Scott Keith Holly [1][2]. Per the Washington County Democratic Party's candidate listing, his campaign \"emphasizes fiscal responsibility, public safety coordination, and reduced county spending\" [1].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Candidates \u2013 Washington County Democratic Party](https://wctndp.org/candidates/) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-06\n[2] [One Vote Election Project Washington County](https://www.tndemocracynetwork.org/onevotewashington) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-06","birthdate":null,"firstname":"BILLY","fullname":"BILLY L. BRIGGS","lastname":"BRIGGS","middlename":"L.","suffix":null,"summary":"Democratic candidate for Washington County Commission District 8 in the Aug. 6, 2026 general, running on fiscal responsibility and reduced county spending.","token":"GxO7FK36WO"},{"bio_snippet":"Clarence William Briggs III is identified as the CEO and founder of Advanced Internet Technologies (AIT) in Fayetteville, NC, and was noted for donating to help PWC customers.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nClarence William Briggs III, known publicly as Will Briggs, is a Republican candidate for the Madison County Board of Commissioners in 2026. Briggs won the March 3, 2026 Republican primary, receiving 1,097 votes (27%), and will face Democratic candidates in the November 3, 2026 general election. He lives in Mars Hill, NC.\n\n## Career\nBriggs owns a property maintenance company in Madison County specializing in pressure washing.\n\n## Family\nBriggs, age 37 as of 2026, is the son of retiring Commissioner Bill Briggs, who served eight years as Clerk of Superior Court and eight years as a Madison County Commissioner.\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Briggs, Hensley and Wyatt Advance in Madison County \u2013 AOL News](https://www.aol.com/articles/briggs-hensley-wyatt-advance-madison-194828315.html)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Clarence","fullname":"Clarence William Briggs III","lastname":"Briggs","middlename":"William","suffix":"III","summary":"Clarence William Briggs III is identified as the CEO and founder of Advanced Internet Technologies (AIT) in Fayetteville, NC, and was noted for donating to help PWC customers.","token":"ce9c15043cdeaef2"},{"bio_snippet":"Richard Briggs is a Republican Tennessee State Senator representing District 7, currently serving his fourth term with an election scheduled for November 2026.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nRichard Briggs, a Republican member of the Tennessee State Senate representing District 7, is currently serving his term which ends on November 3, 2026 [1][2]. He assumed office on November 4, 2014, after defeating incumbent Stacey Campfield in the 2014 general election [1][13]. Briggs has been re-elected to subsequent terms, including a second four-year term in 2018 [4][12].\n\nBriggs is running for re-election to the Tennessee State Senate to represent District 7 in the upcoming 2026 election cycle [1]. He qualified for the ballot by meeting the state's qualifying deadline of March 10, 2026, and appears on the official candidate list for the Tennessee Senate [3]. The Republican primary election is scheduled to be held on August 6, 2026, with the general election set for November 3, 2026 [5].\n\nOn his campaign website, Briggs self-describes as having a passion for service and states that he stands for improving education, creating jobs, and keeping taxes low [6]. He promises to continue serving the district with honor and integrity, asserting that Tennesseeans enjoy the lowest taxes as a percentage of personal income in the nation and the lowest debt per capita in the country [8]. Briggs identifies himself as a conservative who believes the state can do better for its community [6].\n\n## Background and education\n\nRichard Briggs was born on December 7, 1952, in Knoxville, Tennessee [4][11]. He is a member of the Republican Party [4]. Briggs attended the University of Kentucky Medical School, where he earned his medical degree [4].\n\n## Career\n\nRichard Briggs graduated from the University of Kentucky Medical School in 1978 [4][15]. He is a cardiothoracic surgeon who has practiced in Knoxville, Tennessee, for over 45 years [15]. His medical training includes residency in thoracic surgery at the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium, completed in 1983 [17]. Briggs is affiliated with the University of Tennessee Medical Center and maintains an office at 10810 Parkside Drive in Knoxville [15][16][18]. He accepts a wide range of insurance providers, including Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, and various commercial plans [18].\n\nBriggs served in the military, holding senior staff and leadership positions during his service [14]. His political career began when he was first elected to the Knox County Commission in 2008, representing District 5 [7][12]. He was re-elected to a second term on the commission in 2010 [7][12].\n\n## Office history\n\nBriggs first entered elected office in 2008 when he was elected to the Knox County Commission, representing District 5 [12]. He secured re-election to a second term on that commission in 2010 [7].\n\nIn 2014, Briggs ran for and won election to the Tennessee State Senate, defeating incumbent Stacey Campfield to represent District 7 [13]. He assumed office on November 4, 2014 [1]. As a state senator, he serves four-year terms without term limits [2]. He was re-elected to a second term in the Senate in 2018 [7].\n\nBriggs is currently serving his third term in the Tennessee State Senate, representing District 7 [10]. His current term ends on November 3, 2026 [1]. In the upcoming election cycle, he is running for re-election to the Tennessee State Senate to represent District 7 and is on the ballot in the Republican primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1]. The general election for this seat is scheduled for November 3, 2026 [5].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nSenator Briggs has served on several key committees during his tenure in the Tennessee State Senate. For the 2023\u20132024 session, he was assigned to the Senate Rules Committee as Vice Chair, the State & Local Government Committee where he served as Chair, and the Transportation and Safety Committee [1]. In prior sessions, he has also served on the Finance Committee, the Transportation Committee, and the Health Committee, and previously chaired the Senate Ethics Committee [7].\n\nPolitically, Briggs self-describes as a conservative who prioritizes improving education, creating jobs, and keeping taxes low [6]. He advocates for a business-friendly philosophy, citing Tennessee\u2019s status as having the lowest debt per capita in the nation and the lowest taxes as a percentage of personal income [8]. His legislative record includes support for measures that cut $570 million in taxes, reduced the food tax by 30%, eliminated the gift and inheritance tax, and phased out other levies [8].\n\nBriggs has received endorsements from a range of organizations reflecting his conservative stance. These include the National Rifle Association, which gave him an \u201cA\u201d rating, the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB), the American Conservative Union (which awarded him for Conservative Excellence in 2015 and Conservative Achievement from 2016\u20132018), and Tennesseans for Student Success [9]. He also holds endorsements from the Knoxville/Knox County Fraternal Order of Police, the Tennessee Education Association, and the Tennessee Professional Firefighters Association [9].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nRichard Briggs is a physician by profession, having attended the University of Kentucky Medical School [4]. He is recognized in East Tennessee as a heart and lung surgeon [13]. His campaign website states that he stands for creating jobs and keeping taxes low [6].\n\nSpecific details regarding his business interests, family wealth source, ownership stakes, or sales of businesses are not provided in the available sources. Similarly, significant financial-disclosure facts beyond his professional title are not detailed in the referenced materials.\n\n## Sources\n\n[1] [Richard Briggs (Tennessee) - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Richard_Briggs_(Tennessee))\n[2] [Tennessee State Senate District 7 - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Tennessee_State_Senate_District_7)\n[3] [Candidate Lists | Tennessee Secretary of State](https://sos.tn.gov/elections/2026-candidate-lists)\n[4] [Richard Briggs - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Briggs)\n[5] [2026 Tennessee Senate election - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_Tennessee_Senate_election)\n[6] [Dr. Richard Briggs \u2013 Tennessee Senate](https://www.briggsforsenate.com/)\n[7] [About - Dr. Richard Briggs \u2013 Tennessee Senate](https://www.briggsforsenate.com/about/)\n[8] [Issues - Dr. Richard Briggs \u2013 Tennessee Senate](https://www.briggsforsenate.com/issues/)\n[9] [Endorsements - Dr. Richard Briggs \u2013 Tennessee Senate](https://www.briggsforsenate.com/endorsements/)\n[10] [State Senator Richard Briggs | BillTrack50](https://www.billtrack50.com/legislatordetail/19645)\n[11] [contact Senator Richard Briggs](https://sengov.com/states/tennessee/richard-briggs/)\n[12] [Richard Briggs \u2013 Tennessee State Senator](https://repbio.org/richard-briggs/)\n[13] [The Remarkable Life of Dr. Richard Briggs - Memphis Daily News](https://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2015/aug/22/the-remarkable-life-of-dr-richard-briggs/)\n[14] [Farragut Republican Club\u2122: December 13, 2007 Meeting: Dr. Richard Briggs, Candidate for Knox County Commission (5-C); Sherry Witt, Candidate for Knox County Register of Deeds; &](http://farragutgop.blogspot.com/2007/11/december-13-2007-meeting-dr-richard.html)\n[15] [Dr. Richard Briggs, MD - Cardiothoracic Surgeon in Knoxville, TN | Healthgrades](https://www.healthgrades.com/physician/dr-richard-briggs-xkf3y)\n[16] [Dr. Richard Briggs, MD, Cardiothoracic Surgeon | Knoxville, TN | WebMD](https://doctor.webmd.com/doctor/richard-briggs-24f02f0a-744f-499b-9a4d-e82a3277975c-overview)\n[17] [Dr. Richard Briggs, MD \u2013 Knoxville, TN | Thoracic Surgery on Doximity](https://www.doximity.com/pub/richard-briggs-md)\n[18] [Dr. Richard Briggs, MD, Cardiothoracic Surgeon - Knoxville, TN | Sharecare](https://providers.sharecare.com/doctor/dr-richard-m-briggs)","birthdate":"Sun, 07 Dec 1952 00:00:00 GMT","firstname":"Richard","fullname":"Richard Briggs","lastname":"Briggs","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Richard Briggs is a Republican Tennessee State Senator representing District 7, currently serving his fourth term with an election scheduled for November 2026.","token":"wQTZt93LxH"},{"bio_snippet":"Current office and 2026 campaign Richard M. Briggs is a Republican member of the Tennessee State Senate representing the 7th district, which covers part of Knox County. He was first elected in 2014 and has been re elected multiple times. He serves as Chairman of the Senate State ","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nRichard M. Briggs is a Republican member of the Tennessee State Senate representing the 7th district, which covers part of Knox County. He was first elected in 2014 and has been re-elected multiple times. He serves as Chairman of the Senate State and Local Government Committee and also sits on the Rules Committee and Transportation & Safety Committee.\n\nBriggs has advocated for medical exceptions to Tennessee's abortion ban. In 2020, he was the only one of 24 Republican state senators to decline to sign a letter supporting overturning the presidential election results. In 2026 he partnered with a Democratic colleague to reform book-ban procedures by establishing clearer appeals processes.\n\n## Background and education\nBriggs was born on December 7, 1952, in Knoxville, Tennessee. He earned his B.S. from Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky, and his M.D. from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. He completed surgical residency and a cardiothoracic fellowship at Brooke Army Medical Center.\n\n## Career\nBriggs is a cardiothoracic surgeon who has practiced heart and lung surgery for more than 30 years in Knoxville. He has held academic appointments at the University of Texas\u2013San Antonio, the University of Louisville, and the University of Tennessee\u2013Knoxville. He served in the U.S. Army as a cardiothoracic and trauma surgeon, deploying during Operation Desert Storm and later to Afghanistan and Iraq. He retired from the Army with the rank of colonel. Before his Senate election, he served on the Knox County Commission beginning in 2008.\n\n## Family\nHe is married to Stephanie Briggs. He is a member of the Methodist church.\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Richard Briggs \u2013 Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Briggs)\n- [2] [About \u2013 Dr. Richard Briggs Tennessee Senate](https://www.briggsforsenate.com/about/)\n","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Richard M.","fullname":"Richard M. Briggs","lastname":"Briggs","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"JvDdmPylsK"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"DAN","fullname":"DAN (PETE) BRIGHT","lastname":"BRIGHT","middlename":"(PETE)","suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"BKUzbmfM8M"},{"bio_snippet":"Diannia Bright is a Democratic candidate for the North Carolina House in 2026, a retired educator and former Dover Town Council candidate.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nDiannia Carla Bright of Cove City is the Democratic candidate for the North Carolina House of Representatives in District 3, in Craven County, in the November 3, 2026 general election [1]. She filed on December 19, 2025 and the contest has no primary [1]. Her general-election opponents are Republican Steve Tyson and Libertarian Angela Humphries, both of New Bern [1]. Tyson won the District 3 seat in the 2024 general election with 29,825 votes to Democrat Linda G. Moore's 18,530 [3].\n\n## Career\n\nBright's campaign biography states that she has served as a special education teacher for over 22 years and that she was named Special Education Teacher of the Year for Lenoir County Public Schools during the 2021-2022 school year [5]. The same account credits her with 14 years at Caswell Center \"providing care and support to individuals with mental health challenges,\" and describes her as \"a Qualified Professional with more than 20 years of experience at Human Resource Unlimited in New Bern, where she has advocated for families navigating mental health and behavioral health services\" [5]. Her campaign biography also identifies her as a member of the New Bern Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (2018) [5]. Her stated priorities are \"education, healthcare, mental health services, and the overall well-being of her community\" [5].\n\n## Office history\n\nBright sits on the Town of Dover Board of Commissioners; Craven County's municipal listing for Dover names her as an alderwoman on the board [2]. She was elected to it in the November 5, 2024 municipal election, finishing fourth among eleven candidates for five seats with 93 votes [3]. She had run for the same board in the November 8, 2022 election, placing sixth among ten candidates for five seats with 71 votes [4].\n\n## Sources\n\n[1] [2026 Candidate Listing (Candidate_Listing_2026.csv)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/dl.ncsbe.gov/Elections/2026/Candidate%20Filing/Candidate_Listing_2026.csv) - North Carolina State Board of Elections, accessed 2026-07-30\n[2] [Dover - Municipalities](https://www.cravencountync.gov/1836/Dover) - Craven County, North Carolina, accessed 2026-07-30\n[3] [2024 General Election precinct results (results_pct_20241105)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/dl.ncsbe.gov/ENRS/2024_11_05/results_pct_20241105.zip) - North Carolina State Board of Elections, accessed 2026-07-30\n[4] [2022 General Election precinct results (results_pct_20221108)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/dl.ncsbe.gov/ENRS/2022_11_08/results_pct_20221108.zip) - North Carolina State Board of Elections, accessed 2026-07-30\n[5] [Diannia Bright for State House](https://www.dianniabrightforstatehouse.com/) - Committee of Diannia Bright campaign site, accessed 2026-07-30","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Diannia","fullname":"Diannia Carla Bright","lastname":"Bright","middlename":"Carla","suffix":null,"summary":"Diannia Bright is a Democratic candidate for the North Carolina House in 2026, a retired educator and former Dover Town Council candidate.","token":"532444ed0d3d4a1c"},{"bio_snippet":"Republican Blount County commissioner since 2018, unopposed for re-election to District 6 Seat A in 2026; a building-trades worker who ran unsuccessfully for TN House District 20 in 2024.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nNick Bright is the incumbent Republican Blount County commissioner for District 6, Seat A [1]. He filed for re-election on Dec. 22, 2025 and drew no primary or general-election challenger [2]. He currently serves as chair pro tempore of the Board of Commissioners, reelected to that post at the board's September 2025 organizational meeting under Chairman Jared Anderson [3].\n\n## Career\nBright has described himself as a ninth-generation Blount Countian who has worked in the building trades for more than 30 years [4].\n\n## Office history\nBright has held District 6, Seat A since 2018, term running through Aug. 31, 2026 [1]. He sits on the Budget Committee, Commission Workshop Committee (chair), Human Resources Committee, Insurance Committee, Public Services Committee, the Planning Commission, and the Blount County Fire Protection District Board [1][5]. In 2024 he sought the GOP nomination for TN House District 20; in the Aug. 1, 2024 primary, Tom Stinnett won with 2,352 votes (35.7%), Bright placed second with 2,213 (32.9%), and Jason Emert third with 2,130 (31.4%) [6].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Blount County Government, Legistar \u2014 Nick Bright person detail](https://blounttn.legistar.com/PersonDetail.aspx?ID=202636&GUID=58EEC736-19C5-45A8-8001-8BFB27F26370) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-06\n[2] [The Daily Times, \"Blount County primary fields are set\"](https://www.thedailytimes.com/news/blount-county-primary-fields-are-set/article_c928c6a7-a486-43e4-823e-3028b38b0891.html) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-06\n[3] [The Daily Times, \"Blount County Board of Commissions gets organized...\"](https://www.thedailytimes.com/news/blount-county-board-of-commissions-gets-organized-for-final-commission-year-of-term/article_0b8c53f2-80b4-4ced-b5be-df414e723b2e.html) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-06\n[4] [The Daily Times, \"Candidate profiles for Nick Bright and Phil Tiehen Jr.,\" April 17, 2022](https://www.thedailytimes.com/news/candidate-profiles-for-nick-bright-and-phil-tiehen-jr/article_41bb9360-d79e-5c09-9321-32ef561c0d55.html) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-06\n[5] [Blount County, TN, \"Commissioners\"](https://www.blounttn.gov/835/Commissioners) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-06\n[6] [The Daily Times, \"Blount's primary voters send Hatcher, Stinnett and DuBois to November general election,\" Aug. 2024](https://www.thedailytimes.com/mdt/blounts-primary-voters-send-hatcher-stinnett-and-dubois-to-november-general-election/article_15234540-503d-11ef-a4d3-b76576c58449.html) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-06","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Nick","fullname":"Nick Bright","lastname":"Bright","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Republican Blount County commissioner since 2018, unopposed for re-election to District 6 Seat A in 2026; a building-trades worker who ran unsuccessfully for TN House District 20 in 2024.","token":"IxtFvVq6KB"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"David","fullname":"David Briley","lastname":"Briley","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"XaKJ6qn2fT"}]