← Back to Anderson County, Tennessee: Election on 2026-08-06
Contest for TN House District 33
State House District 33
primary - Partisan - State Representative District 33
About this office
The Tennessee House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the state legislature, with 99 members elected from single-member districts to two-year terms. Representatives pass state laws, originate revenue bills, approve the state budget, and — together with the Senate — confirm gubernatorial appointments and propose constitutional amendments. Candidates must be at least 21 years old, U.S. citizens, Tennessee residents for at least three years, and district residents for at least one year.
Term length: 2 years.
This role calls for
- Integrity — Acts in the interest of constituents and the public good rather than for personal gain, and remains independent of undue influence from donors, lobbyists, and party leadership.
- Understanding of the constituency — Grasps both the economic-development needs of the district and the day-to-day concerns of individual residents — safety, healthcare, education, infrastructure.
- Persuasion — Engages, listens to, and persuades both fellow legislators and constituents. Can change minds and explain votes honestly.
- Legislative craft — Reads, drafts, and amends statute with care. Understands how specific bill language translates to outcomes, and knows the body of law being modified.
- Coalition-building — Finds common ground across partisan and factional lines, brokers compromises that hold, and forms working majorities even when consensus is hard to reach.
Derived from the office's statutory duties and operational reality. Candidate summaries below map each candidate's documented experience to these requirements.
Campaigns
Democratic Primary
2 candidates
Kelly McCampbell's biography shows she is an engineer and resident of District 33, suggesting familiarity with local economic needs and a focus on practical solutions for working families. The record contains no documented controversies or disciplinary actions. Bio does not indicate prior legislative experience or coalition-building experience.
Anne Backus's thirty-three-year tenure as a project manager at Y-12 demonstrates skills in managing complex goals and collaborating with diverse groups, while her decade of advocacy for foster children highlights constituent engagement. She currently serves on the Tennessee Democratic Party board. Bio does not indicate legislative drafting experience or prior elected office experience.
Republican Primary
1 candidate
Rick Scarbrough's thirty-year law enforcement career and tenure as a police chief demonstrate experience in public safety and community concerns relevant to the district. He successfully sponsored legislation on harassment and pharmacy regulations, showing legislative craft and constituent understanding. A 2024 primary challenge alleging crossover voting was rejected by party officials. Bio does not indicate prior executive branch or judicial experience.
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