{"campaigns":[{"candidatename":"Rick Scarbrough","chatgptsummary":"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.","notes":null,"party":"R","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nRick Scarbrough is a Republican member of the Tennessee House of Representatives representing District 33, having assumed office on January 14, 2025 [2]. His current term concludes on November 3, 2026 [1]. Scarbrough is seeking re-election to the Tennessee House of Representatives in the 2026 cycle [1]. He is listed on the ballot for the Republican primary election scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1].\n\nDuring his first term, Scarbrough has sponsored legislation such as House Bill 370, which seeks to strengthen Tennessee\u2019s harassment law by adding \"in-person\" communication to its definition [11]. He also successfully passed the Freedom, Access, and Integrity in Registered Pharmacy Act (FAIR Rx Act), which prohibits companies from owning both a pharmacy and a pharmacy benefits manager or health insurer starting July 1, 2028 [16]. Scarbrough was named \"freshman of the year\" by the Tennessee Journal for his initial legislative performance [13].\n\n## Background and education\n\nRick Scarbrough was born on May 21, 1965 [2][14]. He is a member of the First Baptist Church in Clinton, Tennessee [3]. Scarbrough earned both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Tusculum College, completing his master's in 2000 [1][3].\n\n## Career\n\nRick Scarbrough earned a bachelor\u2019s degree and a master\u2019s degree from Tusculum College [1][2]. He began his law enforcement career serving six years at the Anderson County Sheriff\u2019s Department before joining the Clinton Police Department, where he served for 23 years [5][6]. During his tenure with the Clinton Police Department, Scarbrough held assignments in patrol, investigations, corrections, community policing, SWAT, and grant writing [5]. He served as the department\u2019s Chief of Police for the last 16 years of that employment [5][6].\n\nIn August 2018, Scarbrough became the Executive Director of the University of Tennessee\u2019s Law Enforcement Innovation Center (LEIC) [5][6]. In this role, he previously served as a subject matter expert in leadership, community policing, capital budgeting, and domestic violence [5]. He is also listed as a Vice President of the Association of Chiefs of Police and on its Board of Directors [3].\n\nScarbrough\u2019s wife, Mollie, is a pharmacist and co-owner of Hoskins Drug Store [6][10]. The couple has two children and three grandchildren [2][15].\n\n## Office history\n\nRick Scarbrough served as Executive Director of the University of Tennessee\u2019s Law Enforcement Innovation Center starting in August 2018 [5]. Prior to this appointment, he spent 23 years with the Clinton Police Department, including the last 16 years as Chief of Police, and six years with the Anderson County Sheriff\u2019s Office [5]. He also served as a subject matter expert in leadership, community policing, capital budgeting, and domestic violence before becoming chief [5].\n\nScarbrough was first elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives for District 33 in the 2024 election, defeating incumbent John Ragan by 258 votes in the Republican primary [2][7]. He assumed office on January 14, 2025, as a member of the 114th Tennessee General Assembly [2][9]. His current term is scheduled to end on November 3, 2026 [1]. As an incumbent, he is running for re-election in the Republican primary on August 6, 2026 [1].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nRick Scarbrough has sponsored legislation aimed at strengthening Tennessee\u2019s harassment laws in response to recent hate crimes. House Bill 370 seeks to expand the legal definition of harassment by communication to include \"in-person\" interactions, a category currently excluded as existing statutes only cover written or electronic methods such as telephone calls, texts, and flyers [11].\n\nIn the area of healthcare policy, Scarbrough successfully passed the Freedom, Access, and Integrity in Registered Pharmacy Act (FAIR Rx Act), which was approved by the General Assembly in April 2026 [16]. The legislation prohibits companies from owning or controlling both a pharmacy and a pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) or health insurer, with the ban taking effect on July 1, 2028 [16]. Scarbrough stated that the act ensures entities setting prescription drug benefit rules do not also operate pharmacies within that system [16].\n\nPrior to his legislative work, Scarbrough served as Executive Director of the University of Tennessee\u2019s Law Enforcement Innovation Center starting in August 2018 [5][6]. He brings nearly 30 years of law enforcement experience to his role, including 16 years as Chief of Police for the Clinton Police Department and six years with the Anderson County Sheriff\u2019s Office [9][12].\n\n## Documented disputes and controversies\n\nRick Scarbrough\u2019s 2024 primary victory was followed by a formal challenge from his predecessor, outgoing Oak Ridge Representative John Ragan, who alleged that Democratic voters had crossed over to help Scarbrough win by 258 votes [7]. The Tennessee Republican Party\u2019s State Executive Committee voted 41-7 to deny Ragan\u2019s challenge, rejecting the claim of crossover interference [7]. Following the denial, Ragan publicly characterized the actions of these crossover voters as \"immoral\" [7].\n\nIn February 2025, Scarbrough introduced House Bill 370, legislation designed to strengthen Tennessee\u2019s harassment laws by expanding the definition of harassment by communication to include in-person interactions [11]. Scarbrough stated that the bill was a response to recent hate crimes across the state and aimed to ensure accountability for those targeting citizens [11].\n\nDuring his first term, Scarbrough successfully sponsored the Freedom, Access, and Integrity in Registered Pharmacy Act (FAIR Rx Act), which prohibits companies from owning or controlling both a pharmacy and a pharmacy benefits manager or health insurer starting July 1, 2028 [16]. Scarbrough described the legislation as important for ensuring that entities setting rules for prescription drug benefits are not also operating within that system [16].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nRick Scarbrough\u2019s professional background is rooted in law enforcement and public administration rather than private business ownership or traditional wealth accumulation. He served for nearly 30 years in law enforcement, including six years with the Anderson County Sheriff\u2019s Department and 23 years with the Clinton Police Department, where he spent the last 16 years as Chief of Police [1][5][9]. Following his tenure as police chief, Scarbrough became the Executive Director of the University of Tennessee\u2019s Law Enforcement Innovation Center in August 2018 [5][6]. He holds a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Tusculum College [1][3].\n\nRegarding personal wealth sources, public records do not indicate that Scarbrough owns significant private businesses or holds substantial ownership stakes in commercial enterprises. His campaign materials highlight his professional experience rather than financial assets [4]. However, his family is connected to local retail through his wife, Mollie Scarbrough, who is a pharmacist and co-owner of Hoskins Drug Store [6][10]. Rick Scarbrough notes that he spent time at the store in his youth while courting his wife, but there is no indication in the provided sources that he holds an ownership interest or derives direct income from the business [10].\n\nFinancial disclosure information for Scarbrough is limited in the available sources. LegiStorm records indicate that personal financial disclosures are added to its database for legislators, including Scarbrough, but specific details of his holdings or net worth are not provided in the cited materials [8]. His campaign is supported by endorsements from small business advocacy groups, such as the NFIB Tennessee PAC, which aligns with his legislative focus on supporting local businesses and protecting patient choice in healthcare, such as through the FAIR Rx Act [16][17].\n\n## Family\n\nRick Scarbrough is married to Mollie Scarbrough, a pharmacist and co-owner of Hoskins Drug Store [6]. The couple met 39 years prior to his 2024 campaign launch at the Clinton drug store [10]. They have two children [2]. In 2024, the couple became grandparents to three grandsons named Jack, Eli, and George [15]. Scarbrough self-describes himself as \"Pops\" and refers to his wife as \"Lollie\" in this context [15].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Richard Scarbrough - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Richard_Scarbrough)\n[2] [Rick Scarbrough - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rick_Scarbrough)\n[3] [iVoterGuide - Rick Scarbrough iVoterGuide Profile](https://ivoterguide.com/candidate/80887/race/15665/election/1242)\n[4] [Rick Scarbrough for State Representative \u2013 Effective and Focused Leadership for Anderson County](https://rickscarbrough.com/)\n[5] [Rick Scarbrough | Institute for Public Service](https://www.ips.tennessee.edu/team/rick-scarbrough)\n[6] [Meet Rick \u2013 Rick Scarbrough for State Representative](https://rickscarbrough.com/about/)\n[7] [Rep.-elect Rick Scarbrough Archives \u2022 Tennessee Lookout](https://tennesseelookout.com/tag/rep-elect-rick-scarbrough/)\n[8] [Tennessee State Rep. Rick Scarbrough - Biography | LegiStorm](https://www.legistorm.com/person/bio/516556/Richard_Scarbrough.html)\n[9] [State Rep. Rick Scarbrough sworn in for 114th Tennessee General Assembly \u2014 Tennessee House Republican Caucus](https://tnhousegop.org/press-releases/2025/01/state-rep-rick-scarbrough-sworn-in-for-114th-tennessee-general-assembly/)\n[10] [Rick Scarbrough launches campaign for state representative](https://www.mycouriernews.com/articles/2024/05/8495/rick-scarbrough-launches-campaign-for-state-representative)\n[11] [State Rep. Rick Scarbrough proposes strengthening Tennessee\u2019s harassment law \u2014 Tennessee House Republican Caucus](https://tnhousegop.org/press-releases/2025/02/state-rep-rick-scarbrough-proposes-strengthening-tennessees-harassment-law/)\n[12] [Rick Scarbrough Launches Campaign for State Representative \u2013 BBBTV12](https://www.bbbtv12.com/2024/05/rick-scarbrough-launches-campaign-for-state-representative/)\n[13] [A Legislator's Initial Experience in the Tennessee General Assembly | MyLO](https://my.lwv.org/tennessee/oak-ridge/event/legislators-initial-experience-tennessee-general-assembly)\n[14] [Rick Scarbrough - Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134300827)\n[15] [Why I\u2019m Running \u2013 Rick Scarbrough for State Representative](https://rickscarbrough.com/why/)\n[16] [General Assembly approves FAIR Rx Act \u2014 Tennessee House Republican Caucus](https://tnhousegop.org/press-releases/2026/04/general-assembly-approves-fair-rx-act/)\n[17] [Press \u2013 Rick Scarbrough for State Representative](https://rickscarbrough.com/press/)","firstname":"Rick","lastname":"Scarbrough","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"s6qEM5FxTr"},"token":"rick_scarbrough"},{"candidatename":"Kelly McCampbell","chatgptsummary":"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.","notes":null,"party":"D","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nKelly McCampbell is a Democratic candidate running for the Tennessee House of Representatives in District 33 during the 2026 election cycle [1]. As of May 2026, she has not held elected office prior to this campaign [1].\n\nMcCampbell, who identifies as an engineer and working mother residing in Oak Ridge, states that her campaign focuses on providing practical solutions for working families rather than engaging in political theater [1]. She self-describes as being on the side of everyday people and asserts that government should serve citizens rather than wealthy donors or corporate lobbyists [1].\n\n## Background and education\n\nKelly McCampbell is an engineer and working mom who lives and works in Oak Ridge, Tennessee [1]. She self-describes as being on the side of working families and everyday people [1]. The provided sources do not contain information regarding her specific year of birth, upbringing, religious affiliation, or formal educational background.\n\n## Career\n\nKelly McCampbell self-describes as an engineer and a working mother residing in Oak Ridge, Tennessee [1]. She states that her professional background is rooted in engineering, positioning herself as a candidate focused on practical solutions for working families rather than political theater [1].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nKelly McCampbell self-describes as an engineer and working mom living in Oak Ridge, Tennessee [1]. Her campaign website states that she is focused on practical solutions for District 33 and positions herself as being \"on the side of working families and everyday people\" rather than wealthy donors or corporate lobbyists [1]. The provided source material does not contain specific details regarding her business ownership stakes, sales of businesses, family wealth source, or significant financial-disclosure facts.\n\nNO_CONTENT\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Home - Kelly McCampbell](https://www.kellymccampbell.com/)","firstname":"Kelly","lastname":"McCampbell","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"7eikz8owDj"},"token":"kelly_mccampbell"},{"candidatename":"Anne Backus","chatgptsummary":"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.","notes":null,"party":"D","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nAnne Backus is a Democratic Party candidate running for election to the Tennessee House of Representatives to represent District 33 [1]. She qualified as a candidate following the March 10, 2026, deadline and appears on the ballot for the Democratic primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1][2]. Backus is currently serving as a board member with the Tennessee Democratic Party [7].\n\nA retired project manager who spent 33 years at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Backus anchors her campaign on Anderson County values of honesty and transparency [3][12]. She states that she was encouraged to enter the race by constituents who felt their concerns were not being adequately represented in the state legislature [8]. Her platform prioritizes public schools and gun safety [6].\n\nBackus has been active in community advocacy, including a decade of service with CASA of the Tennessee Heartland, where she was honored for her work advocating for children in foster care [9]. She also supports the Tennessee Equality Project [5]. In 2026, she completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey and hosted a campaign kickoff event organized by the Anderson County Democratic Party [1][13].\n\n## Background and education\n\nAnne Backus was born in Pensacola, Florida [1]. She earned a bachelor's degree from Mississippi State University in 1980 [1].\n\nBackus spent 33 years working as a project manager at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge before retiring [3][6][10][11]. In her retirement, she has become an active volunteer in the community, including serving with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of the Tennessee Heartland for ten years [4][9]. She is also affiliated with PFLAG and the Democratic Party at the state level [1][5].\n\n## Career\n\nAnne Backus earned a bachelor\u2019s degree from Mississippi State University in 1980 [1]. She spent 33 years working as a project manager at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge before retiring from that position [3][6][10][11]. In her professional role, she managed projects to achieve goals on time and under budget while working with diverse groups of people [6].\n\nFollowing her retirement, Backus has remained active in the community through various volunteer roles. She has served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for CASA of the Tennessee Heartland, where she was honored alongside another volunteer for 10 years of dedicated service advocating for children in foster care [9]. Her volunteer work includes discussing advocacy efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic and participating in training initiatives for new volunteers in Anderson and Blount Counties [4]. Additionally, she is affiliated with PFLAG and has been active with the Tennessee Equality Project [1][5].\n\n## Office history\n\nAnne Backus served as a member of the Democratic State Executive Committee [1]. She was also listed as a board member of the Tennessee Democratic Party [7].\n\nBackus ran for election to the Tennessee House of Representatives to represent District 33 in 2024. She filed her petition with the Anderson County Election Commission in April 2024 and was approved as a candidate [10]. As the only Democrat in the race, she did not face an opponent in the August 1 primary election [8][10].\n\nIn 2026, Backus is running for election to the Tennessee House of Representatives to represent District 33 [1]. She qualified as a candidate by the March 10, 2026 deadline and is on the ballot for the Democratic primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [2].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nAnne Backus\u2019s professional background is rooted in her 33-year tenure as a project manager at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge [3][6][10][11]. She retired from this position prior to her current political campaigns, having earned a bachelor's degree from Mississippi State University in 1980 [1][3][6].\n\nThere is no available information in the provided sources regarding Backus\u2019s personal wealth source, family wealth, private business ownership stakes, or sales of businesses. The candidate self-describes her financial and professional history primarily through her long-term employment at Y-12 and her current status as a retiree [3][11].\n\nBackus has not publicly disclosed specific details about her personal assets or income sources in the provided materials. Her campaign communications focus on her volunteer work, particularly with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of the Tennessee Heartland, where she was honored for ten years of service [4][9], and her role as a member of the Democratic State Executive Committee [7].\n\n## Family\n\nAnne Backus identifies herself as a mother and grandmother [3]. She has served for ten years as a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children in foster care [9]. Her community involvement also includes affiliation with PFLAG and her local church [1].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Anne Backus - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Anne_Backus)\n[2] [Candidate Lists | Tennessee Secretary of State](https://sos.tn.gov/elections/2026-candidate-lists)\n[3] [Anne Backus for State House (TN 33)](https://www.backusfortn33.com/)\n[4] [Watch as Anderson Co CASA, Anne Backus, and Anderson Co Program Coordinator chat about what CASA of the Tennessee Heartland has been up to during... | By CASA of the Tennessee Heartland | Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/CASATNH/videos/watch-as-anderson-co-casa-anne-backus-and-anderson-co-program-coordinator-chat-a/1312622918934691/)\n[5] [Anne Backus at Tennessee Equality Project](https://www.tnep.org/82705)\n[6] [Anne Backus: Running for state representative; public schools, gun safety are priorities](https://www.yahoo.com/news/anne-backus-running-state-representative-154301998.html)\n[7] [Anne Backus - Board Member at Tennessee Democratic Party | The Org](https://theorg.com/org/tennessee-democratic-party/org-chart/anne-backus)\n[8] [Anne Backus to run for Tennessee House seat](https://mycouriernews.com/articles/2024/05/8423/anne-backus-to-run-for-tennessee-house-seat)\n[9] [CASA honors two volunteers for 10 years of advocacy | Community | thedailytimes.com](https://www.thedailytimes.com/community/casa-honors-two-volunteers-for-10-years-of-advocacy/article_866cff72-fadc-4fab-a3ff-4454fee50e76.html)\n[10] [Backus Files Petition as Candidate for Tennessee House District 33 \u2013 BBBTV12](https://www.bbbtv12.com/2024/04/backus-files-petition-as-candidate-for-tennessee-house-district-33/)\n[11] [Backus announces she's a candidate for Tennesseee House District 33 - AOL](https://www.aol.com/articles/backus-announces-shes-candidate-tennesseee-131249851.html)\n[12] [Backus announces she's a candidate for Tennesseee House District 33](https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/backus-announces-shes-candidate-tennesseee-131249831.html)\n[13] [Anne Backus 2026 Campaign Kickoff \u2014 Anderson County Democratic Party](https://www.andersoncountydemocraticparty.com/events/backuskickoff-25)","firstname":"Anne","lastname":"Backus","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"zr8TvVnoAi"},"token":"anne_backus"}],"choices":null,"description":null,"district":"033","districtgroup":"state_house","districtgroupname":"State House","districtname":"District 33","job_type":"state_representative","o.office":"state_house_033","office":"state_house_033","officedescription":"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 \u2014 together with the Senate \u2014 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.","officequalities":"- **Integrity** \u2014 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.\n- **Understanding of the constituency** \u2014 Grasps both the economic-development needs of the district and the day-to-day concerns of individual residents \u2014 safety, healthcare, education, infrastructure.\n- **Persuasion** \u2014 Engages, listens to, and persuades both fellow legislators and constituents. Can change minds and explain votes honestly.\n- **Legislative craft** \u2014 Reads, drafts, and amends statute with care. Understands how specific bill language translates to outcomes, and knows the body of law being modified.\n- **Coalition-building** \u2014 Finds common ground across partisan and factional lines, brokers compromises that hold, and forms working majorities even when consensus is hard to reach.","officeterm":2,"officetitle":"State Representative District 33","partisan":1,"pgr":"primary","quantity":null,"referendum":null,"source":{"retrieved_at":"2026-06-01","title":"TN SoS \u2014 Candidates for Tennessee House of Representatives (2026)","url":"https://sos-prod.tnsosgovfiles.com/s3fs-public/document/TNHouse_2026.pdf"},"title":"TN House District 33"}