Ballot Project

← Back to Bedford County, Tennessee: Election on 2026-08-06

Contest for US House District 4

primary - Partisan - U.S. Representative

About this office

A United States Representative represents a single congressional district in the lower chamber of Congress, serving a two-year term. Representatives write and pass federal law, originate revenue bills, fund and oversee the executive branch, and serve constituents in dealings with federal agencies.

Term length: 2 years.

This role calls for

  • Legislative craft at the federal level: reading, drafting, and amending federal statute, and knowing the law being changed.
  • Understanding of the district's economic and everyday concerns, and constituent-service capacity for casework with federal agencies.
  • Persuasion and coalition-building across party and factional lines to form working majorities.
  • Integrity: acting for constituents and the public good rather than personal gain, independent of undue influence.
  • Oversight judgment: the House funds and oversees the executive branch and the military.

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 5 candidates
Joyce E. Neal

Joyce E. Neal

Democrat
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Joyce E. Neal's biography shows a Doctor of Education degree and current candidacy for Tennessee's 4th Congressional District. The record contains no documented controversies or disciplinary history. Bio does not indicate legislative craft at the federal level or prior experience in constituent-service casework with federal agencies.
Cliff Huffman

Cliff Huffman

Democrat
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Cliff Huffman's biography shows he is a Democratic candidate running for Tennessee's 4th Congressional District in 2026. The record does not indicate prior legislative experience at the federal level or specific oversight judgment regarding executive branch funding. Bio does not indicate experience with federal casework or coalition-building across party lines.
Tim Lanier

Tim Lanier

Democrat
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Tim Lanier's biography shows a focus on constituent concerns like housing costs and education funding, alongside a pledge to reject corporate donations, addressing integrity and district awareness. The record does not indicate prior legislative experience drafting federal statute or experience with congressional oversight of the executive branch.
Victoria Broderick

Victoria Broderick

Democrat
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Victoria Broderick's biography shows local political service as Lincoln County Democratic chair and advocacy work relevant to constituent concerns. The record documents no controversies or disciplinary actions. Bio does not indicate federal legislative drafting experience or oversight judgment of the executive branch.
Mike Cortese

Mike Cortese

Democrat
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Mike Cortese's biography shows local legislative experience on the Nashville Metro Council and a background in the music industry, sales, and adjunct teaching. The record contains no documented controversies or disciplinary actions. Bio does not indicate federal legislative craft or oversight judgment experience.
Republican Primary 4 candidates
Scott DesJarlais

Scott DesJarlais

Republican
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Scott DesJarlais's biography shows eight terms of federal legislative service and constituent representation in Tennessee's 4th District, demonstrating familiarity with House procedures and district concerns. He has sponsored legislation and maintained a consistent voting record aligned with his party since 2011. Bio does not indicate prior executive branch oversight experience or specific committee assignments related to military funding.
Joshua James

Joshua James

Republican
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Joshua James's tenure on the Rutherford County Commission demonstrates local constituent-service capacity and familiarity with district economic concerns. The biography contains no record of controversy or disciplinary action. Bio does not indicate federal legislative drafting experience or oversight judgment of the executive branch.
Thomas E. Davis

Thomas E. Davis

Republican
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Thomas E. Davis's twenty-five-year Army career and subsequent peace officer service demonstrate leadership, discipline, and operational oversight relevant to legislative judgment and executive branch supervision. His background includes deployments across multiple conflicts and roles ranging from squad leader to drill sergeant, indicating experience in managing personnel and adhering to strict protocols. The biography does not indicate federal legislative drafting experience or prior elected office experience.
Harold "Rocky" Jones

Harold "Rocky" Jones

Republican
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Jones's biography shows military service and local volunteer firefighting, alongside a single 2024 run for city alderman, which offers limited evidence of federal legislative craft or cross-party coalition building required for the U.S. House. No disciplinary records or controversies appear in the provided text. Bio does not indicate experience drafting federal statute or managing complex constituent casework with federal agencies.
Independent 2 candidates
Jacob Kristopher Anders

Jacob Kristopher Anders

Independent
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Jacob Kristopher Anders's biography shows community advocacy and a pro se legal challenge relevant to constituent service and integrity. The record notes no disciplinary history or controversy. Bio does not indicate federal legislative drafting experience or oversight judgment of the executive branch.
Clay Faircloth

Clay Faircloth

Independent
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Faircloth's biography shows local roots in Tennessee and experience assisting constituents through pastoral ministry and career coaching, addressing district concerns and casework capacity. He has run for federal office twice, demonstrating campaign activity but no legislative drafting or oversight record. Bio does not indicate federal legislative craft or coalition-building experience across party lines.
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