{"campaigns":[{"candidatename":"Joshua Ray Ashburn","chatgptsummary":"Joshua Ray Ashburn's biography identifies him as an independent candidate for Tennessee's 1st Congressional District in 2026, indicating local residence but no prior federal legislative experience or specific casework history with federal agencies. The record does not show evidence of coalition-building across party lines, oversight judgment regarding the executive branch, or a documented disciplinary record. Bio does not indicate federal legislative craft or constituent-service experience.","notes":null,"party":"I","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nJoshua Ray Ashburn of Bristol, Tennessee is an independent candidate in Tennessee's 1st Congressional District in 2026, set to appear on the ballot in the November 2026 general election [1]. The 1st Congressional District covers the northeastern corner of Tennessee, including the Tri-Cities region [1].\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Tennessee's redrawn congressional districts: A full guide to every candidate running in 2026 \u2013 NewsChannel 5](https://www.newschannel5.com/news/tennessees-redrawn-congressional-districts-a-full-guide-to-every-candidate-running-in-2026) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-20","firstname":"Joshua","lastname":"Ashburn","middlename":"Ray","suffix":null,"token":"u9gfxCbYvE"},"token":null},{"candidatename":"Tyler Brice Mitchell McClain","chatgptsummary":"McClain's biography shows he works as a sales consultant and resides in Kingsport, Tennessee, offering potential insight into local economic concerns. The record contains no documented controversies or disciplinary actions. Bio does not indicate federal legislative experience or oversight judgment of the executive branch.","notes":null,"party":"I","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nTyler Brice Mitchell McClain is running as an independent candidate in Tennessee's 1st Congressional District in 2026. He is based in Kingsport, Tennessee (Sullivan County). As an independent, he will appear on the general election ballot in November 2026 rather than in the August primary.\n\n## Career\nMcClain works as a sales consultant.\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Tennessee 2026 Elections: Candidates for Governor, Senate & House \u2013 Politics1](https://politics1.com/tn.htm)\n- [2] [Tennessee's redrawn congressional districts: A full guide to every candidate running in 2026 \u2013 NewsChannel 5](https://www.newschannel5.com/news/tennessees-redrawn-congressional-districts-a-full-guide-to-every-candidate-running-in-2026)","firstname":"Tyler Brice Mitchell","lastname":"McClain","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"qwENUl3xao"},"token":null},{"candidatename":"Billy Cody","chatgptsummary":"Billy Cody's biography identifies him as an independent candidate for Tennessee's First District in the 2026 election, indicating potential independence from party influence. The record does not show prior legislative experience drafting federal statutes or managing constituent casework with federal agencies. Bio does not indicate experience in coalition-building or oversight judgment of the executive branch.","notes":null,"party":"I","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nBilly Cody of Kingsport, Tennessee is an independent candidate for Tennessee's 1st Congressional District in the 2026 election, set to appear on the ballot in the November 2026 general election [1].\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Tennessee's redrawn congressional districts: A full guide to every candidate running in 2026 \u2013 NewsChannel 5](https://www.newschannel5.com/news/tennessees-redrawn-congressional-districts-a-full-guide-to-every-candidate-running-in-2026) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-20","firstname":"Billy","lastname":"Cody","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"ScYEEnmE8I"},"token":null},{"candidatename":"Kristi Burke","chatgptsummary":"Kristi Burke's biography shows a background as a Greene County muralist and grassroots activist focused on local community needs, though it does not document prior federal legislative experience or direct constituent-service capacity with federal agencies. The record contains no controversies or disciplinary history. Bio does not indicate experience in drafting federal statute or building cross-party coalitions for oversight.","notes":null,"party":"D","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nKristi Burke is a Democratic candidate running for election to the U.S. House of Representatives in Tennessee's 1st Congressional District [1]. A Greene County resident and muralist, Burke declared her candidacy for the Democratic primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1][5]. She is challenging incumbent Republican Diana Harshbarger in the general election, which is set for November 3, 2026 [1][6].\n\nBurke self-describes as a \"pattern-breaker\" and grassroots activist who believes that basic needs such as healthcare, housing, and education are fundamental human rights [3][4]. Her campaign platform emphasizes rejecting corporate political action committee money in favor of empowering everyday citizens over special interests [4]. She has pledged radical transparency and states that she is not a career politician, but rather a community member seeking to change who sits at the table in Washington [3].\n\nBurke completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey for the 2026 election cycle [1]. Her campaign maintains an online presence through her official website and fundraising platforms to support her bid for the district seat [8].\n\n## Background and education\n\nKristi Burke is a Greene County resident who identifies as a muralist and grassroots activist[3][4]. She self-describes as a \"pattern-breaker\" in politics rather than a career politician, emphasizing her background as a community member focused on local voices and grassroots change[3][4]. Specific details regarding her birth year, upbringing, religious affiliation, or formal educational institutions attended are not provided in the available sources.\n\n## Career\n\nKristi Burke is a muralist and grassroots activist based in Greene County, Tennessee [3]. She self-describes as a community member rather than a career politician, emphasizing her background as an artist and neighbor [1][3]. Burke has stated that her professional experience is rooted in lived experience and the belief that basic needs such as healthcare, housing, and education are fundamental human rights [4].\n\nIn her campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives, Burke has pledged to reject all corporate PAC money, advocating instead for a system that empowers everyday citizens over billionaires and special interests [4]. She is known for a direct, unafraid style and a commitment to radical transparency [4]. Burke resides on the northern edge of Greene County, close to Sullivan County [9].\n\n## Office history\n\nKristi Burke has not previously held elected or appointed office [1]. She self-describes as a muralist and grassroots activist rather than a career politician [3][4].\n\nBurke announced her campaign for the Democratic nomination in Tennessee's 1st Congressional District, challenging incumbent Diana Harshbarger [5][6][7]. The primary election is scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1][2]. As of May 11, 2026, this election has not yet occurred, and its outcome is unknown [1][2].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nKristi Burke\u2019s professional background is rooted in the arts rather than corporate business ownership or traditional wealth accumulation. She self-describes her career experience as that of an artist and muralist [1][3]. Her campaign materials emphasize her identity as a \"neighbor\" and community member, explicitly stating that she is not a career politician [3].\n\nBurke has publicly rejected financial support from large corporate entities, pledging to reject all Corporate PAC money in favor of grassroots funding [4]. She advocates for a political system that empowers everyday citizens over billionaires and special interests [4]. Her campaign website directs supporters to make contributions via ActBlue, noting that donations are made from the contributor's own personal funds [8].\n\nThere is no available information in current sources regarding significant family wealth, ownership stakes in major businesses, or sales of commercial enterprises. Public records and candidate profiles focus on her artistic work and grassroots activism rather than substantial personal or familial business assets [1][3][4].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Kristi Burke - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Kristi_Burke)\n[2] [Tennessee's 1st Congressional District election, 2026 (August 6 Democratic primary) - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Tennessee's_1st_Congressional_District_election,_2026_(August_6_Democratic_primary))\n[3] [Vote Kristi Burke](https://www.votekristiburke.com/)\n[4] [Kristi Burke \u2013 Courage Candidate](https://couragefordemocracy.com/candidate/kristi-burke/)\n[5] [Greene County resident Kristi Burke announced her ...](https://www.facebook.com/timesnews/posts/greene-county-resident-kristi-burke-announced-her-campaign-for-the-tennessee-hou/1539163824882899/)\n[6] [Gene Bryant en X: \"Greene County resident Kristi Burke (D) announced her campaign for the Tennessee Congressional District 1 seat, challenging incumbent Diana Harshbarger (R). https://t.co/XEK2nfkmMH\" / X](https://x.com/GeneBryant2/status/2016356359852216435)\n[7] [Burke to contest Harshbarger for First Congressional District seat | Johnson City Press](https://johnsoncitypress.com/news/360479/burke-to-contest-harshbarger-for-first-congressional-district-seat/)\n[8] [Donate to Kristi Burke!](https://secure.actblue.com/donate/votekristiburke)\n[9] [Congressional Primary Candidates Speak At County Democratic Party Meeting \u2013 WGRV.com](https://wgrv.com/congressional-primary-candidates-speak-at-county-democratic-party-meeting/)","firstname":"Kristi","lastname":"Burke","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"k5p52a1nBN"},"token":"kristi_burke"},{"candidatename":"Hernan H. Garcia","chatgptsummary":"Hernan H. Garcia is a Democratic candidate for Tennessee's 1st Congressional District in the 2026 election. The biography identifies his party affiliation and current campaign status but does not indicate prior legislative experience or specific casework capacity with federal agencies. Bio does not indicate federal lawmaking experience or oversight judgment regarding the executive branch.","notes":null,"party":"D","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nHernan H. Garcia of Johnson City, Tennessee is a Democratic candidate for Tennessee's 1st Congressional District in the 2026 election, challenging Republican incumbent Diana Harshbarger of Kingsport in the August 6, 2026 primary [1].\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Tennessee's redrawn congressional districts: A full guide to every candidate running in 2026 \u2013 NewsChannel 5](https://www.newschannel5.com/news/tennessees-redrawn-congressional-districts-a-full-guide-to-every-candidate-running-in-2026) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-20","firstname":"Hernan H.","lastname":"Garcia","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"9cMOiRYgmD"},"token":null},{"candidatename":"David S. Kerr, Jr.","chatgptsummary":"David S. Kerr Jr.'s twenty-year Marine Corps career as a Master Sergeant demonstrates leadership and oversight judgment relevant to federal service. His background includes deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, indicating familiarity with military operations and constituent concerns regarding veterans' services. The biography documents no controversies or disciplinary records. Bio does not indicate experience in legislative drafting or coalition-building at the federal level.","notes":null,"party":"D","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nDavid S. Kerr Jr. is running as a Democrat in the August 6, 2026 primary for Tennessee's 1st Congressional District, which covers Northeast Tennessee. He faces fellow Democrat in the primary before a potential general election against the Republican nominee.\n\nKerr's campaign focuses on rural healthcare infrastructure (including preventing hospital closures), the rising cost of living for working families, veterans' services, and constituent-first representation. He supports congressional term limits, comprehensive lobbying reform, universal background checks for firearm purchases, and reproductive healthcare access. He has pledged not to take corporate money.\n\n## Background and education\nKerr grew up in South Knoxville before moving to the Cedar Bluff area during his teenage years. He attended Knoxville Catholic High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with honors, from the University of Phoenix while serving on active military duty.\n\n## Career\nAfter high school, Kerr embarked on a 20-year career in the United States Marine Corps, serving as a Motor Transport Maintenance Chief (MOS 3529) and retiring at the rank of Master Sergeant. During his service, he was deployed to Iraq from 2007 to 2008 as part of a Point of Entry Transition Team, and to Afghanistan from 2012 to 2013 as a Civil-Military Operations Chief. Following his military retirement, he returned to East Tennessee and settled in Dandridge (Jefferson County).\n\n## Family\nHe is a father of two and a lifelong Tennessean.\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Elect David Kerr: A Veteran for Tennessee's 1st District \u2013 Campaign Website](https://davidkerr4congress.com/)\n- [2] [Kerr announces bid for Congress in 1st District \u2013 Elizabethton Star](https://elizabethton.com/2026/01/23/kerr-announces-bid-for-congress-in-1st-district/)\n- [3] [U.S. House candidate David Kerr addresses GC Democrats \u2013 Greeneville Sun](https://www.greenevillesun.com/news/local_news/u-s-house-candidate-david-kerr-addresses-gc-democrats/article_3a514c62-a6bd-4dde-9525-570fd884fb2c.html)\n","firstname":"David S.","lastname":"Kerr","middlename":null,"suffix":"Jr.","token":"lhxjqXmNwN"},"token":null},{"candidatename":"Diana Harshbarger","chatgptsummary":"Diana Harshbarger's biography shows over three decades of pharmacy business ownership and service on House committees overseeing education and homeland security, demonstrating constituent-service capacity and oversight judgment relevant to the U.S. Representative role. Her husband received a presidential pardon in 2025 after serving four years for health care fraud convictions. Bio does not indicate prior experience drafting federal statute or building cross-party coalitions.","notes":null,"party":"R","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nDiana Harshbarger is a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing Tennessee's 1st Congressional District [1]. She assumed office on January 3, 2021, and her current term ends on January 3, 2027 [1]. As of May 2026, she is serving in the 119th Congress [5].\n\nHarshbarger has declared candidacy for re-election to the U.S. House to represent Tennessee's 1st Congressional District [1]. She is running in the Republican primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1]. The general election for this seat is set for November 3, 2026 [11].\n\n## Background and education\n\nDiana Lynn Harshbarger was born on January 1, 1960, in Bloomingdale, a small community near Kingsport, Tennessee [1][10][12]. She is a native East Tennessean and identifies as Baptist [13]. Her parents did not have the opportunity to graduate from high school, but Harshbarger became the first person in her immediate family to earn both a high school diploma and a college degree [7][12].\n\nHarshbarger completed her undergraduate studies at East Tennessee State University [1][7][12]. She subsequently attended Mercer University College of Pharmacy, where she earned a Doctor of Pharmacy degree between 1983 and 1987 [13].\n\n## Career\n\nDiana Harshbarger was born in Bloomingdale, Tennessee, and resides in Kingsport [1]. She is the first in her immediate family to graduate from high school and college [7]. Harshbarger earned an undergraduate degree from East Tennessee State University before graduating from Mercer University College of Pharmacy with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree [1].\n\nFollowing her graduation, Harshbarger returned to Tennessee to start a business and raise her family [7]. She has been a licensed pharmacist for over three decades [16]. Her professional experience includes working in hospital settings, retail chains, and owning pharmacies [9]. She self-describes as having extensive experience in the pharmacy industry, noting that she has worked in various capacities within the field [9].\n\n## Office history\n\nDiana Harshbarger has held only one elected office to date. She was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2020, winning the Republican primary on August 6, 2020, by defeating fifteen other candidates [2]. She subsequently won the general election on November 3, 2020, and assumed office on January 3, 2021, representing Tennessee's 1st Congressional District [1][4]. Her initial two-year term concluded on January 3, 2023.\n\nHarshbarger was re-elected to a second term in the 2022 general election, which began on January 3, 2023 [1]. She is currently serving her third term, which started on January 3, 2025, and is scheduled to end on January 3, 2027 [5][15]. As a member of the House, she serves on the Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Committee on Homeland Security [16]. Her responsibilities include representing the district, which comprises all of Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi, Washington, and Sevier counties, along with parts of Jefferson County [17].\n\nHarshbarger has not lost any prior elections for public office. She is currently running for re-election in the 2026 Republican primary scheduled for August 6, 2026, but the outcome of this future race is unknown [1][11].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nCongresswoman Diana Harshbarger serves on the House Education and Labor Committee and the House Homeland Security Committee [16]. Her legislative activity in the 119th Congress includes voting against S.4465, which sought to extend authorities under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 [6]. Conversely, she voted in favor of H.R.7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act, describing it as comprehensive legislation addressing agriculture, rural communities, and food security [8]. She also supported S. Con. Res. 33, the fiscal year 2026 budget resolution, which she stated would lay the foundation to fully fund U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) [8].\n\nIn other legislative actions, Harshbarger voted against H.R.6703, the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act, a vote that critics argued promoted substandard health coverage as a substitute for Affordable Care Act tax credits [18]. She also voted against H.R.2550, the Protecting America's Workforce Act, which aimed to restore collective bargaining rights for federal workers [18]. Her voting record on these issues has been characterized by the AFL-CIO as incorrect regarding working people\u2019s interests [18].\n\n## Documented disputes and controversies\n\nIn November 2025, President Donald Trump issued a pardon to Robert Harshbarger Jr., the husband of Diana Harshbarger, who had pleaded guilty in 2013 to health care fraud and other crimes [14]. The federal case involved allegations that he substituted a cheaper drug imported from China for iron sucrose approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for kidney dialysis patients [14]. Robert Harshbarger Jr. served four years in prison prior to the pardon [14].\n\nIn August 2020, Harshbarger won the Republican primary for Tennessee's 1st Congressional District with 19.2% of the vote in a 16-candidate field [2]. She defeated other notable candidates including Timothy Hill (16.8%), Rusty Crowe (16.1%), Josh Gapp (14.2%), and Steve Darden (12.4%) [2]. The primary was an open election held on August 6, 2020, following the retirement of incumbent Phil Roe [3]. Harshbarger subsequently won the general election in November 2020 to assume office on January 3, 2021 [4].\n\nHarshbarger has been assigned to the House Education and Labor Committee and the House Homeland Security Committee during her tenure in the 119th Congress [5][16]. Her legislative record includes voting against H.R. 6703, the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act, and H.R. 2550, the Protecting America's Workforce Act, both of which were rated negatively by the AFL-CIO in December 2025 [18]. She voted in favor of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R. 7567) and S. Con. Res. 33, the FY26 budget resolution, which she stated would help fully fund U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection [8].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nDiana Harshbarger is a pharmacist and businesswoman who has been licensed and owned businesses for over three decades [16]. After graduating from Mercer University College of Pharmacy with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, she returned to Kingsport, Tennessee, to start a business and raise her family [7][12]. She self-describes as having worked in hospitals, retail chains, and owning her own pharmacy [9].\n\nHarshbarger\u2019s husband, Robert Harshbarger Jr., was a licensed pharmacist who pleaded guilty to health care fraud and other crimes in 2013 for substituting an unapproved imported drug for kidney dialysis patients [14]. He served four years in federal prison before receiving a presidential pardon in 2025 [14].\n\nSpecific details regarding Harshbarger\u2019s personal wealth, ownership stakes, or sales of businesses are not provided in the available sources.\n\n## Family\n\nDiana Harshbarger is married to Bob Harshbarger [10]. Her husband was pardoned by President Donald Trump in November 2025 after serving a four-year federal prison sentence for health care fraud committed in 2013 [14]. The couple has one son, Bobby [10][13].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Diana Harshbarger - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Diana_Harshbarger)\n[2] [Diana Harshbarger wins 16-candidate TN-01 Republican primary - Ballotpedia News](https://news.ballotpedia.org/2020/08/06/diana-harshbarger-wins-16-candidate-tn-01-republican-primary/)\n[3] [Tennessee's 1st Congressional District election, 2020 (August 6 Republican primary) - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Tennessee's_1st_Congressional_District_election,_2020_(August_6_Republican_primary))\n[4] [Tennessee's 1st Congressional District election, 2020 - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Tennessee's_1st_Congressional_District_election,_2020)\n[5] [Diana Harshbarger (Tennessee (TN)), 119th Congress Profile](https://clerk.house.gov/members/H001086)\n[6] [Representative Diana Harshbarger |](https://harshbarger.house.gov/)\n[7] [About | Representative Diana Harshbarger - House.gov](https://harshbarger.house.gov/about)\n[8] [Press Releases | Representative Diana Harshbarger](https://harshbarger.house.gov/media/press-releases)\n[9] [Harshbarger Speaks at Women in Business Event | Representative Diana Harshbarger](https://harshbarger.house.gov/media/in-the-news/harshbarger-speaks-women-business-event)\n[10] [Diana Harshbarger - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diana_Harshbarger)\n[11] [2026 United States House of Representatives elections in Tennessee - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_United_States_House_of_Representatives_elections_in_Tennessee)\n[12] [Diana Harshbarger for Congress](https://www.votediana.com/)\n[13] [Diana Harshbarger's Biography](https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/190524/diana-harshbarger)\n[14] [Trump pardons the husband of Republican supporter Rep. Diana Harshbarger of Tennessee](https://www.macombdaily.com/2025/11/11/trump-pardon-lawmakers-husband/)\n[15] [Rep. Diana Harshbarger [R-TN1, 2021-2026], Representative for Tennessee's 1st Congressional District - GovTrack.us](https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/diana_harshbarger/456844)\n[16] [Diana Harshbarger](https://fedsoc.org/bio/diana-harshbarger)\n[17] [U.S. House of Representatives District 1 (2024-Election Voter Guide) \u2013 Tennessee Lookout](https://tennesseelookout.com/race-details/u-s-house-of-representatives/)\n[18] [Rep. Diana Harshbarger | AFL-CIO](https://aflcio.org/scorecard/legislators/diana-harshbarger)","firstname":"Diana","lastname":"Harshbarger","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"9m1WdqSWMC"},"token":"diana_harshbarger"},{"candidatename":"Richard G. Baker","chatgptsummary":"Richard G. Baker's biography shows four campaigns for Tennessee's 1st District and a U.S. Army honorable discharge, indicating familiarity with local politics and military oversight. He advocates limiting bills to single subjects but lacks documented federal legislative drafting experience or prior elected office tenure. The record does not indicate experience in coalition-building across party lines or casework capacity with federal agencies.","notes":null,"party":"I","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nRichard G. Baker of Johnson City, Tennessee is running as an independent candidate for Tennessee's 1st Congressional District in 2026 [1][3]. He is scheduled to appear on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot [2]. This marks Baker's fourth campaign for the seat: he first ran in the 2020 Republican primary, then ran as an independent in the 2022 and 2024 general elections [3].\n\nBaker has called for reforming the federal legislative process by limiting each bill to a single subject or item, arguing that such a rule would allow legislation to be evaluated on its own merits [1][4].\n\n## Background and education\nBaker holds a GED plus approximately one and a half years of college coursework [1]. He served in the U.S. Army from 1971 to 1974 and received an honorable discharge [1].\n\n## Career\nAfter his military service, Baker worked as a seasonal worker in Gatlinburg, Tennessee from approximately 1980 to 2000 [1]. He subsequently worked as a PTI taxi driver assigned to the CSX Transportation railroad yard in Erwin, Tennessee from March 2005 to October 2016 [1].\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Meet the Candidates: Richard Baker for Tennessee's 1st Congressional District \u2013 WJHL](https://www.wjhl.com/news/your-local-election-hq/meet-the-candidates-richard-baker-for-tennessees-1st-congressional-district-seat/)\n- [2] [Tennessee's redrawn congressional districts: A full guide to every candidate running in 2026 \u2013 NewsChannel 5](https://www.newschannel5.com/news/tennessees-redrawn-congressional-districts-a-full-guide-to-every-candidate-running-in-2026)\n- [3] [Congressional candidate Q and A: Richard Baker \u2013 WJHL](https://www.wjhl.com/news/congressional-candidate-q-and-a-richard-baker/)\n","firstname":"Richard G.","lastname":"Baker","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"EDYWiIX7Tl"},"token":null},{"candidatename":"Chris Campbell","chatgptsummary":"Chris Campbell's biography identifies him as an independent candidate for Tennessee's First District in the 2026 election, indicating a campaign focused on local representation without prior federal legislative experience or documented oversight of executive agencies. The record contains no mention of disciplinary actions or controversies regarding integrity. Bio does not indicate experience drafting federal statute or managing constituent casework with federal agencies.","notes":null,"party":"I","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nChris Campbell of Bristol, Tennessee is an independent candidate for Tennessee's 1st Congressional District in the 2026 election, set to appear on the ballot in the November 2026 general election [1].\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Tennessee's redrawn congressional districts: A full guide to every candidate running in 2026 \u2013 NewsChannel 5](https://www.newschannel5.com/news/tennessees-redrawn-congressional-districts-a-full-guide-to-every-candidate-running-in-2026) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-20","firstname":"Chris","lastname":"Campbell","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"lhHw4XF4yD"},"token":"chris_campbell"}],"choices":null,"description":null,"district":null,"districtgroup":null,"districtgroupname":null,"districtname":null,"job_type":"us_representative","o.office":null,"office":"us_house_1","officedescription":"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.","officequalities":"- Legislative craft at the federal level: reading, drafting, and amending federal statute, and knowing the law being changed.\n- Understanding of the district's economic and everyday concerns, and constituent-service capacity for casework with federal agencies.\n- Persuasion and coalition-building across party and factional lines to form working majorities.\n- Integrity: acting for constituents and the public good rather than personal gain, independent of undue influence.\n- Oversight judgment: the House funds and oversees the executive branch and the military.","officeterm":2,"officetitle":"U.S. Representative","partisan":1,"pgr":"primary","quantity":1,"referendum":null,"source":null,"title":"US House District 1"}