{"campaigns":[{"candidatename":"Perry Keenan","chatgptsummary":"Perry Keenan's biography shows two terms as mayor of Pleasant View and service as county Republican Party president, demonstrating local executive experience and party leadership relevant to constituent understanding and coalition-building. The record contains no documented controversies or disciplinary actions. Bio does not indicate legislative drafting experience or prior state-level persuasion experience.","notes":null,"party":"R","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nPerry Keenan is a Republican candidate running for election to the Tennessee House of Representatives to represent District 78 in 2026 [1]. He is seeking to succeed retiring Representative Mary Littleton in the open seat [3]. Keenan, who previously served as mayor of Pleasant View and president of the Cheatham County Republican Party, announced his candidacy for the Republican primary [5].\n\nKeenan is on the ballot in the Republican primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1]. He will face former Pegmayor John Louallen in the GOP contest [4]. The general election for District 78 is set to occur on November 3, 2026 [1].\n\nIn December 2025, Keenan traveled to Washington, D.C., with candidate Matt Van Epps to witness Van Epps's swearing-in ceremony in the U.S. House chamber [2]. Keenan states that he met with Congressman Van Epps and Congressman John Rose during a tour of the U.S. Capitol [2]. He self-describes as having built relationships with leaders at federal, state, and local levels through his service as mayor and party chair [2].\n\n## Background and education\n\nPerry Keenan served as the mayor of Pleasant View, Tennessee [3]. He initially entered that office in 2012 after meeting a constituent who asked about term limits during his campaign trail [6]. Keenan later announced he would not seek a third term as mayor to honor a commitment made at that time [6].\n\nHe currently serves as the president of the Cheatham County Republican Party [4]. In December 2025, Keenan visited Washington, D.C., with candidate Matt Van Epps to witness his swearing-in ceremony in the U.S. House chamber and toured the U.S. Capitol with Congressman Van Epps and Congressman John Rose [2]. Keenan states that his service as mayor and party chair has allowed him to build relationships with leaders at federal, state, and local levels [2].\n\nThe provided sources do not contain information regarding Perry Keenan's birthplace, year of birth, upbringing, religion, or specific educational background.\n\n## Career\n\nKeenan served as the mayor of Pleasant View, a term in which he did not seek re-election for a third consecutive term [6]. He also held the position of president of the Cheatham County Republican Party [4]. In December 2025, Keenan visited Washington, D.C., to witness the swearing-in ceremony of candidate Matt Van Epps in the U.S. House chamber and met with Congressman Van Epps and Congressman John Rose during a tour of the U.S. Capitol [2].\n\n## Office history\n\nPerry Keenan served as Mayor of Pleasant View for two terms, having first been elected in 2012[6]. He did not seek a third term as mayor[6]. Following his tenure as mayor, Keenan served as president of the Cheatham County Republican Party[4]. In December 2025, he self-describes attending the swearing-in ceremony of candidate Matt Van Epps in the U.S. House chamber and meeting with Congressman Van Epps and Congressman John Rose during a tour of the U.S. Capitol[2].\n\nKeenan announced his candidacy for the Republican primary to represent Tennessee House District 78, an open seat succeeding retiring Representative Mary Littleton[3]. He is on the ballot in the Republican primary scheduled for August 6, 2026, where he faces former Pegram Mayor John Louallen[4]. The general election for this seat is set for November 3, 2026[1].\n\n## Family\n\nKeenan has a wife and children [6]. He recorded a social media video at Pleasant View Community Park with his family by his side when announcing he would not seek a third term as mayor of Pleasant View [6].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Perry Keenan](https://ballotpedia.org/Perry_Keenan)\n[2] [Perry Keenan](https://www.vote4perry.com/)\n[3] [Former Pleasant View Mayor Perry Keenan has ...](https://www.facebook.com/ksgazette/posts/former-pleasant-view-mayor-perry-keenan-has-announced-his-candidacy-in-the-repub/865639709782203/)\n[4] [Former Pleasant View Mayor Perry Keenan has ...](https://www.instagram.com/p/DT_Ppiik8iN/)\n[5] [Former Pleasant View mayor Perry Keenan enters race for open House District 78 seat](https://www.ksgazette.com/former-pleasant-view-mayor-perry-keenan-enters-race-for-open-house-district-78-seat/)\n[6] [Perry Keenan not running for third term as Pleasant View mayor - Main Street Media of Tennessee](https://mainstreetmediatn.com/articles/cheathamcountyexchange/perry-keenan-not-running-for-third-term-as-pleasant-view-mayor/)","firstname":"Perry","lastname":"Keenan","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"9VSRBZAfHT"},"token":"perry_keenan"},{"candidatename":"John Louallen","chatgptsummary":"John Louallen's biography shows four years as mayor of Pegram and eight years on the Cheatham County School Board, demonstrating local governance experience relevant to constituent understanding and coalition-building. His background as a deputy sheriff and federal fraud investigator suggests familiarity with public safety and regulatory matters. The record contains no documented controversies or disciplinary actions. Bio does not indicate prior state legislative experience or specific bill-drafting experience.","notes":null,"party":"R","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nJohn Louallen is a Republican candidate running for election to the Tennessee House of Representatives to represent District 78 in the 2026 cycle [1]. He is on the ballot in the Republican primary scheduled for August 6, 2026, with the general election set for November 3, 2026 [1]. Louallen announced his candidacy for the seat on April 15, 2025, following the announcement by incumbent State Representative Mary Littleton that she would not seek re-election due to health and family reasons [6][7].\n\nPrior to this legislative bid, Louallen served as mayor of the Town of Pegram for four years and was sworn into that office in August 2021 after a long tenure on the Cheatham County Board of Education [6][8]. Professionally, he is a licensed realtor at Benchmark Realty and a Military Relocation Professional (MRP) based in Nashville [3]. His background also includes work as a deputy sheriff and a federal contractor investigating Medicare and Medicaid fraud [6].\n\nIn the 2026 campaign, Louallen has pledged support for congressional term limits through U.S. Term Limits [9]. He describes his political philosophy as focusing on strong and compassionate leadership that listens to working families and small business owners [4]. As of May 2026, the primary and general elections have not yet occurred, and the outcome of the race remains unknown [1].\n\n## Background and education\n\nJohn Louallen was born on June 24, 1976 [2]. He is a resident of Cheatham County, Tennessee, and previously served as mayor for the Town of Pegram [6]. His professional background includes work as a deputy sheriff and as a federal contractor investigating Medicare and Medicaid fraud [6]. Louallen also works as a licensed realtor in Tennessee, self-describing himself as a Military Relocation Professional (MRP) committed to strategic marketing and transaction management for clients in the Nashville area [3].\n\nLouallen served eight years on the Cheatham County School Board before his political run for the state legislature [6]. He was sworn in as mayor of Pegram in August 2023, succeeding longtime officials who were celebrated for their service to the town [8].\n\n## Career\n\nJohn Louallen is a licensed realtor in Tennessee and holds the designation of Military Relocation Professional (MRP) [3]. He works at Benchmark Realty, where he provides strategic marketing and transaction management services to clients in the Nashville area [3][6]. In his professional practice, he describes his philosophy as being built on trust, communication, and hard work [3].\n\nPrior to his career in real estate, Louallen worked as a deputy sheriff and as a federal contractor assigned to investigate Medicare and Medicaid fraud [6]. He also served eight years on the Cheatham County School Board and four years as mayor for the Town of Pegram [6][8].\n\n## Office history\n\nLouallen served eight years on the Cheatham County School Board [6]. He was sworn in as mayor of the Town of Pegram following a leadership change at the town\u2019s monthly meeting on August 31, having previously served as a longtime board member [8]. His tenure as mayor lasted four years [6].\n\nLouallen is running for election to the Tennessee House of Representatives to represent District 78 in the Republican primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1]. He announced his candidacy on April 4, 2025, after State Representative Mary Littleton announced she would not seek re-election [6][7]. Louallen has pledged support for congressional term limits as part of his campaign [9].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nJohn Louallen\u2019s legislative record includes eight years of service on the Cheatham County Board of Education and four years as mayor of the Town of Pegram [6]. During his tenure as mayor, he served alongside Vice Mayor Rankine Roth and was sworn in following a leadership change at the Town of Pegram\u2019s monthly meeting on August 31 [8].\n\nAs a candidate for Tennessee House District 78, Louallen has committed to supporting congressional term limits by signing with U.S. Term Limits [9]. He states that he aims to bring a \"fresh and innovative perspective\" to the state legislature, emphasizing leadership that listens to working families and small business owners [4].\n\nThe provided sources do not contain specific information regarding bills sponsored, legislative votes, or committee assignments for Louallen\u2019s time in office, as his current candidacy for the State House is for an upcoming election.\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nLouallen is a licensed realtor in Tennessee who works with Benchmark Realty, where he provides strategic marketing and transaction management services to clients in the Nashville area [3]. He self-describes his professional philosophy as being built on trust, communication, and hard work, aiming to help clients achieve their housing goals through attentive listening and detailed strategy [3][5]. In addition to his real estate practice, Louallen has a background as a federal contractor assigned to investigate Medicare and Medicaid fraud, as well as experience serving as a deputy sheriff [6].\n\nSpecific details regarding the source of Louallen\u2019s personal wealth, such as family inheritance or significant business sales, are not provided in the available sources. Financial disclosure documents for his candidacy have not been included in the reference material.\n\n## Sources\n[1] [John Louallen - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/John_Louallen)\n[2] [Name Search Details for John Louallen](https://sci.ccc.nashville.gov/Search/NameSearchDetails/John^Louallen^06241976^/)\n[3] [John Louallen - Benchmark Realty](https://www.facebook.com/JohnLouallenBenchmark/posts/as-a-realtor-and-military-relocation-professional-mrp-licensed-in-tennessee-i-am/1449731139774229/)\n[4] [John Louallen Announces Candidacy for Tennessee ...](https://www.instagram.com/p/DICIBfapUHC/)\n[5] [John Louallen Nashville Tennessee Real Estate for Sale \u2013 John Louallen](https://johnlouallen.unitedbenchmarkrealty.com/index.html)\n[6] [Louallen Announces Candidacy for Tennessee House of Representatives](https://www.thepostlocalnews.com/single-post/louallen-announces-candidacy-for-tennessee-house-of-representatives)\n[7] [Former Pegram Mayor John Louallen enters race for District 78 as Rep. Mary Littleton announces retirement](https://www.ksgazette.com/former-pegram-mayor-john-louallen-enters-race-for-district-78-as-rep-mary-littleton-announces-retirement/)\n[8] [New Pegram mayor, vice mayor sworn in - Main Street Media of Tennessee](https://mainstreetmediatn.com/articles/cheathamcountyexchange/new-pegram-mayor-vice-mayor-sworn-in/)\n[9] [John Louallen Pledges to Support Congressional Term Limits - U.S. Term Limits](https://termlimits.com/john-louallen-pledges-to-support-congressional-term-limits/)","firstname":"John","lastname":"Louallen","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"gMCqPn3oe4"},"token":"john_louallen"},{"candidatename":"Hillary Capes-Gwinn","chatgptsummary":"Hillary Capes-Gwinn's biography confirms she resides in White Bluff within District 78 and successfully filed campaign signatures for the 2026 election. The record contains no documented controversies or disciplinary history. Bio does not indicate legislative craft experience or coalition-building experience.","notes":null,"party":"D","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nHillary Capes-Gwinn, of White Bluff, is a Democratic candidate for Tennessee House of Representatives District 78, which covers Cheatham County and part of Dickson County [1]. She filed the required signatures (2 of 2) by the March 10, 2026 qualifying deadline, and the Tennessee Secretary of State's office listed her signatures as approved in the March 24, 2026 candidate list [1]. The Democratic primary is scheduled for August 6, 2026, with the general election on November 3, 2026 [1].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Candidates for Tennessee House of Representatives](https://sos-prod.tnsosgovfiles.com/s3fs-public/document/TNHouse_2026.pdf) \u2014 District 78, p.19, accessed 2026-07-20","firstname":"Hillary","lastname":"Capes-Gwinn","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"ZFvHrP0wng"},"token":"hillary_capes_gwinn"},{"candidatename":"Aniya Farmer","chatgptsummary":"Farmer's biography shows she is a Democratic candidate for Tennessee House District 78 in the 2026 election, facing Hillary Capes-Gwinn in the primary. The record does not indicate experience with legislative drafting or coalition-building across partisan lines. Bio does not indicate experience with constituent advocacy or economic development strategy.","notes":null,"party":"D","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nAniya Farmer is a candidate for the Democratic Party in the 2026 Tennessee House of Representatives election for District 78 [1]. She is listed on the ballot for the Democratic primary scheduled to take place on August 6, 2026 [1]. The general election for this seat is set for November 3, 2026 [1]. Farmer will compete in the primary against Hillary Capes-Gwinn [1].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Aniya Farmer](https://ballotpedia.org/Aniya_Farmer)","firstname":"Aniya","lastname":"Farmer","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"CB1cIX5uIM"},"token":"aniya_farmer"}],"choices":null,"description":null,"district":"078","districtgroup":"state_house","districtgroupname":"State House","districtname":"District 78","job_type":"state_representative","o.office":"state_house_078","office":"state_house_078","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 78","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 78"}