{"campaigns":[{"candidatename":"Ryan V. Scofield","chatgptsummary":"Ryan Scofield's biography shows experience as a legal assistant specializing in Social Security disability and as Secretary of the Tennessee Democratic Party, demonstrating familiarity with constituent services and party operations. The record notes he has not held prior elected office. Bio does not indicate legislative drafting experience or coalition-building experience across partisan lines.","notes":null,"party":"D","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nRyan Scofield is a Democratic candidate running for election to the Tennessee House of Representatives to represent District 29 in 2026 [1]. He appears on the ballot for the Democratic primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1]. Scofield also serves as Secretary of the Tennessee Democratic Party [3].\n\nScofield qualified for the ballot by meeting the state's qualifying deadline of March 10, 2026 [2]. He is challenging incumbent Republican state Representative Greg Vital for the District 29 seat [5]. Scofield works as a legal assistant at Warren & Griffin, specializing in Social Security disability [5]. As of the available records, he has not received endorsements from Democratic or progressive organizations [4].\n\n## Background and education\n\nRyan Scofield was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee [1]. He is a first-generation Tennessean who attended Boyd Buchanan School before studying history at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga [5].\n\n## Career\n\nRyan Scofield works as a legal assistant at Warren & Griffin, where he specializes in Social Security disability cases [5]. He is a first-generation Tennessean who attended Boyd Buchanan School and studied history at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga [5].\n\nIn addition to his professional work, Scofield serves as the Secretary of the Democratic Party of Tennessee [3]. He also holds the position of State Exec Committeeman for District 11 within the party structure [8].\n\n## Office history\n\nRyan Scofield has not held any elected or appointed public office prior to his current political activities [1]. He currently serves as the Secretary of the Tennessee Democratic Party, a role he holds alongside his candidacy for the state legislature [3]. While listed as a board member in organizational records, specific details regarding the term length or start date of this party position are not provided in available sources [6].\n\nIn 2024, Scofield ran as the Democratic candidate for the Tennessee House of Representatives to represent District 29, challenging incumbent Republican Rep. Greg Vital [5]. The general election for this seat occurred on November 3, 2026, following a primary on August 6, 2026; however, because these elections are in the future relative to the current date of May 11, 2026, their outcomes remain unknown [1]. Scofield is also listed as a candidate for District 29 in the upcoming 2026 Democratic primary [7].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nRyan Scofield works as a legal assistant at Warren & Griffin, where he specializes in Social Security disability [5]. He self-describes as a first-generation Tennessean who resides in Ooltewah [5].\n\nAvailable sources do not disclose specific business ownership stakes, family wealth sources, or significant financial-disclosure facts beyond his current employment. Scofield states that he does not have any endorsements from Democratic or progressive organizations [4]. He serves as the Secretary of the Tennessee Democratic Party and is a board member of the organization [3][6].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Ryan Scofield - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Ryan_Scofield)\n[2] [Candidate Lists | Tennessee Secretary of State](https://sos.tn.gov/elections/2026-candidate-lists)\n[3] [Tennessee Democratic Party - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democratic_Party_of_Tennessee)\n[4] [Endorsements for Ryan Scofield - Tennessee Democratic Party Candidate](https://bluevoterguide.org/TN/candidate_Ryan_Scofield/548324)\n[5] [Democrat Ryan Scofield challenging incumbent Rep. Vital for Tennessee House seat | Chattanooga Times Free Press](https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/oct/11/democrat-ryan-scofield-challenging-incumbent-rep/)\n[6] [Ryan Scofield - Board Member at Tennessee Democratic Party | The Org](https://theorg.com/org/tennessee-democratic-party/org-chart/ryan-scofield)\n[7] [Ryan Scofield | BallotReady](https://www.ballotready.org/people/ryan-scofield)\n[8] [Executive Committee - Tennessee Democrats](https://www.tndp.org/leadership)","firstname":"Ryan","lastname":"Scofield","middlename":"V.","suffix":null,"token":"HF2MhTpOyn"},"token":null},{"candidatename":"Greg Vital","chatgptsummary":"Greg Vital's biography shows relevant experience for District 29 through his tenure as a state representative advancing public safety and conservation legislation, alongside local service as a city commissioner and county commissioner. He co-founded a senior care enterprise employing hundreds in the district, demonstrating business management skills. The record contains no controversies or disciplinary actions. Bio does not indicate prior executive leadership experience or formal legal drafting experience.","notes":null,"party":"R","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nGreg Vital is a Republican member of the Tennessee House of Representatives representing District 29, having assumed office on September 14, 2021 [1][3]. His current term concludes on November 3, 2026 [1]. Vital is seeking re-election to the Tennessee House of Representatives for District 29 as a Republican candidate in the primary election scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1][7].\n\nDuring the 114th General Assembly session that adjourned sine die in April 2026, Vital advanced legislation focused on veterans, public safety, and conservation [20]. Notably, he secured the passage of House Bill 2074, which provides a second psychological evaluation opportunity for certain public safety applicants who failed an initial assessment [16]. The General Assembly also addressed issues such as school district audits and agricultural support during this session [9][10]. In March 2026, Vital received the Leader Against Litter Award from Keep Tennessee Beautiful [17].\n\n## Background and education\n\nGreg Vital was born on January 27, 1956 [3]. He has lived in Hamilton County for 50 years, residing in the Ooltewah-Georgetown area [4][14]. His home city is listed as Ware Branch, Tennessee [7]. Vital identifies with Christian conservative values [14].\n\nVital earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Southern Adventist University in 2014 [7][13]. He also attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he studied economics from 1977 to 1978 [7].\n\n## Career\n\nGreg Vital co-founded Morning Pointe Senior Living 25 years ago with Franklin Farrow after beginning his career as an executive with a national healthcare provider [4]. The company he helped establish operates more than 35 senior care and Alzheimer's care centers across five Mid-South states, employing more than 900 people in Tennessee, including 400 in Hamilton County, with its headquarters located in Ooltewah [5][6]. Vital has self-describes as an entrepreneur and job creator who served senior citizens in five states over a 25-year period [4].\n\nVital holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Southern Adventist University, which he completed in 2014, and previously studied economics at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga from 1977 to 1978 [7]. He is also recognized as a nationally recognized land and wildlife conservationist [5].\n\nPrior to his legislative service, Vital served as a city commissioner in Collegedale for four years [13]. He has lived in Hamilton County for 50 years, residing in the Ooltewah-Georgetown area [4][14].\n\n## Office history\n\nGreg Vital first entered elected office as a Collegedale city commissioner, serving for four years [13]. He later served on the Hamilton County Commission, where he participated in discussions regarding local infrastructure needs [12].\n\nVital was first elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives in a special election held on September 14, 2021, to fill the vacancy in District 29 caused by the death of Representative Mike Carter [2][3]. He defeated Democrat DeAngelo Jelks in that contest, receiving approximately 80% of the vote [2]. Vital was sworn in and assumed office on September 14, 2021, serving the remainder of the term until November 2022 [2][3].\n\nVital won re-election to a full two-year term in the 2022 general election for Tennessee House District 29 [7]. He subsequently ran for re-election to the Tennessee House of Representatives in 2024, securing his second full term [7][15]. As of May 2026, he is serving his current term, which ends on November 3, 2026 [1].\n\nVital has announced bids for additional offices, including a run for the Tennessee State Senate in District 29 [7]. He is currently running for re-election to the Tennessee House of Representatives in the Republican primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nRep. Greg Vital assumed office in the Tennessee House of Representatives for District 29 on September 14, 2021, following a special election victory over Democrat DeAngelo Jelks [2][3][11]. He was subsequently re-elected to full terms in 2022 and 2024 [7].\n\nDuring the 114th General Assembly session in 2026, Vital introduced legislation focused on veterans, public safety, conservation, and responsible community development [20]. A key accomplishment of this session was securing the passage of House Bill 2074, which Vital co-sponsored with Senator Adam Lowe. This legislation provides a second-chance pathway for public safety applicants by allowing individuals to seek a second psychological evaluation if they are not cleared during an initial assessment, preventing permanent bars from positions such as law enforcement officer or state park ranger [16].\n\nVital\u2019s legislative priorities include supporting military families and protecting Tennessee\u2019s natural resources [20]. His environmental advocacy was recognized with the 2026 Leader Against Litter Award from Keep Tennessee Beautiful [17]. Additionally, Vital participated in House and Senate Republican leadership efforts to review an interim forensic audit of Memphis-Shelby County Schools that identified widespread operational failures and waste [8][18].\n\nSpecific committee assignments for Vital were last updated by Ballotpedia in September 2023 [1].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nGreg Vital is a co-founder of Morning Pointe Senior Living, which he established 25 years ago alongside Franklin Farrow [4][5]. The company operates more than 35 senior care and Alzheimer\u2019s care centers across five Mid-South states, with its headquarters located in Ooltewah within District 29 [5][6]. Vital reports that the enterprise employs more than 900 people in Tennessee, including 400 employees in Hamilton County [6]. Prior to co-founding Morning Pointe, Vital worked as an executive with a national healthcare provider [4].\n\nVital also owns and operates the Vital Buffalo Farm and Conservatory in Birchwood [15]. He self-describes as a nationally recognized land and wildlife conservationist [5]. His business background is frequently cited by his campaign as evidence of his experience as a job creator and entrepreneur who has served senior citizens across five states over the past 25 years [4][6].\n\nVital holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Southern Adventist University, completed in 2014, and studied economics at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga between 1977 and 1978 [7]. LegiStorm notes that personal financial disclosure records for Vital have been added to its database, though specific asset values or income sources are not detailed in the provided source material [19].\n\n## Family\n\nVital is married to Carlene and has two children [7]. He has lived in Hamilton County for 50 years, residing in the Ooltewah-Georgetown area [4].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Greg Vital - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Greg_Vital)\n[2] [Republican Greg Vital wins special election in Tennessee House district \u2013 Ballotpedia News](https://news.ballotpedia.org/2021/09/24/republican-greg-vital-wins-special-election-in-tennessee-house-district/)\n[3] [Greg Vital - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greg_Vital)\n[4] [About - Greg Vital](https://electgregvital.com/about/)\n[5] [Greg Vital - State Representative - District 29](https://electgregvital.com/)\n[6] [Issues - Greg Vital](https://electgregvital.com/issues/)\n[7] [Vote Smart | Facts For All](https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/138995/greg-vital)\n[8] [Capitol Report From Rep. Greg Vital For April 2 - Chattanoogan.com](https://www.chattanoogan.com/2026/4/2/516886/Capitol-Report-From-Rep.-Greg-Vital.aspx)\n[9] [Capitol Report From Rep. Greg Vital For April 24 - Chattanoogan.com](https://www.chattanoogan.com/2026/4/24/517913/Capitol-Report-From-Rep.-Greg-Vital.aspx)\n[10] [Capitol Report From Rep. Greg Vital For March 20 - Chattanoogan.com](https://www.chattanoogan.com/2026/3/20/516273/Capitol-Report-From-Rep.-Greg-Vital.aspx)\n[11] [Republican Greg Vital wins Tennessee House District 29 election | Chattanooga Times Free Press](https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2021/sep/14/republican-vital-claims-victory-tennessee-house/554187/)\n[12] [Why I'm Supporting Greg Vital For State House District 29 - Chattanoogan.com](https://www.chattanoogan.com/2021/7/25/431816/Why-I-m-Supporting-Greg-Vital-For-State.aspx)\n[13] [Rep. Greg Vital running for reelection to Tennessee statehouse | Chattanooga Times Free Press](https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/oct/11/rep-greg-vital-running-for-reelection-to/)\n[14] [Greg Vital Announces Bid To Represent Tennessee\u2019s House District 29 - Chattanoogan.com](https://www.chattanoogan.com/2021/6/14/429871/Greg-Vital-Announces-Bid-To-Represent.aspx)\n[15] [Opinion: Return Greg Vital to state House District 29 post | Chattanooga Times Free Press](https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/oct/11/opinion-return-greg-vital-to-state-house-district/)\n[16] [Rep. Greg Vital Secures 2nd-Chance Pathway For Public Safety Applicants - Chattanoogan.com](https://www.chattanoogan.com/2026/4/21/517724/Rep.-Greg-Vital-Secures-2nd-Chance.aspx)\n[17] [State Rep. Greg Vital Receives 2026 Leader Against Litter Award - Chattanoogan.com](https://www.chattanoogan.com/2026/3/19/516214/State-Rep.-Greg-Vital-Receives-2026.aspx)\n[18] [Capitol Report from Rep. Greg Vital - April 2, 2026 \u2014 Tennessee House Republican Caucus](https://tnhousegop.org/member-newsroom/2026/04/capitol-report-from-rep-greg-vital-april-2-2026/)\n[19] [Tennessee State Rep. Greg Vital - Biography | LegiStorm](https://www.legistorm.com/person/bio/410251/Greg_A_Vital.html)\n[20] [Rep. Greg Vital advances legislation supporting veterans, public safety and conservation \u2014 Tennessee House Republican Caucus](https://tnhousegop.org/member-newsroom/2026/03/rep-greg-vital-advances-legislation-supporting-veterans-public-safety-and-conservation/)","firstname":"Greg","lastname":"Vital","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"rJgx49FRvO"},"token":"greg_vital"}],"choices":null,"description":null,"district":"029","districtgroup":"state_house","districtgroupname":"State House","districtname":"District 29","job_type":"state_representative","o.office":"state_house_029","office":"state_house_029","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 29","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 29"}