{"campaigns":[{"candidatename":"Demetrus \"Meechie\" Coonrod","chatgptsummary":null,"notes":null,"party":"I","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nDemetrus Coonrod is an independent candidate running for election to the Tennessee House of Representatives to represent District 28 [1]. She is listed on the ballot for the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026 [1]. The primary election for this race occurred on August 6, 2026 [1]. Coonrod\u2019s opponent in the general election is fellow independent Johnny Horne [1].\n\nCoonrod previously served as a Chattanooga City Councilwoman representing District 9 from 2018 to 2021 and again from April 24, 2021, until her departure in April 2025 [24][9]. She announced in November 2024 that she would not seek reelection to the City Council seat [4][6]. Her tenure on the council was marked by advocacy for underserved communities and a residency investigation that was ultimately dismissed by a judge who found she resided within her district [2][3].\n\nPrior to her 2026 campaign, Coonrod ran for District 28 in the 2024 Democratic primary against incumbent Rep. Yusuf Hakeem [11][15]. She lost that primary race [19]. Following her departure from city council, she issued statements criticizing the Hamilton County Democratic Party regarding internal dynamics and resignations within the organization [13]. For her current campaign, Coonrod self-describes as a principled, progressive leader who has risen from humble beginnings and a past felony conviction to pursue public service [20][21].\n\n## Background and education\n\nDemetrus Coonrod was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on December 30, 1974 [24]. She self-describes as the oldest of four children who grew up in a working-class family in East Chattanooga [20]. Her early life included significant challenges; she has stated that she was convicted of a felony and served time in prison before rebuilding her life [12]. Coonrod is open about this past, noting it shaped her advocacy for police reform and justice-involved individuals [12]. She identifies with the Christian faith, describing her journey as one involving healing and faith [21].\n\nCoonrod earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology with a minor in Criminal Justice from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga [12]. She was among the first in Tennessee and the United States to have her voting rights restored following her felony conviction [24].\n\n## Career\n\nCoonrod is the franchise owner of JanPro [5]. She previously served as vice chairwoman of the Hamilton County Democratic Party [5] and later as its chairwoman [22]. Outside of party leadership, she served as president of the Eastdale Neighborhood Association [22].\n\nIn 2024, Coonrod graduated from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga with a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology and a minor in criminal justice [12]. She has been open about her past felony conviction and time in prison, which she says helped shape her advocacy for police reform and second chances for justice-involved individuals [12][20][26]. Coonrod is among the first in Tennessee, and the U.S., to have her voting rights restored after a felony conviction [24].\n\n## Office history\n\nDemetrus Coonrod served on the Chattanooga City Council representing District 9 from 2018 to 2025 [24]. She first assumed office in April 2018 after winning a special election on April 11, 2017, defeating incumbent Yusuf Hakeem [9][16]. During her tenure, she served as the chairwoman of the Council's Economic Development and Human Resources Committees [16]. Her time in office was marked by advocacy for underserved communities and efforts to bridge political divides within the city [4][10].\n\nCoonrod was sworn in for a second term on April 19, 2021, having been re-elected in April 2021 [9][24]. Her residency qualifications were challenged during this period, leading to an investigation by City Auditor Stan Sewell and a subsequent court ruling that dismissed the challenge, allowing her to continue serving [2][3]. In November 2024, she announced that she would not seek re-election for the District 9 seat in the upcoming March 2025 municipal elections [4][6][8]. She completed her final day in office on April 8, 2025 [9].\n\nIn November 2023, Coonrod declared her candidacy for the Tennessee House of Representatives District 28 seat, challenging three-term incumbent Rep. Yusuf Hakeem in the Democratic primary [15][16]. She launched her campaign officially in February 2024 [17]. In the 2024 election cycle, she lost the primary to Hakeem, who retained the seat [19].\n\nCoonrod is currently running for election to the Tennessee House of Representatives to represent District 28 as an independent candidate [1]. She is on the ballot in the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026 [1].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nDuring her tenure on the Chattanooga City Council, Coonrod served as chairwoman of the Economic Development and Human Resources Committees [16]. She also previously held the position of vice chairwoman of the Hamilton County Democratic Party [5][22]. Her legislative focus during this period included advocating for affordable housing, economic empowerment, and infrastructure improvements, such as those for the Wilcox Tunnel in her District 9 [21][22].\n\nCoonrod\u2019s policy positions have centered on criminal justice reform and second chances for justice-involved individuals, drawing from her own experience with a prior felony conviction [12][21]. She has described herself as a champion for equity and has advocated for police reform [12]. In 2025, she publicly criticized the Hamilton County Democratic Party, stating that resignations within the party reflected systemic issues that made it unsafe or disrespectful for Black members and young leaders to serve [13].\n\nIn her campaign for Tennessee House District 28, Coonrod outlined a vision for an \"inclusive and prosperous future\" focused on representation for marginalized residents [14][15]. She has stated that she aims to bridge political divides and ensure every resident has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of zip code or background [20][23]. As of May 2026, she is a candidate in the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026 [1].\n\n## Documented disputes and controversies\n\nIn March 2024, Chattanooga City Auditor Stan Sewell launched an investigation into Coonrod\u2019s residency qualifications after the city attorney requested a review of allegations that she did not live in her District 9 council district or within city limits [2][18]. The dispute centered on whether Coonrod resided at her Moss Street home or a property she purchased off Heritage Drive in January 2022, which was located outside city limits [3]. A Hamilton County Circuit Court judge dismissed the legal challenge to her residency in June 2024, finding that Coonrod was a resident of the Moss Street home and could continue to serve on the council [3].\n\nCoonrod\u2019s tenure on the Chattanooga City Council included a public controversy regarding her conduct during a June traffic stop involving a driver cited for driving without a license [25]. Body camera footage showed Coonrod, who was a passenger in the vehicle, insisting that the officer contact Police Chief Fred Fletcher [25]. Coonrod later issued a public apology for her behavior during the incident, stating she did not know Chief Fletcher personally and had no reason to contact him at that time [25].\n\nDuring her 2024 campaign for Tennessee House District 28, Coonrod engaged in a contentious Democratic primary against incumbent Representative Yusuf Hakeem [11][15]. The race was characterized by mutual criticism, with Coonrod accusing the Hamilton County Democratic Party of impeding her run through threats to supporters and negative campaigning [19]. In response to these allegations, Coonrod described the contest as a \"profound struggle against broader systemic challenges\" rather than a simple two-candidate race [19].\n\nIn December 2025, following her departure from city council, Coonrod issued a statement criticizing the Hamilton County Democratic Party for internal resignations [13]. She characterized these departures not as routine turnover but as evidence of a \"systemic issue\" that created an unsafe culture for Black members and young leaders who refused to acquiesce to internal power structures [13].\n\nAn FBI probe into Coonrod was reported as unresolved in October 2025 [7]. The status of the investigation had not been clarified in available records by that date [7].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nCoonrod\u2019s business background includes ownership of a JanPro franchise [5]. She has described her upbringing in a working-class family in East Chattanooga and states that she rose from humble beginnings to achieve financial stability [20]. Her public narrative emphasizes personal redemption following a felony conviction and time served in prison, which she cites as foundational to her advocacy work rather than as a source of wealth [12][26].\n\nSpecific details regarding her current business ownership stakes, the sale of any businesses, or the specific sources of her personal wealth are not detailed in the available records. While Coonrod has held public office and engaged in political fundraising, the provided sources do not list significant financial disclosure facts, such as asset values or income brackets, for her candidacy for Tennessee House District 28 [1].\n\n## Family\n\nCoonrod self-describes her most important titles as \"Mom and Grandmother\" [20]. She is the oldest of four children and grew up in a working-class family in East Chattanooga [20]. Her personal narrative includes a past felony conviction for which she served time, an experience she has cited as foundational to her advocacy for second chances and criminal justice reform [12][26].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Demetrus Coonrod - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Demetrus_Coonrod)\n[2] [City Auditor investigating Chattanooga City Council member\u2019s compliance of residency rules | Local News | local3news.com](https://www.local3news.com/local-news/city-auditor-investigating-chattanooga-city-council-member-s-compliance-of-residency-rules/article_2e958b9c-dfe4-11ee-9edf-5fe508535876.html)\n[3] [Judge dismisses challenge to Chattanooga council member\u2019s residency qualifications | Chattanooga Times Free Press](https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/jun/11/judge-dismisses-challenge-to-chattanooga-council/)\n[4] [Chattanooga councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod announces she will not seek reelection](https://foxchattanooga.com/news/local/chattanooga-councilwoman-demetrus-coonrod-announces-she-will-not-seek-reelection)\n[5] [Demetrus Coonrod seeks District 9 city council seat | Chattanooga Times Free Press](https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2016/nov/26/demetres-coonrod-seeks-district-9-city-counci/)\n[6] [Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod Announces She Will Not Seek Re-Election - Chattanoogan.com](https://www.chattanoogan.com/2024/11/17/495581/Councilwoman-Demetrus-Coonrod-Announces.aspx)\n[7] [FBI probe into Demetrus Coonrod remains unresolved | Chattanooga Times Free Press](https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2025/oct/18/fbi-probe-into-demetrus-coonrod-remains-unresolved/)\n[8] [Demetrus Coonrod won\u2019t seek reelection to Chattanooga City Council seat | Chattanooga Times Free Press](https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/nov/17/demetrus-coonrod-wont-seek-reelection-to/)\n[9] [Demetrus Coonrod Leaves Chattanooga City Council After Historic and Controversial Tenure - Chattanooga News Chronicle](https://www.chattnewschronicle.com/local/demetrus-coonrod-leaves-chattanooga-city-council-after-historic-and-controversial-tenure/)\n[10] [Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod Not Seeking Re-election | Local News | local3news.com](https://www.local3news.com/local-news/chattanooga-councilwoman-coonrod-wont-seek-re-election/article_a45303c2-a515-11ef-97e0-bffd2b7d695a.html)\n[11] [Opinion: Demetrus Coonrod fires salvo at Yusuf Hakeem in what might be the most closely contended Hamilton County legislative race | Chattanooga Times Free Press](https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/may/02/opinion-demetrus-coonrod-fires-salvo-at-yusuf/)\n[12] [Former felon, current Chattanooga city councilwoman now a college graduate](https://newschannel9.com/news/local/former-felon-current-chattanooga-city-councilwoman-now-a-college-graduate)\n[13] [Former Chattanooga council member blasts Democrats | Chattanooga Times Free Press](https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2025/dec/05/former-chattanooga-council-member-blasts-democrats/)\n[14] [Chattanooga city councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod launches campaign for Tennessee State House](https://newschannel9.com/amp/news/local/chattanooga-city-councilwoman-demetrus-coonrod-launches-campaign-for-tennessee-state-house)\n[15] [Chattanooga Council Member Coonrod makes 2024 challenge to Rep. Hakeem official | Chattanooga Times Free Press](https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2023/nov/15/chattanooga-council-member-coonrod-makes-2024/)\n[16] [Demetrus Coonrod Announces Candidacy For State House District 28 - Chattanoogan.com](https://www.chattanoogan.com/2023/11/15/478293/Demetrus-Coonrod-Announces-Candidacy.aspx)\n[17] [Councilwoman Coonrod Launches Campaign For Tennessee State House District 28 - Chattanoogan.com](https://www.chattanoogan.com/2024/2/9/482458/Councilwoman-Coonrod-Launches-Campaign.aspx)\n[18] [City Auditor Investigating Residency Of Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod - Chattanoogan.com](https://www.chattanoogan.com/2024/3/12/484164/City-Auditor-Investigating-Residency.aspx)\n[19] [Different year, different seat: Incumbent Hakeem fends off challenger Coonrod](https://foxchattanooga.com/news/local/different-year-different-seat-incumbent-hakeem-hopes-to-fight-off-challenger-coonrod-yusuf-hakeem-demetrus-coonrod-tennessee-district-28-seat)\n[20] [Demetrus Coonrod](https://www.demetruscoonrod.com/demetruscoonrod)\n[21] [The Path through Shadows | Demetrus Coonrod](https://www.demetruscoonrod.com/)\n[22] [About | Demetrus Coonrod](https://www.demetruscoonrod.com/aboutdemetruscoonrod)\n[23] [Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod will not seek re-election - WDEF](https://www.wdef.com/councilwoman-demetrus-coonrod-will-not-seek-re-election/)\n[24] [Demetrus Coonrod - - Wikitia](https://wikitia.com/wiki/Demetrus_Coonrod)\n[25] [Councilwoman apologizes for behavior during traffic stop | | local3news.com](https://www.local3news.com/councilwoman-apologizes-for-behavior-during-traffic-stop/article_eefe27ed-3348-59f2-84fc-aa307870847b.html)\n[26] [Prison to Purpose | Demetrus Coonrod](https://www.demetruscoonrod.com/product-page/prison-to-purpose)","firstname":"Demetrus","lastname":"Coonrod","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"MCXiBpOotI"},"token":"demetrus_meechie_coonrod"},{"candidatename":"Johnny Horne","chatgptsummary":null,"notes":null,"party":"I","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nJohnny Horne is a candidate for Tennessee House of Representatives, District 28 in the 2026 Tennessee election (Hamilton County).\n","firstname":"Johnny","lastname":"Horne","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"6qnI53XFlF"},"token":"johnny_horne"}],"choices":null,"description":null,"district":null,"districtgroup":null,"districtgroupname":null,"districtname":null,"job_type":"state_representative","o.office":null,"office":"state_house_28","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 with the Senate \u2014 confirm gubernatorial appointments and propose constitutional amendments.","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","partisan":0,"pgr":"general","quantity":1,"referendum":null,"source":null,"title":"TN State House District 28"}