← Back to Knox County, Tennessee: Election on 2026-08-06
Contest for TN House District 14
State House District 14
primary - Partisan - State Representative District 14
About this office
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 — together with the Senate — 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.
Term length: 2 years.
This role calls for
- Integrity — 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.
- Understanding of the constituency — Grasps both the economic-development needs of the district and the day-to-day concerns of individual residents — safety, healthcare, education, infrastructure.
- Persuasion — Engages, listens to, and persuades both fellow legislators and constituents. Can change minds and explain votes honestly.
- Legislative craft — Reads, drafts, and amends statute with care. Understands how specific bill language translates to outcomes, and knows the body of law being modified.
- Coalition-building — Finds common ground across partisan and factional lines, brokers compromises that hold, and forms working majorities even when consensus is hard to reach.
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
2 candidates
Lindsay Young Honaker's biography shows she was born and raised in District 14, sharing everyday challenges with local families, which suggests an understanding of constituency needs. She identifies as a working professional and mother focused on affordability, education, healthcare, growth, and representation. The record contains no documented controversies or disciplinary actions. Bio does not indicate legislative craft experience or coalition-building experience.
Shivam R. Zaveri currently serves as director at the Reagan Inn, a role that may involve constituent interaction and organizational management relevant to legislative duties. The biography contains no documented controversies or disciplinary records. Bio does not indicate prior legislative experience or specific policy expertise in healthcare, education, or infrastructure development.
Republican Primary
1 candidate
Jason Zachary's biography shows over a decade of legislative service in District 14, including tenure as Deputy Speaker and committee work on finance and rules, demonstrating experience with legislative craft and coalition-building. He has supported state budget proposals and public safety initiatives relevant to constituent concerns. The record contains no documented controversies or disciplinary actions. Bio does not indicate prior executive management experience or direct community organizing experience.
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