{"campaigns":[{"candidatename":"Anne Backus","chatgptsummary":"Anne Backus's biography shows relevant experience for the State Executive Committee role through her current service as a board member and prior tenure on the Democratic State Executive Committee itself. Her 33-year career as a project manager at Y-12 demonstrates skills in coordinating with diverse groups and managing complex operations, while her decade of volunteer advocacy highlights community engagement. The biography contains no record of controversy or disciplinary action. Bio does not indicate experience with formal party rulemaking or ballot-access litigation.","notes":null,"party":"D","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nAnne Backus is a Democratic Party candidate running for election to the Tennessee House of Representatives to represent District 33 [1]. She qualified as a candidate following the March 10, 2026, deadline and appears on the ballot for the Democratic primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1][2]. Backus is currently serving as a board member with the Tennessee Democratic Party [7].\n\nA retired project manager who spent 33 years at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Backus anchors her campaign on Anderson County values of honesty and transparency [3][12]. She states that she was encouraged to enter the race by constituents who felt their concerns were not being adequately represented in the state legislature [8]. Her platform prioritizes public schools and gun safety [6].\n\nBackus has been active in community advocacy, including a decade of service with CASA of the Tennessee Heartland, where she was honored for her work advocating for children in foster care [9]. She also supports the Tennessee Equality Project [5]. In 2026, she completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey and hosted a campaign kickoff event organized by the Anderson County Democratic Party [1][13].\n\n## Background and education\n\nAnne Backus was born in Pensacola, Florida [1]. She earned a bachelor's degree from Mississippi State University in 1980 [1].\n\nBackus spent 33 years working as a project manager at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge before retiring [3][6][10][11]. In her retirement, she has become an active volunteer in the community, including serving with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of the Tennessee Heartland for ten years [4][9]. She is also affiliated with PFLAG and the Democratic Party at the state level [1][5].\n\n## Career\n\nAnne Backus earned a bachelor\u2019s degree from Mississippi State University in 1980 [1]. She spent 33 years working as a project manager at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge before retiring from that position [3][6][10][11]. In her professional role, she managed projects to achieve goals on time and under budget while working with diverse groups of people [6].\n\nFollowing her retirement, Backus has remained active in the community through various volunteer roles. She has served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for CASA of the Tennessee Heartland, where she was honored alongside another volunteer for 10 years of dedicated service advocating for children in foster care [9]. Her volunteer work includes discussing advocacy efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic and participating in training initiatives for new volunteers in Anderson and Blount Counties [4]. Additionally, she is affiliated with PFLAG and has been active with the Tennessee Equality Project [1][5].\n\n## Office history\n\nAnne Backus served as a member of the Democratic State Executive Committee [1]. She was also listed as a board member of the Tennessee Democratic Party [7].\n\nBackus ran for election to the Tennessee House of Representatives to represent District 33 in 2024. She filed her petition with the Anderson County Election Commission in April 2024 and was approved as a candidate [10]. As the only Democrat in the race, she did not face an opponent in the August 1 primary election [8][10].\n\nIn 2026, Backus is running for election to the Tennessee House of Representatives to represent District 33 [1]. She qualified as a candidate by the March 10, 2026 deadline and is on the ballot for the Democratic primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [2].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nAnne Backus\u2019s professional background is rooted in her 33-year tenure as a project manager at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge [3][6][10][11]. She retired from this position prior to her current political campaigns, having earned a bachelor's degree from Mississippi State University in 1980 [1][3][6].\n\nThere is no available information in the provided sources regarding Backus\u2019s personal wealth source, family wealth, private business ownership stakes, or sales of businesses. The candidate self-describes her financial and professional history primarily through her long-term employment at Y-12 and her current status as a retiree [3][11].\n\nBackus has not publicly disclosed specific details about her personal assets or income sources in the provided materials. Her campaign communications focus on her volunteer work, particularly with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of the Tennessee Heartland, where she was honored for ten years of service [4][9], and her role as a member of the Democratic State Executive Committee [7].\n\n## Family\n\nAnne Backus identifies herself as a mother and grandmother [3]. She has served for ten years as a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children in foster care [9]. Her community involvement also includes affiliation with PFLAG and her local church [1].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Anne Backus - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Anne_Backus)\n[2] [Candidate Lists | Tennessee Secretary of State](https://sos.tn.gov/elections/2026-candidate-lists)\n[3] [Anne Backus for State House (TN 33)](https://www.backusfortn33.com/)\n[4] [Watch as Anderson Co CASA, Anne Backus, and Anderson Co Program Coordinator chat about what CASA of the Tennessee Heartland has been up to during... | By CASA of the Tennessee Heartland | Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/CASATNH/videos/watch-as-anderson-co-casa-anne-backus-and-anderson-co-program-coordinator-chat-a/1312622918934691/)\n[5] [Anne Backus at Tennessee Equality Project](https://www.tnep.org/82705)\n[6] [Anne Backus: Running for state representative; public schools, gun safety are priorities](https://www.yahoo.com/news/anne-backus-running-state-representative-154301998.html)\n[7] [Anne Backus - Board Member at Tennessee Democratic Party | The Org](https://theorg.com/org/tennessee-democratic-party/org-chart/anne-backus)\n[8] [Anne Backus to run for Tennessee House seat](https://mycouriernews.com/articles/2024/05/8423/anne-backus-to-run-for-tennessee-house-seat)\n[9] [CASA honors two volunteers for 10 years of advocacy | Community | thedailytimes.com](https://www.thedailytimes.com/community/casa-honors-two-volunteers-for-10-years-of-advocacy/article_866cff72-fadc-4fab-a3ff-4454fee50e76.html)\n[10] [Backus Files Petition as Candidate for Tennessee House District 33 \u2013 BBBTV12](https://www.bbbtv12.com/2024/04/backus-files-petition-as-candidate-for-tennessee-house-district-33/)\n[11] [Backus announces she's a candidate for Tennesseee House District 33 - AOL](https://www.aol.com/articles/backus-announces-shes-candidate-tennesseee-131249851.html)\n[12] [Backus announces she's a candidate for Tennesseee House District 33](https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/backus-announces-shes-candidate-tennesseee-131249831.html)\n[13] [Anne Backus 2026 Campaign Kickoff \u2014 Anderson County Democratic Party](https://www.andersoncountydemocraticparty.com/events/backuskickoff-25)","firstname":"Anne","lastname":"Backus","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"zr8TvVnoAi"},"token":"anne_backus"},{"candidatename":"Amy Poteet","chatgptsummary":"Amy Poteet's biography shows relevant intra-party governance experience as a State Executive Committee committeewoman and former county executive committee member. She also holds leadership roles within the Anderson County Federated Republican Women. The record contains no documented controversies or disciplinary actions. Bio does not indicate experience with state-level ballot-access requirements or direct coordination with the party chair.","notes":null,"party":"R","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nAmy Poteet serves as the president of the Anderson County Federated Republican Women [2]. She is a candidate in the 2026 Tennessee State Executive Committee election for the Republican Party [1]. The qualifying deadline for this race was March 10, 2026, at noon [1].\n\n## Career\n\nPoteet has been active in local Republican organizations in Anderson County. She was elected as a member of the Anderson County executive committee for the Republican Party [4]. Additionally, she served as the president of the Anderson County Federated Republican Women, an organization that received its national charter from the Tennessee Federation of Republican Women [2].\n\n## Office history\n\nAmy Poteet serves as a committeewoman for the Republican Party in Tennessee's 5th Representative District on the State Executive Committee [1]. In her capacity with the Anderson County Federated Republican Women, she holds the position of club president and was presented with the organization's national charter by TNFRW President Barbara Trautman [2].\n\nPoteet is a candidate for the Republican nomination in the 2026 election cycle for the Tennessee State Executive Committee [1], [3].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Candidate Lists | Tennessee Secretary of State](https://sos.tn.gov/elections/2026-candidate-lists)\n[2] [Anderson County Federated Republican Women Chartered in Tennessee](https://www.nfrw.org/club-spotlight/ArtMID/12639/ArticleID/5331/Anderson-County-Federated-Republican-Women-Chartered-in-Tennessee)\n[3] [Tennessee's 2026 candidate lists finalized for state and federal races \u00e2\u20ac\u00a2 Tennessee Lookout](https://tennesseelookout.com/briefs/tennessees-2026-candidate-lists-finalized-for-state-and-federal-races/)\n[4] [Anderson County Republicans elect officers](https://currently.att.yahoo.com/att/anderson-county-republicans-elect-officers-010024080.html)","firstname":"Amy","lastname":"Poteet","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"xwLjgps87E"},"token":"amy_poteet"},{"candidatename":"Sherri Garrett","chatgptsummary":"Sherri Garrett's biography shows relevant experience as a long-serving nurse and grassroots leader who chairs a local Moms for Liberty chapter, organizing community events and engaging with school boards on policy issues. She previously ran for the Knox County Board of Education but lost in a 2022 primary. Bio does not indicate prior elected legislative office or direct experience with state party governance rules.","notes":null,"party":"R","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nSherri Garrett is a Republican candidate for Tennessee State Executive Committeewoman representing Senate District 5 in the 2026 election [4]. She qualified for the ballot by meeting the state's qualifying deadline of March 10, 2026 [2]. Garrett describes herself as a nurse and grassroots leader advocating for constitutional rights, parental rights, and child protection [4].\n\nGarrett serves as the chapter chair for Moms for Liberty in Knox County, Tennessee [3][5]. In this role, she has organized community events such as \"Winning Workshops\" to encourage local political involvement [7]. She has also focused on advocating for responsible artificial intelligence policies in local schools and protecting student data [6]. Garrett states that she is running to ensure Senate District 5 has strong, principled representation within the Republican Party [4].\n\n## Background and education\n\nSherri Garrett is a mother of five sons and a grandmother to twelve [5]. She has worked as a nurse for 37 years [4][5]. Garrett serves as the chair of the Moms for Liberty chapter in Knox County, Tennessee [3][5]. In this role, she advocates for parental rights, the protection of children, and constitutional rights [4]. She also holds leadership positions with Knox for Liberty and has served on local school boards [3][4].\n\n## Career\n\nSherri Garrett has worked as a nurse for 37 years [4]. She self-describes her professional background as that of a nurse and grassroots leader who advocates for constitutional rights, parental rights, and the protection of children [4].\n\nGarrett serves as the chapter chair for Moms for Liberty in Knox County, Tennessee [5]. In this role, she has focused on issues such as special needs children in public schools, the rights of homeschoolers, and the implementation of AI policies in classrooms to protect student data and preserve teacher roles [3][6]. She has also hosted workshops to encourage local community involvement and leadership [7].\n\n## Office history\n\nSherri Garrett ran for election to the Knox County Board of Education to represent District 7 in Tennessee [1]. She lost in the Republican primary on May 3, 2022 [1].\n\nGarrett serves as the chair of the Moms for Liberty chapter in Knox County, Tennessee [3]. In this role, she advocates for parental rights and engages with school boards on issues including special needs education, homeschooling rights, and artificial intelligence policy in classrooms [4][5][6]. She has also hosted community workshops to encourage local political involvement [7].\n\nGarrett is a registered nurse with 37 years of experience [4][5]. She self-describes as a grassroots leader and advocate for constitutional rights, faith, family, and freedom [4].\n\nGarrett is running for election to the Republican State Executive Committee to represent Senate District 5 in Tennessee [4]. The qualifying deadline for this race was March 10, 2026 [2].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nSherri Garrett has not held elected legislative office, having lost in the Republican primary for the Knox County Board of Education on May 3, 2022 [1]. Consequently, she does not have a legislative record involving sponsored bills, specific votes, or committee assignments within the Tennessee General Assembly.\n\nGarrett\u2019s policy advocacy focuses on parental rights, constitutional protections, and education oversight, particularly regarding artificial intelligence in classrooms [4][6]. As Chair of the Moms for Liberty Knox County chapter, she has organized workshops to encourage community involvement and has advocated for policies that protect student data and preserve the role of teachers [5][6]. She also serves as a member of the Republican State Executive Committee for Senate District 5, aiming to provide principled representation within the party structure [2][4].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nSherri Garrett\u2019s primary professional background is in healthcare, where she self-describes as having served as a nurse for 37 years [3][4]. She states that this long tenure provided her with skills useful in her advocacy roles, particularly regarding student data and parental rights [5]. There is no information in the provided sources indicating that Garrett owns private businesses, holds significant ownership stakes in commercial enterprises, or derives wealth from business sales.\n\nPublicly available financial disclosure records for Garrett are not included in the provided source material. Consequently, specific details regarding her personal wealth source, net worth, or other business interests beyond her nursing career cannot be confirmed from these documents [1][2].\n\n## Family\n\nSherri Garrett self-describes as a mother of five children and a grandmother to twelve [3][5]. She states that she serves alongside her husband in her free time [3]. Her family members are not described as public figures or holding political office in the available sources.\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Sherri Garrett - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Sherri_Garrett)\n[2] [Candidate Lists | Tennessee Secretary of State](https://sos.tn.gov/elections/2026-candidate-lists)\n[3] [Meet the Executive Board \u2014 Moms for Liberty-Knox County, TN](https://www.momsforlibertyknox.com/about)\n[4] [Home | Campaign For Tenness](https://www.sherriforsec.com/)\n[5] [Showing Up - 04-15-2026 : Moms for Liberty news for Moms for Liberty in M4L National - USA](https://portal.momsforliberty.org/news/showing-up/)\n[6] [\ud83d\udca5 LEADING ON AI Sherri Garrett, Chapter Chair in Knox ...](https://www.facebook.com/Moms4Liberty/videos/-leading-on-ai-sherri-garrett-chapter-chair-in-knox-county-tn-is-doing-what-more/1537318687952661/)\n[7] [\ud83d\uddfd TENNESSEE This weekend, Knox Chair - Sherri Garrett ...](https://www.facebook.com/Moms4Liberty/posts/-tennesseethis-weekend-knox-chair-sherri-garrett-and-blount-chair-julia-seip-hos/1216775877323086/)","firstname":"Sherri","lastname":"Garrett","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"00zFLN4oxN"},"token":"sherri_garrett"}],"choices":null,"description":null,"district":null,"districtgroup":null,"districtgroupname":null,"districtname":null,"job_type":"party_exec_committee","o.office":null,"office":"tn_exec_committeewoman_5","officedescription":"The State Executive Committee is the elected governing body of a Tennessee political party (Democratic or Republican). It is a party-organization office, not a government office \u2014 its members set party rules and organization, and are chosen by voters in that party's primary.","officequalities":"- Intra-party governance: the State Executive Committee is the elected governing body of a Tennessee political party, not a public office that legislates or administers government.\n- Working knowledge of party rules, conventions, ballot-access requirements, and how the party interacts with state election law.\n- Coordination with the party chair and county-level party committees.\n- This is a partisan party-organization role; voters in the party's primary choose the committee members. The qualities here describe party-organization fit, not government competency.","officeterm":4,"officetitle":"State Executive Committee","partisan":1,"pgr":"primary","quantity":null,"referendum":null,"source":null,"title":"TN State Executive Committeewoman District 5"}