{"campaigns":[{"candidatename":"London Lamar","chatgptsummary":"London Lamar's biography shows state-level legislative experience in Tennessee, including committee service on Judiciary and Finance, which demonstrates familiarity with drafting statutes and constituent advocacy. The record notes her appointment followed a predecessor's expulsion for federal fraud, though Lamar herself has no cited disciplinary actions or ethics violations. Bio does not indicate federal legislative craft or direct oversight of the executive branch experience.","notes":null,"party":"D","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nLondon Lamar is a Democratic member of the Tennessee State Senate representing District 33 [1]. She assumed office on March 3, 2022, after being appointed by the Shelby County Commission to fill the vacancy left by expelled Senator Katrina Robinson [3]. Her current term is scheduled to end on November 3, 2026 [1].\n\nLamar is seeking re-election to the Tennessee State Senate for District 33 as a Democrat [1]. She is listed on the ballot for the Democratic primary election scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1].\n\n## Background and education\n\nLondon Lamar was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on December 29, 1990 [2][11]. She self-describes as a third-generation resident of Tennessee\u2019s 33rd District [9].\n\nLamar graduated from Central \"The\" High School in Memphis in 2009, where she finished at the top of her class [9]. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with minors in Sociology and Intercultural Studies from Saint Mary's College in May 2013 [2][9].\n\n## Career\n\nLondon Lamar graduated from Central High School in Memphis in 2009, where she finished at the top of her class [9]. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with minors in Sociology and Intercultural Studies from Saint Mary's College in May 2013 [9].\n\nPrior to her legislative career, Lamar served as a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives for District 91 from November 6, 2018, until March 8, 2022 [2]. She resigned from the House to accept an appointment to the Tennessee State Senate [1]. In March 2022, the Shelby County Commission voted 9-4 to select Lamar as the interim senator for District 33, filling the vacancy left by expelled Senator Katrina Robinson [4][6]. This appointment required her to vacate her House seat immediately [6].\n\nLamar later won election to complete the remainder of the Senate term and has continued to serve in that role [2]. As of 2026, she is on the ballot for re-election to the Tennessee State Senate in the Democratic primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1].\n\n## Office history\n\nLondon Lamar served in the Tennessee House of Representatives from November 6, 2018, to March 8, 2022, representing District 91 [2][13]. She was elected to this seat in 2018, succeeding Raumesh Akbari [2]. During her tenure in the House, she advocated for voter registration and other legislative priorities [5].\n\nIn March 2022, Lamar was appointed by the Shelby County Commission as Interim Senator for Tennessee State Senate District 33 to fill the vacancy left by expelled Senator Katrina Robinson [3][4][6][12]. The commission selected her in a 9-4 vote after interviewing multiple candidates [4][12]. She resigned from the House of Representatives upon assuming this appointed role, which began on March 3, 2022 [1][2]. As interim senator, she served until the conclusion of the term in November 2022 [6].\n\nLamar was subsequently elected to Tennessee State Senate District 33 in the 2022 general election, succeeding Katrina Robinson [1][2]. She assumed office on March 8, 2022, following her appointment, and her current term is scheduled to end on November 3, 2026 [1][2]. In this role, she serves as Chair of the Tennessee Senate Democratic Caucus and sits on the Judiciary Committee and the Finance, Ways and Means Committee [8]. She self-describes as the youngest woman and youngest African American to serve in the Tennessee State Senate history [8][10].\n\nLamar is currently running for re-election to the Tennessee State Senate to represent District 33 [1]. She is on the ballot for the Democratic primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1]. The outcome of this upcoming election has not yet occurred as of May 11, 2026.\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nLondon Lamar serves on the Tennessee Senate Judiciary Committee and the Finance, Ways and Means Committee [8]. She also holds a position on the Joint Ways and Means Committee [8]. In the chamber, she currently serves as Chair of the Tennessee Senate Democratic Caucus [8].\n\nDuring her tenure in the General Assembly, Lamar has sponsored legislation advancing maternal health, human trafficking prevention, criminal justice reform, and voting rights [10]. Prior to her appointment to the Senate, she served in the Tennessee House of Representatives from 2018 to 2022, where she advocated for voter registration initiatives in Shelby County [5].\n\nLamar\u2019s legislative career began after she was appointed by the Shelby County Commission in March 2022 to fill the vacancy in State Senate District 33 left by expelled Senator Katrina Robinson [3][4][6]. She resigned from her House seat to assume the Senate role, making history as the youngest woman and youngest African American to serve in the Tennessee State Senate at that time [2][8].\n\n## Documented disputes and controversies\n\nLondon Lamar\u2019s entry into the Tennessee Senate was precipitated by the expulsion of her predecessor, Katrina Robinson, who was removed from office in February 2022 following a federal fraud conviction and a recommendation by the Senate Ethics Committee [3]. Following Robinson's ejection, the Shelby County Commission held a special called meeting that lasted over three hours and involved eight rounds of voting before selecting Lamar to fill the vacancy [3][12]. The commission interviewed six candidates before voting 9-4 in favor of Lamar, who resigned from her seat in the Tennessee House of Representatives to assume the interim Senate role [4][6].\n\nDuring her appointment process and early tenure, Lamar faced a legislative environment marked by the ethical violations that led to Robinson's expulsion. The Senate Ethics Committee had previously determined that Robinson violated the Senate's code of ethics, leading to her removal before Lamar took office in March 2022 [3]. Lamar has not been cited as a subject of similar ethics complaints or legal actions in the provided sources; instead, her public record during this period focused on addressing community concerns such as gun violence and youth crime through initiatives like the \"Root Cause of Youth Crime\" symposium at LeMoyne-Owen College [7].\n\nNo other documented disputes, feuds with named officials, or withdrawn endorsements are recorded in the provided sources for London Lamar. The available documentation focuses on her legislative service, appointment history, and policy advocacy regarding maternal health, human trafficking, and voting rights [8][10].\n\n## Family\n\nLondon Lamar self-describes as a third-generation resident of Tennessee\u2019s 33rd District [9]. She states that she is committed to serving families and communities within the region [10].\n\nThe provided sources do not contain publicly notable information regarding her spouse, children, or other family members in politics.\n\n## Sources\n[1] [London Lamar - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/London_Lamar)\n[2] [London Lamar - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Lamar)\n[3] [Shelby County officials select London Lamar as Interim Senator to replace Katrina Robinson | News | fox13memphis.com](https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/shelby-county-officials-select-london-lamar-as-interim-senator-to-replace-katrina-robinson/article_8f7321ea-8152-5ecb-9083-5f508c7f86f0.html)\n[4] [Rep. London Lamar appointed to fill Katrina Robinson\u2019s Senate seat](https://www.actionnews5.com/2022/03/04/rep-london-lamar-appointed-fill-katrina-robinsons-senate-seat/)\n[5] [Rep. London Lamar pushes for voter registration in Shelby County](https://www.actionnews5.com/2020/01/31/rep-london-lamar-pushes-voter-registration-shelby-county/)\n[6] [London Lamar appointed interim state senator, Dist. 33](https://wreg.com/news/local/london-lamar-appointed-interim-state-senator-dist-33/)\n[7] [Senator London Lamar shares her plans for District 33](https://wreg.com/news/local/sen-london-lamar-shares-her-plans-for-district-33/)\n[8] [About London Lamar 2022](https://www.londonlamar.com/about-london-lamar)\n[9] [About | Sen. London Lamar](https://www.londonlamar.com/aboutlondon)\n[10] [London for State Senator 2025](https://www.londonlamar.com/)\n[11] [Contact Senator London Lamar \u2013 SenGov](https://sengov.com/states/tennessee/london-lamar/)\n[12] [Lamar tapped for Shelby County vacancy in Senate \u2022 Tennessee Lookout](https://tennesseelookout.com/2022/03/04/lamar-tapped-for-shelby-county-vacancy-in-senate/)\n[13] [State Senator London Lamar | BillTrack50](https://www.billtrack50.com/legislatordetail/22917)","firstname":"London","lastname":"Lamar","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"UPbRHAt6Vq"},"token":null},{"candidatename":"Michelle Davis Head","chatgptsummary":"Michelle Davis Head's biography shows she resides in Tennessee's 9th District and qualified for the ballot via petition signatures, demonstrating local residency and basic campaign organization. Public records contain no details regarding her education, prior career, or previous elected office history. Bio does not indicate legislative craft experience or oversight judgment experience.","notes":null,"party":"I","person":{"biography":"Michelle Davis Head is an Independent candidate running for U.S. House District 9 in Tennessee in the 2026 election [12]. She resides in Lewisburg, Tennessee [12]. The 9th Congressional District was newly redrawn in May 2026, stretching from Memphis to the middle of Tennessee along the state's southern border [16]. Davis Head qualified for the ballot by submitting petitions with at least 25 signatures from registered voters in a county within the district [18]. She is listed among the independent candidates competing in the November 3, 2026 general election [12].\n\nPublicly available sources do not contain biographical details regarding Michelle Davis Head\u2019s education, prior career, or previous elected office history. Ballotpedia did not receive biographical information for her candidacy, and she did not complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey [5]. While a separate candidate named Michelle Davis is a Republican member of the Indiana House of Representatives, that individual represents District 58 in Indiana and is running for the Indiana State Senate, which is a different person and jurisdiction [6].\n\nThe 2026 U.S. House race in Tennessee's 9th District features contested primaries for both major parties. Republican candidates include state lawmakers Brent Taylor and Todd Warner, along with Charlotte Bergmann and Jeremy Thompson [16]. Democratic candidates include state Rep. Justin Pearson, State Sen. London Lamar, M. LaTroy A-Williams, and Jim Torino [16]. Davis Head will face these primary winners in the general election.\n\n## Sources\n\n[1] [Michelle Davis - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Michelle_Davis)\n[2] [Endorsements by Michelle Davis - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Endorsements_by_Michelle_Davis)\n[3] [Tennessee elections, 2026 - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Tennessee_elections,_2026)\n[4] [United States House of Representatives elections in Tennessee, 2026 - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/United_States_House_of_Representatives_elections_in_Tennessee,_2026)\n[5] [Michelle Davis (Lenoir County Board of Education District 1 ...](https://ballotpedia.org/Michelle_Davis_(Lenoir_County_Board_of_Education_District_1,_North_Carolina,_candidate_2026))\n[6] [Michelle Davis (Indiana) - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Michelle_Davis_(Indiana))\n[7] [Candidate Lists | Tennessee Secretary of State](https://sos.tn.gov/elections/2026-candidate-lists)\n[9] [2026 United States House of Representatives elections in Tennessee - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_United_States_House_of_Representatives_elections_in_Tennessee)\n[10] [2026 Tennessee House of Representatives election - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_Tennessee_House_of_Representatives_election)\n[12] [Who\u2019s running where? Tennessee posts candidate list for redrawn congressional districts](https://www.actionnews5.com/2026/05/17/whos-running-where-tennessee-posts-candidate-list-redrawn-congressional-districts/)\n[15] [Tennessee's redrawn congressional districts: A full guide to every candidate running in 2026](https://www.newschannel5.com/news/tennessees-redrawn-congressional-districts-a-full-guide-to-every-candidate-running-in-2026)\n[16] [State lawmakers pitted against each other in 9th | Tennessee | thecentersquare.com](https://www.thecentersquare.com/tennessee/article_6e462b30-56b2-47d7-9784-ff2d9b8a8b38.html)\n[17] [State lawmakers pitted against each other in 9th - Tennessee - The Black Chronicle](https://blackchronicle.com/southeast/tennessee/state-lawmakers-pitted-against-each-other-in-9th/)\n[18] [Who\u2019s running where? Tennessee posts candidate list for redrawn congressional districts](https://www.wsmv.com/2026/05/17/whos-running-where-tennessee-posts-candidate-list-redrawn-congressional-districts/)\n[19] [Tennessee's 2026 candidate lists finalized for state and federal races \u2022 Tennessee Lookout](https://tennesseelookout.com/briefs/tennessees-2026-candidate-lists-finalized-for-state-and-federal-races/)\n[20] [Tennessee 2026 Elections: Candidates for Governor, Senate & House | Politics1](https://politics1.com/tn.htm)\n[21] [Tennessee Primary Election - Thursday, August 6, 2026 | BallotReady](https://www.ballotready.org/elections/tennessee-primary-election-56efe541-1351-469a-8ef7-1e556ae9712c)\n[22] [\ud83d\uddf3\ufe0f 16 races to watch in Indiana and Ohio](https://decisiondeskhq.substack.com/p/2026-indiana-ohio-primary-senate-governor-house)","firstname":"Michelle Davis","lastname":"Head","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"3nHeObGFkv"},"token":null},{"candidatename":"Jim Torino","chatgptsummary":"Torino's biography shows extensive experience leading healthcare organizations and managing operations, yet it documents no prior service in federal legislative craft, constituent casework with agencies, or cross-party coalition building. The record contains no controversies or disciplinary actions. Bio does not indicate experience drafting federal statute or overseeing the executive branch.","notes":null,"party":"D","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nJim Torino is a Democratic candidate seeking election to the U.S. House of Representatives for Tennessee's 9th Congressional District [1]. He officially declared his candidacy for the Democratic primary, which is scheduled for August 6, 2026 [2]. As of May 2026, the outcome of this upcoming election remains unknown.\n\nTorino has established a principal campaign committee named \"Jim Torino for US Congress,\" with Donald Torino serving as treasurer [4]. Federal Election Commission data indicates that the candidate's committee reported total receipts of $117,034.15 and cash on hand derived from various sources, including individual contributions and loans [3]. The campaign's platform, as self-described by Torino, focuses on affordable healthcare, job creation, affordable housing, and protecting Medicare and Social Security for residents of Tennessee's 9th District [7].\n\nIn addition to his political activities, Torino serves as the Chief Executive Officer of The Friend Foundation, a role he co-founded in 2016 [9]. He also holds professional ties to StationMD, where he has worked in operations management and healthcare leadership [10]. Torino resides in Columbia, Tennessee.\n\n## Background and education\n\nHe earned a high school diploma from Uniondale High School and a bachelor's degree from St. John's University in 1987 [1]. He later obtained a graduate degree from the Keller Graduate School of Management in 2015 and a Ph.D. from Walden University in 2022 [1]. His doctoral work is identified as a Ph.D. in Social Psychology, and he holds dual Master's degrees in Business Administration and Information Systems Management [9].\n\n## Career\n\nJim Torino holds a Ph.D. in Social Psychology from Walden University, earned in 2022, as well as dual Master's degrees in Business Administration and Information Systems Management from the Keller Graduate School of Management, completed in 2015 [1][2][9]. He also obtained a bachelor's degree from St. John's University in 1987 and a high school diploma from Uniondale High School [1][2].\n\nProfessionally, Torino is an operations executive with a background in starting, developing, and leading high-growth organizations, particularly within the healthcare, wellness, and disease management sectors [9]. He co-founded The Friend Foundation in 2016 and serves as its Chief Executive Officer [9][10]. Additionally, he holds the position of Chief Operating Officer at StationMD [12].\n\nTorino self-describes his career as one defined by service to communities and building organizations that create opportunities for vulnerable individuals [8]. He resides in Columbia, Tennessee.\n\n## Office history\n\nJim Torino has not held any elected or appointed public office [1]. He is currently running for election to the U.S. House of Representatives to represent Tennessee's 9th Congressional District as a Democrat in the primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1][2]. This race is upcoming and its outcome is unknown.\n\nTorino has not previously run for federal or state elected office according to available records. He co-founded The Friend Foundation in 2016 and serves as its Chief Executive Officer [9][10]. He also serves as the Chief Operating Officer at StationMD [12].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nJim Torino's professional background is rooted in healthcare operations and organizational leadership. He co-founded The Friend Foundation in 2016 and serves as its Chief Executive Officer [9]. Additionally, he holds the position of Chief Operating Officer at StationMD, where he applies his experience in health, wellness, and disease management [12]. Torino states that he has spent over a decade leading healthcare operations for companies in the wellness and disease management space [9].\n\nFinancial disclosures related to his 2026 congressional campaign indicate that his funding comes primarily from individual contributions and loans rather than personal wealth or business sales. As of the reporting period, Torino's candidate committee reported total receipts of $117,034.15 [3]. Of this amount, $16,559.60 consisted of total contributions, including $850.00 in candidate contributions made by Torino himself [5]. The remaining funds were supported by a loan of $100,000.00 received by the candidate [3]. His campaign committee is registered at his residence in Columbia, TN, with his father, Donald Torino, serving as the committee treasurer [4].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Jim Torino](https://ballotpedia.org/Jim_Torino)\n[2] [James Torino - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/James_Torino)\n[3] [TORINO, JAMES PHD - Candidate overview - FEC.gov](https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/H6TN05355/)\n[4] [JIM TORINO FOR US CONGRESS - committee overview - FEC.gov](https://www.fec.gov/data/committee/C00899450/)\n[5] [TORINO, JAMES PHD - Candidate overview - FEC.gov](https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/H6TN05355/?cycle=2026)\n[7] [Jim Torino for Congress \u2014 Democrat for Tennessee's 9th District](https://www.jimtorino.com/)\n[8] [I just gave to Jim Torino for Congress!](https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jimtorinoforcongress)\n[9] [Our Leadership Team - Be an UpStander!](https://www.thefriendfoundation.org/our-executive-team/)\n[10] [Jim Torino, PhD, MBA - StationMD](https://stationmd.com/personnel/james-torino/)\n[12] [Jim Torino - Chief Operating Officer at Stationmd - Wiza](https://wiza.co/d/stationmd/f1cb/jim-torino)","firstname":"Jim","lastname":"Torino","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"Rw8S9FHmnM"},"token":null},{"candidatename":"Brent Taylor","chatgptsummary":"Brent Taylor's biography shows extensive local legislative experience as a former city councilor and county commissioner, alongside current service in the Tennessee Senate, demonstrating constituent-service capacity and coalition-building within state government. The record documents five ethics complaints filed against a district attorney that were dismissed without action. Bio does not indicate federal legislative craft or oversight judgment of the executive branch.","notes":null,"party":"R","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nBrent Taylor is a Republican member of the Tennessee State Senate representing District 31, having assumed office on January 9, 2023 [2]. His current term ends on November 3, 2026 [1]. Taylor is running for re-election to the Tennessee State Senate to represent District 31 and appears on the ballot in the Republican primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1].\n\nOn May 7, 2026, Taylor announced his intent to run for Tennessee\u2019s Ninth Congressional District following the passage of legislation redrawing the state's congressional maps [10][11]. The new district configuration covers the southern portion of Shelby County and parts of Fayette County [10]. Taylor stated that he aims to \"cement Tennessee's conservative legacy\" in Washington, D.C. [9]. He received endorsements from U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty for the congressional race [13].\n\n## Background and education\n\nBrent Taylor was born on August 9, 1968 [2][15]. He was born and raised in rural North Mississippi [5][15]. Taylor identifies as a Baptist [4][16]. He earned an Associate of Science degree in mortuary science from Northwest Mississippi Community College [1][2][4].\n\n## Career\n\nBrent Taylor was born and raised in rural North Mississippi [2][15]. He earned an associate degree in mortuary science from Northwest Mississippi Community College [1][2][4]. Following his education, he moved to Memphis to work as a funeral director [5][15]. In 2004, Taylor and his wife, Kimberly, purchased their first funeral home, eventually acquiring additional area locations to build the largest family-owned funeral operation in the Mid-South [5].\n\nTaylor began his public service career in 1995 when he was elected to the Memphis City Council at age 27, becoming the youngest person ever to hold that office [5][15]. He served as Chairman of the Shelby County Commission and later as a member of the Shelby County Board of Commissioners [4][5].\n\n## Office history\n\nBrent Taylor began his public service career in 1995 when he was elected to the Memphis City Council at age 27, becoming the youngest person ever elected to that body [5]. He served as Chairman of the council and self-describes himself as a leading conservative voice who never voted for a tax increase [5].\n\nIn 2022, Taylor ran for the Tennessee State Senate to represent District 31 [4]. He won the election and assumed office on November 8, 2022, with his term officially beginning on January 9, 2023 [1][2]. As a state senator, he serves a four-year term and represents parts of Memphis and its eastern suburbs, including most of Germantown and Collierville [16]. Taylor is currently serving in this role, which ends on November 3, 2026 [1].\n\nTaylor has also run for other offices. He announced a campaign for Tennessee\u2019s Ninth Congressional District in May 2026, following the passage of new congressional district maps [10][11]. This race is scheduled for the general election later in 2026, and its outcome is not yet known [1].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nDuring his tenure in the Tennessee Senate, Taylor has self-described his legislative priority as fighting crime [3]. He states that he sponsored laws to strengthen the state's bail system and voted to hire more State Troopers [3]. Additionally, he supported legislation prohibiting local governments from banning routine traffic stops by police officers [3].\n\nTaylor\u2019s policy positions include holding judges and District Attorneys accountable for their conduct. His efforts in this area reportedly led to the early retirements of two judges identified as \"soft-on-crime\" [3]. He has filed multiple ethics complaints against Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy, alleging issues with case resolutions and other professional conduct [6][8]. In December 2023, Taylor asked the Tennessee Board of Judicial Conduct and the Board of Professional Responsibility to investigate Judge Paula Skahan and the DA\u2019s office regarding alleged \"illegal restorative justice schemes\" in specific cases [7]. The Board of Professional Responsibility dismissed his complaint against Mulroy after a review, closing the matter without further action [8][6].\n\nLegislative tracking data from the Tennessee Legislative Research Center (TLRC) indicates that Taylor holds a lifetime vote score of 73 and a leadership grade of A as of the current reporting period [14]. He serves in District 31, which includes parts of Memphis and its eastern suburbs such as Germantown and Collierville [16][15].\n\n## Documented disputes and controversies\n\nState Senator Brent Taylor has engaged in a series of public disputes with Shelby County District Attorney General Steve Mulroy, filing multiple ethics complaints that were ultimately dismissed. In December 2023, Taylor sent a complaint to the Tennessee Board of Judicial Conduct and the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility, alleging \"illegal restorative justice schemes\" by Mulroy\u2019s office and Shelby County Criminal Court Judge Paula Skahan in specific cases [7]. The Tennessee Supreme Court's Board of Professional Responsibility reviewed the matter and dismissed the complaint without further action [6][8]. Following this dismissal, District Attorney Mulroy stated that Taylor had filed five complaints against him, noting that he was \"0 for 5\" on these ethics filings [6].\n\nTaylor\u2019s political activities have included high-profile challenges to incumbent officials in federal races. On May 7, 2026, following the passage of a bill redrawing Tennessee\u2019s congressional maps, Taylor announced his intent to run for the newly configured Ninth Congressional District [10][11]. The new district boundaries cover the southern portion of Shelby County and parts of Fayette County, replacing the previous configuration that included Congressman Steve Cohen [10][13]. Taylor received endorsements from U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty for this campaign [13]. Congressman Cohen responded to the announcement, though specific details of his rebuttal are not provided in the available sources [9][12].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nTaylor\u2019s primary source of wealth and professional background is in the funeral industry. After earning a degree in mortuary science from Northwest Mississippi Community College, he moved to Memphis to work as a funeral director [1][2][5]. In 2004, Taylor and his wife, Kimberly, purchased their first funeral home, subsequently acquiring additional area locations to build what self-describes as the largest family-owned funeral operation in the Mid-South [5].\n\nTaylor\u2019s political career began in 1995 when he was elected to the Memphis City Council at age 27, becoming the youngest person ever elected to that body [4][5]. He later served as Chairman of the Shelby County Commission before being elected to the Tennessee State Senate in 2022 [4][5]. Taylor resides in Eads, Tennessee, and lists his home city as Memphis in official candidate filings [1][4].\n\n## Family\n\nBrent Taylor is married to Kimberly [2][4]. The couple has two children, Gage and Molly [4]. Taylor states that he and his wife purchased their first funeral home in 2004, eventually building a family-owned business into the largest of its kind in the Mid-South [5].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Brent Taylor (Tennessee) - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Brent_Taylor_(Tennessee))\n[2] [Brent Taylor (Tennessee politician) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brent_Taylor_(Tennessee_politician))\n[3] [Brent Taylor for State Senate |](https://brenttaylorforsenate.com/)\n[4] [Vote Smart | Facts For All](https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/48828/brent-taylor)\n[5] [About | Brent Taylor for State Senate](https://brenttaylorforsenate.com/about/)\n[6] [State senator's complaint against Shelby County District Attorney dismissed, DA's office says | News | fox13memphis.com](https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/state-senators-complaint-against-shelby-county-district-attorney-dismissed-das-office-says/article_ca40243c-aa56-4d70-9710-cd40ff459caf.html)\n[7] [Tennessee State Senator Brent Taylor calls for investigation into Shelby County judge, D.A.'s office](https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/politics/tennessee-state-senator-brent-taylor-investigation-into-shelby-county-judge-district-attorney-office/522-47b481b7-33cd-416e-889a-a441999d5afe)\n[8] [Senator Brent Taylor's ethics complaints against Shelby County DA Steve Mulroy dismissed](https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/local/brent-taylors-ethics-complaints-dismissed-against-shelby-co-da-steve-mulroy/522-d8ed75f4-b69b-4b5a-ab00-9ec7950b77f8)\n[9] [TN Senator Brent Taylor announces run for 9th District; Congressman Cohen responds | WREG.com](https://wreg.com/news/tn-senator-brent-taylor-announces-run-for-9th-district/)\n[10] [Senator Brent Taylor announces his intent to run for newly-drawn District 9 congress seat](https://www.actionnews5.com/2026/05/07/senator-brent-taylor-announces-his-intent-run-newly-drawn-district-9-congress-seat/)\n[11] [State Senator Brent Taylor announces run for Ninth Congressional District | localmemphis.com](https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/local/state-senator-brent-taylor-announces-run-for-ninth-congressional-district/522-ff1832df-560e-451e-bd7a-d5f32461ebc3)\n[12] [TN Senator Brent Taylor announces run for 9th District; Congressman Cohen responds](https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/tn-senator-brent-taylor-announces-191506690.html)\n[13] [Taylor says he will run in new 9th Congressional District](https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/taylor-says-run-9th-congressional-194700675.html)\n[14] [Tennessee Senate District 31 - Taylor - TLRC](https://tnreportcard.org/senators/tn-sd31-taylor/)\n[15] [Brent Taylor \u2014 Grokipedia](https://grokipedia.com/page/Brent_Taylor)\n[16] [[Editorial] Senator Brent Taylor & Shelby County (January 18, 2025). - The Memphis Times](https://memphistimes.org/2025-01-18-taylor/)","firstname":"Brent","lastname":"Taylor","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"KRtXNa5e7E"},"token":null},{"candidatename":"Justin J. Pearson","chatgptsummary":"Justin J. Pearson's biography shows state legislative experience drafting gun control bills and organizing community advocacy against local projects, demonstrating constituent service capacity and persuasion skills relevant to the role. However, his 2023 expulsion from the Tennessee House for violating decorum rules during a protest constitutes a disciplinary record. Bio does not indicate federal legislative craft or oversight judgment of the executive branch.","notes":null,"party":"D","person":{"biography":"Justin Jamal Pearson (born January 7, 1995) is a Democratic politician and activist from Memphis, Tennessee, currently serving in the Tennessee House of Representatives [4]. He represents District 86, which covers parts of Memphis and Shelby County [22]. Pearson assumed office on April 12, 2023, after being appointed by the Shelby County Commission following his expulsion from the state House earlier that year [4]. His current term ends on November 3, 2026 [1].\n\nPearson is running in the August 6, 2026, Democratic primary for Tennessee\u2019s 9th Congressional District, challenging incumbent U.S. Representative Steve Cohen [1][37]. He is also seeking re-election to his seat in the Tennessee House of Representatives for District 86 in the same primary [1].\n\nEarly Life and Education\nPearson was born in Memphis to Dr. Kimberly Owens-Pearson, a teacher, and Rev. Jason C. Pearson, Sr., a preacher [4][6]. He grew up in poverty as one of five sons [6]. At age 11, his family moved to the Washington, D.C. area while his father pursued a master's degree at Howard University; they returned to Memphis four years later [4]. Pearson graduated as valedictorian from Mitchell High School in Memphis [4][7]. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government & Legal Studies with a minor in Education Studies from Bowdoin College in 2017, where he was a Mellon Mays fellow and attended the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs summer institute [4].\n\nActivism and Career\nBefore entering elected office, Pearson worked as a community organizer [1]. In 2020, he co-founded Memphis Community Against the Pipeline (MCAP), an environmental advocacy group that successfully stopped the construction of the Byhalia Pipeline, which would have passed through south Memphis neighborhoods and over the Memphis sand aquifer [4][6]. He has also organized against Sterilization Services of Tennessee for fugitive emissions and opposed an xAI data center project in his district [6].\n\nTennessee House of Representatives\nPearson first entered the Tennessee House in January 2023 via a special election to succeed Barbara Cooper, who died in office [1][4]. He was sworn in at age 28, becoming one of the youngest lawmakers in the state\u2019s history [4].\n\nIn March 2023, following the Covenant School shooting in Nashville, Pearson joined Representatives Justin Jones and Gloria Johnson on the House floor to lead a protest for gun control legislation using a bullhorn [15][35]. On April 6, 2023, the Tennessee House voted 69-26 to expel Pearson and Jones for violating decorum rules; Johnson survived expulsion by one vote [1][4]. The expulsions drew national attention and accusations of racism, as the two expelled members were Black while Johnson was white [35].\n\nOn April 12, 2023, the Shelby County Commission voted unanimously (7-0) to reinstate Pearson to his seat as an interim representative [15][33]. He served in this capacity until winning a special general election on June 15, 2023, where he received 1,930 votes against independent candidate Jeff Johnston\u2019s 136 votes [22].\n\nLegislative Record and Controversies\nPearson has sponsored legislation focused on gun violence prevention, claiming to have written the most such bills in the 113th General Assembly [7]. He has also led efforts to address voter registration issues, highlighting that approximately 25% of Shelby County voters were listed as \"inactive\" in 2026 [13].\n\nThe 2023 expulsion remains a defining event in his career. Pearson described the expulsion as an attempt by the Republican supermajority to silence democracy and stated, \"You can't expel hope\" [33][35]. The special elections required to fill his seat cost the state approximately $400,000 [22].\n\nFamily\nPearson married Oceana Gilliam in July 2025 [6]. He has two dogs named Starrie and Curly [6]. His father is a preacher who leads the Church of the River in Memphis [33][6].\n\n## Sources\n\n[1] [Justin Pearson (Tennessee) - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Justin_Pearson_(Tennessee))\n[4] [Justin J. Pearson - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justin_J._Pearson)\n[5] [Justin J. Pearson for U.S. Congress](https://www.votejustinj.com/)\n[6] [About Justin \u2014 Justin J. Pearson for U.S. Congress](https://www.votejustinj.com/about-2)\n[7] [Issues | Join Justin for Congress\u2014Get Involved Today \u2014 Justin J. Pearson for U.S. Congress](https://www.votejustinj.com/issues)\n[10] [Shelby Co. Commission reinstates Justin Pearson to Tenn. House; Hundreds march in support of his return](https://www.actionnews5.com/2023/04/12/shelby-co-commission-set-possibly-reinstate-justin-j-pearson/)\n[11] [County commissioners speak out ahead of Wednesday\u2019s vote on Justin J. Pearson](https://www.actionnews5.com/2023/04/10/county-commissioners-speak-out-ahead-wednesdays-vote-justin-j-pearson/)\n[13] [Rep. Justin J. Pearson: 25% of Shelby County voters listed as 'inactive' | localmemphis.com](https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/local/rep-justin-j-pearson-inactive-voters/522-9786e86f-2788-4cd9-a1d2-71d66eb1c12a)\n[15] [Justin Pearson appointed back to House of Representatives by Shelby County Commission | News | fox13memphis.com](https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/justin-pearson-appointed-back-to-house-of-representatives-by-shelby-county-commission/article_f4c37192-d948-11ed-bdbe-8ba0fb6384aa.html)\n[16] [Crowds celebrate as Justin J. Pearson is reinstated; Action News 5 captures the moments after the history-making vote](https://www.actionnews5.com/2023/04/12/live-memphians-hold-rally-ahead-vote-reinstate-justin-pearson/)\n[22] [Justin Pearson reclaims District 86 seat in Tennessee House | News | fox13memphis.com](https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/justin-pearson-reclaims-district-86-seat-in-tennessee-house/article_c7bc3228-323b-11ee-9620-6ba7a6789a50.html)\n[25] [Pearson easily wins state House District 86 Democratic primary - Memphis Local, Sports, Business & Food News | Daily Memphian](https://dailymemphian.com/article/36777/memphis-justin-pearson-democratic-primary-election-district-86-tennessee-house)\n[29] [Rep. Justin J. Pearson, candidate for Congress in TN-9 ...](https://www.facebook.com/TheTNHoller/videos/new-interview-rep-justin-j-pearson-candidate-for-congress-in-tn-9-justinjpearson/24931553763146997/)\n[32] [Justin J. Pearson: Shelby County Board of Commissioners votes to reinstate expelled lawmaker - ABC News](https://abcnews.go.com/US/justin-pearson-shelby-county-board-commissioners-votes-reinstate/story?id=98524571)\n[33] [Justin J. Pearson: Memphis sends Pearson back to the Tennessee House days after GOP lawmakers ousted him | CNN](https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/12/us/justin-pearson-tennessee-house-vote/index.html)\n[35] [Democrat Justin J. Pearson reinstated to the Tennessee Legislature](https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/memphis-council-vote-reinstating-justin-j-pearson-tennessee-legislatur-rcna78958)\n[36] [Justin J. Pearson: Shelby County Board of Commissioners votes to reinstate expelled lawmaker](https://sports.yahoo.com/justin-j-pearson-shelby-county-185657033.html)\n[37] [Memphis state Rep. Justin Pearson to challenge U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen in 2026 Democratic primary \u2022 Tennessee Lookout](https://tennesseelookout.com/2025/10/08/memphis-state-rep-justin-pearson-to-challenge-u-s-rep-steve-cohen-in-2026-democratic/)\n[39] [County board reinstates expelled Democratic lawmaker Justin Pearson to Tennessee House | PBS News](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/county-board-reinstates-expelled-democratic-lawmaker-justin-pearson-to-tennessee-house)","firstname":"Justin J.","lastname":"Pearson","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"hWIgxF2Qkt"},"token":null},{"candidatename":"Dennis Clark","chatgptsummary":"Dennis Clark's biography shows twenty years in community development and nonprofit management, alongside a 2025 election victory to the Chattanooga City Council, demonstrating local constituent-service capacity and coalition-building skills relevant to the district. The record contains no documented controversies or disciplinary actions. Bio does not indicate federal legislative drafting experience or oversight judgment of the executive branch.","notes":null,"party":"I","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nDennis Jeffrey Clark is an independent candidate running for election to the U.S. House of Representatives to represent Tennessee's 9th Congressional District [1]. He declared his candidacy for the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026 [2]. The primary election for this race is set to occur on August 6, 2026 [1].\n\nClark has established a principal campaign committee designated as \"DENNIS CLARK FOR TENNESSEE,\" with its mailing address in Memphis, Tennessee [3]. Another committee, the \"DENNIS CLARK FOR CONGRESS CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE,\" is also active, listing an address in Arlington, Tennessee, and naming Clark himself as treasurer [4]. As of the provided records, the principal campaign committee reported total receipts of $9,990.83 and total individual contributions of $402.00 [3].\n\nClark self-describes as a lifelong resident of Chattanooga, Tennessee, with roots in the East Chattanooga and Brainerd community [6]. He is a graduate of the Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences and studied political science at Middle Tennessee State University [6]. Clark has previously served as a candidate for U.S. House in Tennessee's 9th District during the 2022 general election [5].\n\n## Background and education\n\nDennis Clark is a lifelong resident of Chattanooga, Tennessee [6]. He has deep roots in the East Chattanooga and Brainerd community [6].\n\nClark is a graduate of the Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences [6]. He studied political science at Middle Tennessee State University [6].\n\n## Career\n\nDennis Clark is a lifelong resident of Chattanooga, Tennessee, with roots in the East Chattanooga and Brainerd community [6]. He is a graduate of the Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences and studied political science at Middle Tennessee State University [6]. Over the past 20 years, he has worked in community development, nonprofit management, and business [6].\n\nHe previously ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Tennessee's 9th Congressional District in the general election held on November 8, 2022 [5]. In March 2025, Clark defeated incumbent Isiah Hester and other candidates to win a seat on the Chattanooga City Council for District 5 [7].\n\n## Office history\n\nDennis Clark ran as an independent candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in Tennessee\u2019s 9th Congressional District during the 2022 general election [5]. He established a principal campaign committee, the Dennis Clark for Congress Campaign Committee, to support this bid [4].\n\nClark is currently running as an independent candidate for the same seat in the 2026 general election, which is scheduled for November 3, 2026 [1]. He has formed a new principal campaign committee, Dennis Clark for Tennessee, with Alberteen Young serving as treasurer [3].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nDennis Clark self-describes as having built a reputation over 20 years in community development, nonprofit management, and business [6]. He is a lifelong resident of Chattanooga, Tennessee, with roots in the East Chattanooga and Brainerd communities [6]. Specific details regarding his ownership stakes, sales of businesses, or the source of family wealth are not provided in available records.\n\nCampaign finance disclosures indicate that Clark has established principal campaign committees to support his candidacy for Tennessee's 9th Congressional District. The committee \"DENNIS CLARK FOR TENNESSEE\" reported total receipts of $9,902.83 and total individual contributions of $402.00 [3]. Another committee, the \"DENNIS CLARK FOR CONGRESS CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE,\" lists Clark as treasurer but does not have financial data available for the 2023\u20132024 cycle in public records [4].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Dennis Clark (Tennessee congressional candidate) - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Dennis_Clark_(Tennessee_congressional_candidate))\n[2] [Dennis Jeffrey Clark (Tennessee congressional candidate) - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Dennis_Jeffrey_Clark_(Tennessee_congressional_candidate))\n[3] [DENNIS CLARK FOR TENNESSEE - committee overview - FEC.gov](https://www.fec.gov/data/committee/C00749606/)\n[4] [DENNIS CLARK FOR CONGRESS CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE - committee overview - FEC.gov](https://www.fec.gov/data/committee/C00823419/)\n[5] [Vote-USA | Dennis Clark | Candidate for U.S. House 9th District, Tennessee | November 8, 2022 Tennessee General Election](https://vote-usa.org/Intro.aspx?State=TN&Id=TNClarkDennis1)\n[6] [MEET COUNCILMAN CLARK | City Council | D5](https://www.dennisclark.org/meet-dennis)\n[7] [DECISION 2025: Dennis Clark defeats incumbent to win Chattanooga City Council District 5 seat](https://www.local3news.com/local-news/decision-2025-dennis-clark-defeats-incumbent-to-win-chattanooga-city-council-district-5-seat/article_9539667c-e333-11ef-b0f0-8ff27c8b7300.html)","firstname":"Dennis","lastname":"Clark","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"2nv2GpUSrL"},"token":"dennis_clark"},{"candidatename":"M. LaTroy A-Williams","chatgptsummary":"M. LaTroy A-Williams' biography shows business ownership and newspaper publishing experience alongside community service and political activism, including a 2026 primary run for Shelby County Trustee. The record notes no controversies or disciplinary actions. Bio does not indicate federal legislative drafting experience or direct oversight of the executive branch.","notes":null,"party":"D","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nM. LaTroy Alexandria-Williams is a Democratic candidate for U.S. House in Tennessee's 9th Congressional District in the 2026 election [1]. He is on the ballot for the Democratic primary scheduled for August 6, 2026, where he faces challengers London Lamar, Justin Pearson, and Jim Torino [1]. The general election for the seat is set for November 3, 2026 [1].\n\nWilliams' platform focuses on education reform, economic development, and addressing racial disparities in Memphis [4]. Specific proposals include transforming Mud Island into an international trade center and establishing a green jobs operation on President Island [5]. On education, he calls for equitable school board representation and supports comprehensive historical education and vocational training programs [3].\n\nWilliams has secured the endorsement of Memphis City Council member Yolanda Cooper-Sutton [4]. As of the most recent reporting period, he does not hold endorsements from Democratic or progressive organizations [2].\n\n## Background and education\nWilliams describes himself as having a background in community service, journalism, and political activism [5]. His campaign website states he participated in Civil Rights marches at age 15 and was selected by President Jimmy Carter to appear before a select committee to discuss foreign and domestic policy [5]. He identifies as a businessman and newspaper publisher [5].\n\n## Career\nWilliams is a businessman and newspaper publisher based in the Memphis area [5].\n\n## Office history\nWilliams previously ran for Shelby County Trustee, losing in the Democratic primary on May 5, 2026, to Joseph Lee III [1]. In that race, Williams received 19.4% of the vote (13,159 votes) among four candidates [1].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/M._LaTroy_A-Williams)\n[2] [Blue Voter Guide](https://bluevoterguide.org/TN/candidate_M._LaTroy_A-Williams/35928)\n[3] [Just My Memphis \u2013 Education](https://www.justmymemphis.com/view-post/2453)\n[4] [Just My Memphis \u2013 Profile](https://www.justmymemphis.com/mlatroyawilliams)\n[5] [Campaign Site](https://mlatroya-williams.com/meet-latroy/)\n[6] [BallotReady](https://www.ballotready.org/people/m-latroy-alexandria-williams)\n","firstname":"M. LaTroy","lastname":"A-Williams","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"aZpO90COzr"},"token":null},{"candidatename":"Charlotte Bergmann","chatgptsummary":"Bergmann's biography shows three unsuccessful campaigns for Tennessee's 9th District and party service as a State Executive Committeewoman, demonstrating persistence but no federal legislative craft or oversight judgment. She lacks documented experience drafting federal statute or managing complex constituent casework with federal agencies. Bio does not indicate prior elected office experience or direct coalition-building experience at the federal level.","notes":null,"party":"R","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nCharlotte Bergmann is a Republican candidate running for election to the U.S. House to represent Tennessee's 9th Congressional District in the 2026 cycle [1]. She declared her candidacy for the Republican primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1]. As of May 2026, the outcome of this upcoming election is unknown [1].\n\nBergmann\u2019s campaign has emphasized traditional campaigning methods following Labor Day, focusing on issues such as crime and economic concerns in the district [9]. Her platform highlights a \"Law and Order\" stance, arguing that Washington must support local law enforcement with resources and policy reforms to restore safety [7]. She states that the current representative has neglected veterans and contributed to skyrocketing crime rates, including murders and carjackings [3]. Bergmann self-describes as a native Memphian who was the first in her family to receive a higher level college education [6].\n\nFinancial data from the Federal Election Commission indicates that Bergmann\u2019s campaign raised $11,734.59 in total receipts, with $9,234.59 coming from individual contributions and $2,500 from other committees [2]. Her campaign website lists a maximum individual contribution limit of $3,500 per election cycle [3]. Bergmann serves as a State Executive Committeewoman for the Tennessee Republican Party (TNGOP) District 33 and is a board member of the Sober House Homeless Mission [4].\n\n## Background and education\n\nCharlotte Bergmann is a native of Memphis, Tennessee, where she was raised in a Christian household as one of ten children [6]. Her father was a Baptist minister who instilled religious values in his upbringing [12]. She self-describes as a Christian and has been affiliated with Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, serving as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister [4].\n\nBergmann was the first member of her family to receive a higher level college education [6]. She earned an associate degree from State Technical Institute at Memphis in 1986, where she served as president of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society during the 1985\u201386 academic year [6]. She subsequently graduated from Christian Brothers University with a Bachelor of Science in Technology in 1992 and earned a Master of Business Administration (CMBA) from the same institution in 1996 [4].\n\n## Career\n\nCharlotte Bergmann is a native of Memphis, Tennessee, who was raised in a Christian household as one of ten children.[6] She became the first member of her family to pursue higher education, graduating from State Technical Institute at Memphis with an associate degree in 1986, where she served as president of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society during the 1985\u201386 academic year.[6] She later earned a Bachelor of Science in Technology from Christian Brothers University in 1992 and completed additional education there in 1996, including a Master of Business Administration.[1][6]\n\nProfessionally, Bergmann has worked as a marketing professional.[13] Her career experience includes roles in business, though specific details of her employment history are not fully detailed in available sources.[1] She is also associated with the Sober House Homeless Mission as a board member.[4]\n\n## Office history\n\nCharlotte Bergmann has served as a State Executive Committeewoman for District 33 of the Tennessee Republican Party (TNGOP) [4][5]. She also serves on the board of the Sober House Homeless Mission and holds roles as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church [4][5].\n\nBergmann ran for the U.S. House to represent Tennessee's 9th Congressional District in three separate general elections, all against incumbent Democrat Steve Cohen. In the 2010 election, she was defeated by Cohen [10]. She ran again in the 2022 general election and lost to Cohen [4]. In the 2024 general election, she was once more defeated by Cohen [5].\n\nBergmann is currently a candidate for the U.S. House to represent Tennessee's 9th Congressional District in the upcoming 2026 Republican primary, which is scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nCharlotte Bergmann has not held elected legislative office, and therefore has no prior legislative record, sponsored bills, or committee assignments to cite [4][5]. Her political experience is limited to party service as a State Executive Committeewoman for District 33 of the Tennessee Republican Party (TNGOP) [4][5].\n\nIn her campaigns for Tennessee's 9th Congressional District, Bergmann has self-described as a \"Conservative\" and a \"Tea Party-style Republican\" [4][5][13]. Her stated policy positions emphasize \"Law and Order,\" arguing that Washington must support local law enforcement with resources and technology to combat violent crime in Memphis [7]. She states that she supports federal partnerships to strengthen public safety initiatives and protect victims [7].\n\nEconomically, Bergmann has focused her platform on issues affecting families and entrepreneurs, citing inflation, rising housing costs, and regulatory burdens as key challenges [7]. She has criticized the incumbent representative for neglecting veterans in Shelby County and allowing crime and poverty to rise [3]. During her 2010 campaign, she was backed by the Tea Party movement [10]. In subsequent cycles, including 2022 and 2024, she continued to seek the Republican nomination for the district [4][5].\n\n## Documented disputes and controversies\n\nIn the 2010 general election for Tennessee\u2019s 9th Congressional District, incumbent Democrat Steve Cohen defeated Bergmann, who was backed by the Tea Party movement [10]. Bergmann later sought to unseat Cohen in subsequent cycles, including a 2020 campaign where she stated her goal was to win the seat from the Democratic representative [12].\n\nDuring her 2026 campaign for the Republican nomination in Tennessee\u2019s 9th District, Bergmann\u2019s platform focused on criticizing the incumbent\u2019s record regarding public safety and veteran affairs. Her campaign materials asserted that murders, carjackings, rapes, homelessness, and poverty had \"skyrocketed\" during the incumbent's seventeen-year tenure, accusing him of neglecting the district's veterans and exhibiting \"corruption and disdain\" for residents [3]. Bergmann also characterized her political approach as a \"Tea Party-style\" conservative effort to challenge Cohen [13].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nCharlotte Bergmann\u2019s professional background is rooted in marketing and technology. She has worked as a business marketing professional [1][13]. Her father was a Baptist minister, and she was the first member of her family to receive a higher-level college education [6][8][11].\n\nSpecific details regarding her current business interests, ownership stakes, or sources of personal wealth are not provided in available public records. Campaign finance data for her 2026 bid shows total receipts of $11,734.59, consisting entirely of individual contributions and other committee donations, with no candidate contributions reported [2]. Bergmann states that she is running to address economic concerns such as inflation and regulatory burdens on entrepreneurs in the district [7].\n\n## Family\n\nBergmann is a native Memphian who grew up in a Christian household as one of ten children [6]. Her father was a Baptist minister [8]. She self-describes as the first member of her family to attain a college education [12].\n\nThe provided sources do not contain information regarding Bergmann's spouse, children, or other family members in politics.\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Charlotte Bergmann - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Charlotte_Bergmann)\n[2] [BERGMANN, CHARLOTTE - Candidate overview - FEC.gov](https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/H0TN09061/)\n[3] [Charlotte Bergmann for US Congress](https://electbergmann.com/)\n[4] [Voter Guide Profile for TN U.S. Rep., Dist. 9 candidate - Charlotte Bergmann](https://ivoterguide.com/candidate/4418/race/1114/election/979)\n[5] [Voter Guide Profile for TN U.S. Rep., Dist. 9 candidate - Charlotte Bergmann](https://ivoterguide.com/candidate/4418/race/1114/election/1242)\n[6] [Charlotte Bergmann for US Congress](https://electbergmann.com/about.html)\n[7] [Charlotte Bergmann for US Congress](https://bergmannforcongress.com/issues.html)\n[8] [Charlotte Bergmann for US Congress](https://www.bergmannforcongress.com/about.html)\n[9] [Republican Charlotte Bergmann announces campaign for Tennessee's 9th Congressional District](https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/politics/republican-charlotte-bergmann-announces-campaign-for-tennessees-9th-congressional-district/522-01a63319-f8be-44d1-9399-853af055d767)\n[10] [Cohen defeats Bergmann in Tennessee's 9th District](https://www.actionnews5.com/story/13433853/cohen-defeats-bergmann-in-tennessees-9th-district/)\n[11] [Charlotte Bergmann for US Congress](https://charlottebergmann.com/about.html)\n[12] [Republican Charlotte Bergmann Wants U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen's Job - Tennessee Star](https://tennesseestar.com/news/republican-charlotte-bergmann-wants-u-s-rep-steve-cohens-job/cbutler/2020/09/14/)\n[13] [PolitiFact | Charlotte Bergmann](https://www.politifact.com/personalities/charlotte-bergmann/)","firstname":"Charlotte","lastname":"Bergmann","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"Z9vkhGU1Ti"},"token":"charlotte_bergmann"},{"candidatename":"Todd Warner","chatgptsummary":"Todd Warner's biography shows six generations of Tennessee farming and business ownership, alongside state legislative service since 2020 focused on agriculture and rural development. Records indicate a 2021 FBI raid at his home and office that resulted in no charges, plus public disputes with opponents over redistricting and voucher policies. Bio does not indicate federal legislative experience or direct oversight of the executive branch.","notes":null,"party":"R","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nTodd Warner is a Republican member of the Tennessee House of Representatives representing District 92, having assumed office on November 3, 2020 [1][2]. His current term concludes on November 3, 2026 [1]. Warner is seeking re-election to the Tennessee House of Representatives for District 92 as a Republican candidate in the upcoming general election cycle [1][10]. He appears on the ballot for the Republican primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1].\n\nWarner has positioned himself as a conservative advocate, self-describing as a \"pro-Trump conservative\" with experience in growing the economy [15]. He states that he stands firmly for the Second Amendment, religious liberty, parental rights, medical freedom, and election integrity [11]. In recent political developments, Warner wore a Trump 2024 flag into the state legislature during a redistricting vote in May 2024, an action that drew protests from onlookers [9][5]. He has also publicly criticized Governor Lee\u2019s private-school voucher expansion plans, arguing that such measures do not provide real solutions for rural areas [13]. Warner maintains a campaign office and contact information through his website, where he continues to advocate for small businesses and the elimination of bureaucratic obstacles [3][4].\n\n## Background and education\n\nTodd Warner was born on June 6, 1971 [2]. He is a seventh-generation Tennessee native who was born and raised on a dairy farm in Chapel Hill, Tennessee [6][15]. Warner graduated from Forrest High School in 1989 [1][6].\n\n## Career\n\nTodd Warner was born and raised on a dairy farm in Chapel Hill, Tennessee [6]. He is a seventh-generation Tennessee native who has lived in the state his entire life [15]. Warner graduated from Forrest High School in 1989 [1].\n\nProfessionally, Warner is a dedicated row crop farmer specializing in corn and soybeans [6]. His family has farmed the land in Tennessee for over six generations [3]. He also operates as a businessman, describing himself as an advocate for small businesses who has fought against over-regulation and bureaucratic obstacles [3].\n\nWarner married his wife, Cindy, in 1991, and they have three children: Patrick, Kathleen, and Cason [6].\n\n## Office history\n\nTodd Warner was first elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives in 2020, defeating former Representative Rick Tillis to claim District 92[14]. He assumed office on November 3, 2020, succeeding Tillis[1][2]. His current term is scheduled to end on November 3, 2026[1]. In the 2022 election cycle, Warner faced a social media dispute with his former opponent Rick Tillis and also ran against Spring Hill Alderman Matt Fitterer and Jeff Ford during the Republican primary[12].\n\nWarner is currently running for re-election to represent District 92 in the Republican primary scheduled for August 6, 2026[1][10]. As of May 2026, he has not yet been charged with any crimes following an FBI raid on his home and office that occurred shortly after he took office in early 2021[7].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nTodd Warner has served in the Tennessee House of Representatives for District 92 since assuming office on November 3, 2020 [1]. During his tenure, he has been assigned to committees including those focused on agriculture and rural development, as well as education and health [1]. As a member of the Republican Party, Warner describes himself as a pro-Trump conservative who stands firmly for the Second Amendment, religious liberty, parental rights, medical freedom, and election integrity [11]. He characterizes his legislative approach as fighting to stop over-regulation and voting to eliminate bureaucratic obstacles for small businesses [3].\n\nWarner has supported efforts to reduce state taxes, including backing legislation to eliminate Tennessee\u2019s grocery sales tax [8]. In 2026, he was involved in the debate over a substantial expansion of the state\u2019s private-school voucher program, where he expressed opposition to Governor Lee\u2019s approach, arguing that rural areas lack access to private schools and that the plan relied on \"backroom deals\" rather than real solutions [13]. Warner also participated in the 2026 redistricting process, during which he wore a Trump 2024 flag into the legislature ahead of a vote aimed at unseating the state\u2019s last Democratic representative [9].\n\nHis legislative record has been marked by public conflicts with political opponents. In July 2022, Warner engaged in a social media dispute with former Representative Rick Tillis, his previous primary opponent, warning constituents about negative mailers from his opposition [12]. Earlier in his term, Warner faced scrutiny after federal agents raided his home and office in early 2021; he stated that he had not been charged with any crimes but felt weary of being attacked by legislative leadership [7].\n\n## Documented disputes and controversies\n\nIn early 2021, federal agents raided the home and office of Todd Warner shortly after he assumed office in November 2020 [7]. As of March 2023, Warner had not been charged with any crimes related to the investigation, though he described himself as \"embattled\" and weary of attacks from legislative leadership [7].\n\nWarner engaged in a social media dispute with former State Representative Rick Tillis during the 2022 primary cycle [12]. Warner sent a text message blast to constituents warning that his opponent would be sending \"negative\" mailers, while Tillis and Warner had previously squared off on social media as the August 4 election approached [12]. Warner defeated Tillis in that race to claim the District 92 House position [14].\n\nIn May 2026, Warner wore a Trump 2024 flag into the Tennessee State Capitol ahead of a redistricting vote [9]. Footage captured by candidate Allie Phillips showed Warner walking through the Capitol with the flag over his shoulders while protesters jeered and state troopers maintained a heavy presence [9]. Warner later stated on social media that Democrats had screamed \"racist\" at him for wearing the flag, asserting that he would \"never apologize\" for standing with President Donald J. Trump [5].\n\nWarner has publicly criticized Governor Bill Lee\u2019s push for private-school voucher expansion, arguing in a Tennessee Stands op-ed that backroom deals are not a substitute for real solutions and noting the lack of private schools in many rural areas [13]. He also faced opposition from within his own party regarding plans to substantially expand the voucher program in 2026 [8].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nWarner describes himself as a seventh-generation Tennessee native who has raised his family and built his business in the state [15]. He states that he and his family have farmed the land in Tennessee for over six generations [3]. Warner is identified as a dedicated row crop farmer specializing in corn and soybeans, having been born and raised on a dairy farm in Chapel Hill [6][11]. His career experience prior to elected office includes working as a farmer [1].\n\nWarner self-describes as a businessman who advocates for small businesses and fights to eliminate bureaucratic obstacles for business growth [3]. Specific details regarding his ownership stakes, sales of businesses, or the specific source of family wealth beyond farming are not provided in the available sources. Similarly, significant financial-disclosure facts or detailed breakdowns of his assets are not included in the referenced materials.\n\n## Family\n\nTodd Warner was born and raised on a dairy farm in Chapel Hill, Tennessee [6]. He describes himself as a seventh-generation Tennessee native who has raised his family and built his business in the state [15]. Warner married Cindy in 1991 [6]. The couple has three children: Patrick, Kathleen, and Cason [11].\n\nWarner states that his family has farmed the land in Tennessee for over six generations [3]. He identifies himself as a proud family man and father [3].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Todd Warner - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Todd_Warner)\n[2] [Todd Warner - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Todd_Warner)\n[3] [State Representative Todd Warner - Home](https://toddfortn.com/)\n[4] [Contact Me! - State Representative Todd Warner](https://toddfortn.com/contact-me)\n[5] [\ufe0fTN State Rep Todd Warner Pops Off \u201cI stand ...](https://www.facebook.com/NewsTalk1015/videos/%EF%B8%8Ftn-state-rep-todd-warner-pops-offi-stand-with-president-donald-j-trump-i-stand-/748382458359885/)\n[6] [Contact Representative Todd Warner \u2013 SenGov](https://sengov.com/states/tennessee/todd-warner/)\n[7] [Stockard on the Stump: Embattled Warner weary of getting hammered \u2022 Tennessee Lookout](https://tennesseelookout.com/2023/03/10/stockard-on-the-stump-embattled-warner-weary-of-getting-hammered/)\n[8] [Rep. Todd Warner Archives \u2022 Tennessee Lookout](https://tennesseelookout.com/tag/rep-todd-warner/)\n[9] [Republican State Representative Wears Trump 2024 Flag Into Tennessee Redistricting Vote](https://www.yahoo.com/news/videos/republican-state-representative-wears-trump-001653118.html)\n[10] [Todd Warner | BallotReady](https://www.ballotready.org/people/todd-warner)\n[11] [Todd Warner \u2013 Tennessee State Representative](https://repbio.org/todd-warner/)\n[12] [Warner, former Rep. Tillis square off in social media war \u2022 Tennessee Lookout](https://tennesseelookout.com/2022/07/29/warner-former-rep-tillis-square-off-in-social-media-war/)\n[13] [Todd Warner - Tennessee Stands](https://tennesseestands.org/author/twarner/)\n[14] [Warner defeats Tillis to claim District 92 House position | Local News | heraldchronicle.com](https://www.heraldchronicle.com/news/local/warner-defeats-tillis-to-claim-district-92-house-position/article_32c07654-de5e-11ea-a42b-afca9deee6c0.html)\n[15] [Todd Warner announces candidacy for State Representative | Local News | elkvalleytimes.com](https://www.elkvalleytimes.com/news/local/todd-warner-announces-candidacy-for-state-representative/article_83220988-b568-11ea-a472-eb8c4283d2e3.html)","firstname":"Todd","lastname":"Warner","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"VVd4zZZ06o"},"token":null},{"candidatename":"Jeremy Thompson","chatgptsummary":"Jeremy Thompson's biography shows extensive military leadership in intelligence and special operations, alongside local service as a firefighter, EMT, and reserve deputy sheriff, demonstrating capacity for oversight judgment and constituent service. His role leading a national security nonprofit suggests familiarity with policy advocacy. The record contains no documented controversies or disciplinary actions. Bio does not indicate experience in federal legislative drafting or coalition-building across party lines.","notes":null,"party":"R","person":{"biography":"Jeremy Thompson is a Republican candidate running for election to the U.S. House of Representatives in Tennessee\u2019s 9th Congressional District [1]. The August 6, 2026, primary will determine the Republican nominee for the general election on November 3, 2026 [1]. Thompson is one of four Republicans in the primary field, alongside Charlotte Bergmann, Brent Taylor, and Todd Warner [8]. The district was newly redrawn to divide Shelby County among Districts 5, 8, and 9, shifting the area toward a more Republican profile [8]. Thompson resides in Fayetteville [26].\n\nThompson is a retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class with more than 22 years of service in military intelligence and special operations support, including assignments with the 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) [11], [22]. He was awarded the Soldier\u2019s Medal for Heroism and Valor in 2014 [22]. His military career included deployments to Afghanistan as part of Task Force Dagger, where he conducted counterterrorism missions from August 2002 until April 2003 [29]. Following his retirement from the Army in 2022, Thompson became the Executive Director of the Special Operations Association of America, a nonprofit that advocates for national security policy and strategy for special operations forces [22], [29].\n\nIn addition to his military service, Thompson has worked as a volunteer firefighter, an EMT, and a reserve deputy sheriff in Lincoln County [22], [29]. He is the owner of The Revolutionary Tavern, a restaurant in downtown Fayetteville, with his wife Lindsay [22]. Thompson launched his congressional campaign on May 19 in Fayetteville, stating that his platform would focus on making life more affordable, holding institutions accountable, supporting America\u2019s military and veterans, strengthening national security, and protecting constitutional freedoms [11], [22].\n\n## Sources\n\n[1] [Jeremy Thompson (Tennessee)](https://ballotpedia.org/Jeremy_Thompson_(Tennessee))\n[8] [August 2026 Primaries | Here are the candidates running in Tennessee's redrawn congressional districts | localmemphis.com](https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/politics/elections/august-2026-primaries-here-are-the-candidates-running-in-tennessees-redrawn-congressional-districts/522-80897870-f7eb-4f36-86d9-0b27624c5505)\n[11] [Retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Jeremy Thompson ...](https://www.facebook.com/mainstreetmaury/posts/retired-us-army-sergeant-first-class-jeremy-thompson-has-announced-his-candidacy/987910426931539/)\n[19] [Tennessee's redrawn congressional districts: A full guide to every candidate running in 2026](https://www.newschannel5.com/news/tennessees-redrawn-congressional-districts-a-full-guide-to-every-candidate-running-in-2026)\n[20] [Jeremy Thompson | BallotReady](https://www.ballotready.org/people/jeremy-thompson-81ce5f14-4c88-469c-a136-af8f121f7920)\n[21] [Home - Jeremy Thompson](https://jeremythompson.com/)\n[22] [Jeremy Thompson announces campaign for Ninth District - Main Street Media of Tennessee](https://mainstreetmediatn.com/articles/mainstreetmaury/jeremy-thompson-announces-campaign-for-ninth-district/)\n[26] [State lawmakers pitted against each other in 9th - Tennessee - The Black Chronicle](https://blackchronicle.com/southeast/tennessee/state-lawmakers-pitted-against-each-other-in-9th/)\n[28] [State lawmakers pitted against each other in 9th | Tennessee | thecentersquare.com](https://www.thecentersquare.com/tennessee/article_6e462b30-56b2-47d7-9784-ff2d9b8a8b38.html)\n[29] [Jeremy Thompson: Serving America - Fayetteville, TN Good News Exchange](https://goodnewsmags.com/fayetteville/jeremy-thompson-the-revolutionary-tavern/)","firstname":"Jeremy","lastname":"Thompson","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"rp3FJ3TBYZ"},"token":null}],"choices":null,"description":null,"district":null,"districtgroup":null,"districtgroupname":null,"districtname":null,"job_type":"us_representative","o.office":null,"office":"us_house_9","officedescription":"A United States Representative represents a single congressional district in the lower chamber of Congress, serving a two-year term. Representatives write and pass federal law, originate revenue bills, fund and oversee the executive branch, and serve constituents in dealings with federal agencies.","officequalities":"- Legislative craft at the federal level: reading, drafting, and amending federal statute, and knowing the law being changed.\n- Understanding of the district's economic and everyday concerns, and constituent-service capacity for casework with federal agencies.\n- Persuasion and coalition-building across party and factional lines to form working majorities.\n- Integrity: acting for constituents and the public good rather than personal gain, independent of undue influence.\n- Oversight judgment: the House funds and oversees the executive branch and the military.","officeterm":2,"officetitle":"U.S. Representative","partisan":1,"pgr":"primary","quantity":1,"referendum":null,"source":null,"title":"US House District 9"}