{"campaigns":[{"candidatename":"Mark Cochran","chatgptsummary":"Mark Cochran's biography shows eight years of service in the Tennessee House, including leadership roles and committee assignments in agriculture, education, and finance that demonstrate legislative craft and coalition-building within his party. He cites family farming and retail work as evidence of understanding local economic concerns. No controversies or disciplinary records appear in the provided text. Bio does not indicate experience with bipartisan negotiation or direct constituent advocacy outside legislative voting.","notes":null,"party":"R","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nMark Cochran is a Republican member of the Tennessee House of Representatives representing District 23 [1]. He assumed office on November 6, 2018, following his election as part of the 111th general assembly [3]. His current term is scheduled to end on November 3, 2026 [1].\n\nCochran is seeking re-election to represent District 23 in the Tennessee House of Representatives [1]. He is listed as a candidate for the Republican primary election scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1]. BallotReady confirms his status as a candidate for the 2026 Tennessee Primary Election [10].\n\n## Background and education\n\nMark Cochran was born on November 21, 1985 [3]. He grew up on a sixth-generation family farm where he helped feed cattle and worked in his father's grocery store [4]. Through these experiences, he states that he learned the value of hard work and the importance of serving his community [4].\n\nCochran attended the University of Tennessee [3].\n\n## Career\n\nMark Cochran grew up on a sixth-generation family farm in McMinn County, where he helped feed cattle [4]. He also worked in his father's grocery store, an experience that shaped his understanding of hard work and community service [4]. Cochran has self-reported that working in these two family businesses allowed him to witness the impact of economic freedom on Tennesseans [4].\n\nCochran attended the University of Tennessee [3]. He is a resident of Englewood, Tennessee [5].\n\n## Office history\n\nMark Cochran announced his candidacy for the Tennessee House of Representatives in 2017, seeking to represent District 23 after incumbent John Forgety retired [9]. He was elected in November 2018 as part of the 111th General Assembly and assumed office on January 8, 2019 [3]. In this role, he serves a two-year term with no term limits [2]. District 23 encompasses McMinn County and parts of Monroe County [3].\n\nCochran was re-elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives for District 23 in subsequent cycles, with his current term ending on November 3, 2026 [1]. During his tenure, he has served as an Assistant Leader within the Republican Caucus [8]. His committee assignments have included the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, the Education Committee, the Business & Utilities Subcommittee, the Calendar & Rules Committee, the Commerce Committee, the Ethics Committee, and the Finance, Ways, and Means Committee [1][8].\n\nCochran is currently on the ballot for the Republican primary election scheduled for August 6, 2026, to seek re-election to the Tennessee House of Representatives representing District 23 [1][10].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nRepresentative Mark Cochran serves on several key committees within the Tennessee House, including the Calendar & Rules Committee, the Commerce Committee, and the Ethics Committee [8]. He also holds assignments in the Finance, Ways, and Means Committee and its subcommittee, as well as the Business & Utilities Subcommittee [8]. In previous terms, his committee work included service on the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and the Education Committee [1].\n\nCochran\u2019s legislative record includes support for significant conservative policy initiatives. He voted in favor of SB 263, which bans state and local government entities from enforcing mandates from international organizations such as the World Health Organization and the World Economic Forum [11]. He also supported SB 207, legislation that established a $25 million Farmland Preservation Fund managed by the Department of Agriculture [11]. Additionally, Cochran voted for HB 1237, which prohibits state regulatory agencies from engaging in race-based membership bans [11].\n\nHis voting history aligns with the priorities of conservative advocacy groups. The Family Action Council of Tennessee highlighted his support for SB 16/HB 1 (the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act), SB 364/HB 563 (the Business Protection Act), and SB 1257/HB 1029 (the Human Life Protection Act) [6]. He also backed legislation addressing conscience rights for child-placing agencies, religious courses in schools, school protection measures, single-sex student athletics, and chemical abortion reversal information [6].\n\nCochran has sponsored bills related to property rights and government oversight. He introduced HB 1237, which ended the ability of state regulatory and health agencies to enforce race-based membership bans [11]. His legislative agenda is described by his campaign as focused on ensuring Tennessee remains a place where people are free to pursue their dreams with minimal government interference [4].\n\nPolitical scorecards reflect his voting patterns. The Tennessee Legislative Report Card gave him a lifetime vote score of 76 and a leadership grade of D [5]. He received a perfect score from the Family Action Council of Tennessee for the 2020 legislative session [6].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nCochran states that he grew up on a sixth-generation family farm where he fed cattle and worked in his father\u2019s grocery store [4]. He describes these experiences as foundational to his understanding of hard work and community service [4]. His campaign materials note that working in these two family businesses allowed him to witness the impact of economic freedom on Tennesseans [4].\n\nSpecific details regarding Cochran\u2019s current business ownership stakes, sales of businesses, or the specific sources of personal wealth beyond his family\u2019s agricultural and retail background are not provided in the available source materials [1][3][7]. While LegiStorm tracks personal financial disclosures for legislators, the provided text does not list specific financial disclosure facts for Cochran [7].\n\n## Family\n\nMark Cochran self-describes as having grown up on a sixth-generation family farm and working in his father's grocery store [4]. He has stated that these experiences with family businesses taught him the value of hard work and community service [4]. No further details regarding his spouse, children, or other family members are provided in the available sources.\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Mark Cochran - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Mark_Cochran)\n[2] [Tennessee House of Representatives District 23 - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Tennessee_House_of_Representatives_District_23)\n[3] [Mark Cochran - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Cochran)\n[4] [Mark Cochran for Tennessee State Representative](https://www.markforstaterep.com/)\n[5] [Tennessee House District 23 - Cochran - TLRC](https://tnreportcard.org/representatives/tn-hd23-cochran/)\n[6] [Rep. Mark Cochran - Family Action Council of Tennessee](https://scorecard.factennessee.org/representatives/mark-cochran)\n[7] [Tennessee State Rep. Mark Cochran - Biography | LegiStorm](https://www.legistorm.com/person/bio/49935/Steven_Mark_Cochran.html)\n[8] [Representative Mark Cochran \u2014 Tennessee House Republican Caucus](https://tnhousegop.org/members/representative-mark-cochran/)\n[9] [Cochran announces Tenn. House candidacy | News | dailypostathenian.com](https://www.dailypostathenian.com/news/article_b053757c-f7ab-11e7-8086-10604b9f0f42.html)\n[10] [Mark Cochran | BallotReady](https://www.ballotready.org/people/mark-cochran)\n[11] [Mark Cochran - Tennessee Legislative Scorecard](https://thefreedomindex.org/tn/legislator/20338/)","firstname":"Mark","lastname":"Cochran","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"Ml05uDKYPK"},"token":"mark_cochran"},{"candidatename":"Jeremy Bromwell","chatgptsummary":"Jeremy Bromwell's biography shows extensive experience in business ownership and marketing strategy, which may support coalition-building and persuasion skills required for the State Representative role. The record contains no documented controversies or disciplinary actions. Bio does not indicate legislative craft experience or prior elected office experience.","notes":null,"party":"I","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nJeremy Bromwell is an independent candidate seeking election to the Tennessee House of Representatives to represent District 23 [1]. He is listed on the ballot for the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026 [1]. Bromwell qualified for the August 6, 2026 primary by meeting the state's qualifying deadline of March 10, 2026, at noon [2].\n\nBased in Tellico Plains, Tennessee, Bromwell is currently identified as an independent candidate for District 23 [5]. His professional background includes roles at Grow and Flow, Marketing Explorer, OneStop Digital Marketing, and TripActions, and he holds a degree from Georgia State University's J. Mack Robinson College of Business [5]. He maintains a digital presence through his personal website and the Grow and Flow studio [4].\n\n## Background and education\n\nJeremy Bromwell is based in Tellico Plains, Tennessee [5]. He attended Georgia State University's J. Mack Robinson College of Business, where he studied from 1999 to 2008 [5].\n\n## Career\n\nJeremy Bromwell is an entrepreneur and marketing professional who founded Marketing Explorer, a company focused on digital marketing solutions [6]. He previously served as Vice President of Marketing at TripActions from 2016 to 2017 and as Senior Director of Marketing at Zenefits from 2013 to 2016 [6]. Bromwell holds a degree from Georgia State University's J. Mack Robinson College of Business, with studies spanning from 1999 to 2008 [5].\n\nIn addition to his corporate roles, Bromwell has operated other businesses, including OneStop Digital Marketing and Grow and Flow [5]. He describes himself as an \"Explorer\" and a \"Full-Time RVer,\" reflecting an adventurous lifestyle [6]. Through Grow and Flow, he offers wellness classes that can be attended in person or virtually [4].\n\n## Office history\n\nJeremy Bromwell is an independent candidate running for election to the Tennessee House of Representatives to represent District 23 [1]. He qualified for the ballot in the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026, having met the qualifying deadline of March 10, 2026 [1][2]. As of May 2026, Bromwell is listed on the candidate list for Tennessee House District 23 alongside other independent candidates [1].\n\nThe provided sources do not contain information regarding any previous elected or appointed offices held by Jeremy Bromwell, nor do they document any prior races he has run. The available records identify him primarily as an independent candidate for the 2026 election and note his professional background in marketing and business ownership [4][5].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nJeremy Bromwell is based in Tellico Plains, Tennessee, and has held roles at Grow and Flow, Marketing Explorer, OneStop Digital Marketing, and TripActions [5]. He attended Georgia State University's J. Mack Robinson College of Business from 1999 to 2008 [5].\n\nBromwell is associated with Grow and Flow, which operates a studio and farm where he offers wellness classes [4]. His professional background includes experience in strategic brand positioning [5].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Jeremy Bromwell - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Jeremy_Bromwell)\n[2] [Candidate Lists | Tennessee Secretary of State](https://sos.tn.gov/elections/2026-candidate-lists)\n[4] [All Things Jeremy - A digital space to get to know Jeremy Bromwell and connect with his various interests, business, and like minded people.](https://jeremybromwell.com/)\n[5] [Jeremy Bromwell Email & Phone Number | Marketing Explorer Founder Contact Information](https://rocketreach.co/jeremy-bromwell-email_6832147)\n[6] [Jeremy Bromwell - LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook - Mesh](https://me.sh/profile/jeremy-bromwell)","firstname":"Jeremy","lastname":"Bromwell","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"UrBxPbDXNE"},"token":"jeremy_bromwell"},{"candidatename":"Jason Hitt","chatgptsummary":"Jason Hitt's biography shows professional experience as an educator and a Client Engagement Manager in the software sector since 2011, suggesting familiarity with constituent concerns and persuasive communication. The record contains no documented controversies or disciplinary actions. Bio does not indicate legislative craft experience or coalition-building experience within a state government setting.","notes":null,"party":"I","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nJason Hitt is an independent candidate running for election to the Tennessee House of Representatives to represent District 23 [1]. He appears on the ballot for the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026 [1]. The primary election for this race is set to occur on August 6, 2026 [1].\n\nHitt completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026 [1]. His professional background includes experience working as an educator [1].\n\n## Career\n\nJason Hitt\u2019s professional background includes work as an educator [1]. He has also held a position as a Client Engagement and Resource Manager at Accion Labs, with professional history in the software and internet sector dating back to 2011 [2].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Jason Hitt - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Jason_Hitt)\n[2] [Jason Hitt Email Address & Phone Number | Client Engagment and Resource Manager Of Accion Labs | Adapt.io](https://www.adapt.io/contact/jason-hitt/201681708)","firstname":"Jason","lastname":"Hitt","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"3YTRXq5spY"},"token":"jason_hitt"},{"candidatename":"Will Bolton","chatgptsummary":"Bolton's biography shows nearly three decades of state and federal law enforcement service, including roles as a Secret Service agent and current constable, which demonstrates investigative skills and public safety experience relevant to constituent concerns. The record contains no documented controversies or disciplinary actions. Bio does not indicate legislative drafting experience or coalition-building experience across partisan lines.","notes":null,"party":"R","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nWill Bolton is a Republican candidate running for election to the Tennessee House of Representatives to represent District 23, which covers McMinn County and part of Monroe County [1][2]. He qualified for the ballot following the state's qualifying deadline of March 10, 2026 [2]. Bolton is one of two Republicans running in the August 6, 2026 primary, challenging incumbent State Representative Mark Cochran of Englewood [1][2]. Independents Jeremy Bromwell of Tellico Plains and Jason Hitt of Englewood have also qualified and will appear on the November 3, 2026 general-election ballot [2].\n\nBolton currently serves as a District 4 Constable in McMinn County and identifies himself as a family man, U.S. Navy veteran, former U.S. Secret Service Special Agent, and retired federal criminal investigator [3][4]. He states that he holds a Master's Degree in National Security Studies from American Military University and has nearly three decades of state and federal-level public service experience [3][4].\n\nHis campaign website describes him as a conservative who follows the U.S. and Tennessee Constitutions and emphasizes personal representation for District 23 over special interest groups [3].\n\n## Background and education\n\nWill Bolton is a resident of District 23 and serves as a District 4 Constable in McMinn County [3]. He self-describes as a family man who has been married to Leigh for 33 years and has children [4]. Bolton identifies as a Republican and a conservative who follows the Constitution of both the United States and the State of Tennessee [3].\n\nBolton is a veteran of the armed forces and served in the United States Navy [3], [4]. His professional background includes nearly three decades of state and federal-level public service, during which he worked as a deputy sheriff in DeSoto County, Mississippi [3], [4]. He previously served as a Special Agent with the United States Secret Service, as well as in the Customs and Border Protection Office of Internal Affairs and the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General [3], [4]. Bolton holds a Master's Degree in National Security Studies from American Military University [4].\n\n## Career\n\nWill Bolton is a retired federal criminal investigator who self-describes as having nearly three decades of state and federal-level public service [3]. He began his career as a deputy sheriff in DeSoto County, Mississippi, and served as a veteran of the armed forces [4]. Bolton holds a Master's Degree in National Security Studies from American Military University [4].\n\nBolton's federal law enforcement career included roles with the United States Secret Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Office of Internal Affairs, and the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General [4]. He retired as a Senior Special Agent [4]. Following his federal service, Bolton served as District 4 Constable in McMinn County [3].\n\n## Office history\n\nWill Bolton currently serves as a District 4 Constable in McMinn County, Tennessee, per his campaign material [3]. He is challenging incumbent State Representative Mark Cochran of Englewood in the Republican primary for Tennessee House of Representatives District 23, scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1][2]. Ballotpedia categorizes Bolton as a 2026 challenger [1].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nWill Bolton self-describes as a family man and US Navy Veteran with almost three decades of state and federal-level public service [3]. His professional background includes service as a former US Secret Service Special Agent and current District 4 Constable in McMinn County [3]. Bolton states that he is a retired federal criminal investigator who previously served in the Customs and Border Protection Office of Internal Affairs and the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General [4]. He also began his career as a deputy sheriff in DeSoto County, Mississippi, and holds a Masters Degree in National Security Studies from American Military University [4].\n\nBolton is married to Leigh, and they have been married for 33 years [4]. The provided sources do not contain specific details regarding Bolton's business ownership stakes, sales of businesses, or the specific sources of his personal wealth.\n\n## Family\n\nWill Bolton self-describes as a family man and states that he has been married to Leigh for 33 years [4]. The provided sources do not mention any children or other family members in politics who are public figures.\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Will Bolton - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Will_Bolton)\n[2] [Candidates for Tennessee House of Representatives](https://sos-prod.tnsosgovfiles.com/s3fs-public/document/TNHouse_2026.pdf) \u2014 District 23 (McMinn), p.6, accessed 2026-07-20\n[3] [Will Bolton for TN23](https://www.boltonfortn.com/)\n[4] [Will Bolton \u2014 VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY](https://www.valleychristianacademy.us/will-bolton)","firstname":"Will","lastname":"Bolton","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"ezmfPiGKBV"},"token":"will_bolton"}],"choices":null,"description":null,"district":"023","districtgroup":"state_house","districtgroupname":"State House","districtname":"District 23","job_type":"state_representative","o.office":"state_house_023","office":"state_house_023","officedescription":"The Tennessee House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the state legislature, with 99 members elected from single-member districts to two-year terms. Representatives pass state laws, originate revenue bills, approve the state budget, and \u2014 together with the Senate \u2014 confirm gubernatorial appointments and propose constitutional amendments. Candidates must be at least 21 years old, U.S. citizens, Tennessee residents for at least three years, and district residents for at least one year.","officequalities":"- **Integrity** \u2014 Acts in the interest of constituents and the public good rather than for personal gain, and remains independent of undue influence from donors, lobbyists, and party leadership.\n- **Understanding of the constituency** \u2014 Grasps both the economic-development needs of the district and the day-to-day concerns of individual residents \u2014 safety, healthcare, education, infrastructure.\n- **Persuasion** \u2014 Engages, listens to, and persuades both fellow legislators and constituents. Can change minds and explain votes honestly.\n- **Legislative craft** \u2014 Reads, drafts, and amends statute with care. Understands how specific bill language translates to outcomes, and knows the body of law being modified.\n- **Coalition-building** \u2014 Finds common ground across partisan and factional lines, brokers compromises that hold, and forms working majorities even when consensus is hard to reach.","officeterm":2,"officetitle":"State Representative District 23","partisan":1,"pgr":"primary","quantity":1,"referendum":null,"source":null,"title":"TN State House District 23"}