{"campaigns":[{"candidatename":"Edward John Roland","chatgptsummary":"Edward John Roland's biography identifies him as an Independent candidate residing in Chattanooga, Tennessee, seeking the U.S. House seat for the Third District. The record does not document prior legislative experience drafting federal statutes, specific casework with federal agencies, or a history of cross-party coalition building. Bio does not indicate relevant legislative craft or oversight judgment experience.","notes":null,"party":"I","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nEdward John Roland is an Independent candidate for U.S. House in Tennessee\u2019s 3rd Congressional District in the 2026 election, filed as a resident of Chattanooga, Tennessee [1][2].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Candidates for United States House of Representatives, filed as of March 2026](https://sos-prod.tnsosgovfiles.com/s3fs-public/document/USHouseCandidates_2026.pdf) \u2014 Tennessee Secretary of State, accessed 2026-07-20\n[2] [Edward John Roland \u2014 Candidate profile, ID H6TN03244](https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/H6TN03244/) \u2014 Federal Election Commission, accessed 2026-07-20","firstname":"Edward John","lastname":"Roland","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"5BxpstwmHW"},"token":null},{"candidatename":"Anna Golladay","chatgptsummary":"Anna Golladay's biography shows experience as a small business owner and faith leader, offering insight into local economic concerns and community organizing. It documents her 2018 dismissal from the United Methodist Church for performing a same-gender wedding. Bio does not indicate federal legislative drafting experience or prior congressional oversight of the executive branch.","notes":null,"party":"D","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nAnna Golladay is a Democratic candidate running for election to the U.S. House to represent Tennessee's 3rd Congressional District in the 2026 cycle.[1] She declared her candidacy on February 7, 2026, to challenge incumbent Republican Representative Chuck Fleischmann in the general election.[4][7] Golladay is seeking the Democratic nomination in a primary scheduled for August 6, 2026, with the general election set for November 3, 2026.[1]\n\nGolladay, who identifies as a progressive faith leader and small business owner, states that she is running to bring \"moral courage back to leadership\" and to fight for the dignity of every person in the state.[5][8] She characterizes her campaign as a choice between \"care over cruelty\" and \"courage over silence,\" arguing that District 3 deserves more than \"indifference dressed up as leadership.\"[9] Golladay asserts that the congressional seat does not belong to Fleischmann but rather to the residents of the district.[4][7]\n\nThe candidate has framed her challenge against Fleischmann as a battle against gerrymandering, noting that the district's boundaries make it difficult for Democrats to win.[3] Golladay emphasizes that she will not give the incumbent the benefit of the doubt regarding his re-election prospects, stating that the seat belongs to the people who are represented by them.[4][10]\n\n## Background and education\n\nAnna Golladay is 52 years old [4]. She and her husband of 28 years, Mike, reside in the Park Central neighborhood of Chattanooga, Tennessee [5]. Golladay self-describes as a progressive faith leader and small business owner [2][8]. Her religious affiliation is with the United Methodist Church, where she previously served as a pastor [6]. In 2018, she was fired from her position as a United Methodist Minister for performing a same-gender wedding [11].\n\nGolladay owns and operates Biased Apparel, a clothing company she founded in 2011 [5]. She also serves as the CEO of Work of Place, a consulting firm that helps faith communities utilize their buildings and assets to improve local economic stability [5].\n\n## Career\n\nAnna Golladay self-describes as a progressive faith leader and small business owner [2]. She owns and operates Biased Apparel, a clothing company she founded in 2011 [5]. Additionally, Golladay serves as the CEO of Work of Place, a consulting firm that assists faith communities in utilizing their buildings and assets to improve the economic stability of surrounding neighborhoods [5].\n\nGolladay is a former pastor for the United Methodist Church [6]. She made headlines in 2018 after being fired from her position for performing a same-gender wedding [11].\n\n## Office history\n\nGolladay served as a United Methodist minister before leaving the denomination in 2018 after being fired for performing a same-gender wedding [11]. She subsequently worked as a faith leader and community organizer, while also operating Biased Apparel, a clothing company she founded in 2011, and Work of Place, a consulting firm for faith communities [5].\n\nIn local politics, Golladay ran for Chattanooga City Council\u2019s District 8 seat. She lost the runoff election for this position in April 2025 [6].\n\nGolladay announced her candidacy for the Democratic primary to represent Tennessee's 3rd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives on February 7, 2026 [4][7][10]. The primary election is scheduled for August 6, 2026, with the general election set for November 3, 2026 [1]. She is challenging incumbent Republican Representative Chuck Fleischmann [3][4]. As of May 11, 2026, the outcome of this race remains unknown [1].\n\n## Documented disputes and controversies\n\nGolladay\u2019s public profile includes a 2018 incident in which she was fired from her position as a United Methodist Minister for performing a same-gender wedding [11]. This event generated media attention regarding her stance on church policy and LGBTQ+ rights at that time [11].\n\nIn the 2025 election cycle, Golladay ran for Chattanooga City Council\u2019s District 8 seat but lost in a runoff race held in April of that year [6]. She has since shifted her political focus to the U.S. House of Representatives, declaring her candidacy for the Democratic primary in Tennessee\u2019s 3rd Congressional District on February 7, 2026 [1][4][7].\n\nGolladay has publicly criticized incumbent U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann, stating that the seat \"does not belong to him\" but rather to the residents of District 3 [4][7]. She characterizes his leadership as \"indifference dressed up as leadership\" and asserts that he prioritizes donors over working families [6][8]. Golladay describes her own platform as fighting for \"care over cruelty\" and \"courage over silence,\" positioning herself as a progressive faith leader and small business owner [2][9].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nGolladay self-describes as a small business owner and states that she owns and operates Biased Apparel, a clothing company she founded in 2011 [5]. She also serves as the CEO of Work of Place, a consulting firm that assists faith communities in utilizing their buildings and assets to improve the economic stability of local neighbors [5].\n\nHer professional background includes work as a progressive faith leader and a former pastor for the United Methodist Church [6]. Golladay was fired from her position as a United Methodist Minister in 2018 after performing a same-gender wedding [11].\n\n## Family\n\nGolladay is married to Mike, whom she has been married to for 28 years [5]. The couple resides in the Park Central neighborhood of Chattanooga, Tennessee [5]. There are no publicly notable details regarding children or other family members in politics available in the provided sources.\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Anna Golladay - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Anna_Golladay)\n[2] [Anna Golladay - Vote Common Good](https://www.votecommongood.com/wps-members/anna-golladay/)\n[3] [Times Opinion: Can Anna Golladay beat the gerrymander? | Chattanooga Times Free Press](https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2026/feb/09/times-opinion-can-anna-golladay-beat-the/)\n[4] [Democrat Anna Golladay will challenge Chuck Fleischmann for Congress in 2026 | Chattanooga Times Free Press](https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2026/feb/07/democrat-anna-golladay-will-challenge-chuck/)\n[5] [About Anna - Golladay for Congress](https://annagolladay.com/about-anna/)\n[6] [Anna Golladay's Campaign for U.S. Representative in District 3 | Local News | local3news.com](https://www.local3news.com/local-news/democrat-anna-golladay-challenging-rep-chuck-fleischmann-for-congress/article_4b4c90a3-ed6e-4be9-94b6-a5fd6a53863b.html)\n[7] [Democrat Anna Golladay announces run for 3rd District - WDEF](https://www.wdef.com/democrat-anna-golladay-announces-run-for-3rd-district/)\n[8] [Donate to Anna Golladay for Congress](https://secure.actblue.com/donate/anna-golladay)\n[9] [Home - Golladay for Congress](https://annagolladay.com/)\n[10] [Democrat Anna Golladay announces run for 3rd District | WGOW-FM](https://www.wgow.com/2026/02/09/democrat-anna-golladay-announces-run-for-3rd-district/)\n[11] [Anna Golladay \u2013 Live from Wild Goose Festival](https://matthiasroberts.com/queerology/e84-anna-golladay/)","firstname":"Anna","lastname":"Golladay","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"oc7pR24yy5"},"token":"anna_golladay"},{"candidatename":"Dean Arnold","chatgptsummary":"Dean Arnold's biography shows experience as an author and journalist researching regional history, which may aid constituent understanding of local concerns. The record contains no evidence of controversy or disciplinary action. Bio does not indicate federal legislative drafting experience or prior elected office experience.","notes":null,"party":"I","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nDean Arnold is an independent candidate running for election to the U.S. House of Representatives to represent Tennessee's 3rd Congressional District [1]. He declared his candidacy 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\nArnold, who identifies as an author, journalist, and local activist, states that he has traditionally been a Republican but is running as an Independent [2]. He describes himself as a \"free thinker\" and asserts that the reason for his campaign is the discord in the country, which he characterizes as insane and confusing to the public [2]. Arnold has stated that he aims to restore \"sanity\" to the nation and is currently working to identify his political base [2].\n\n## Career\n\nBefore entering electoral politics, Dean Arnold established a career as an author, historian, and filmmaker based in Chattanooga [6]. He is known for his work in \"nonfiction novel\" style history, which he describes as \"history with a plot\" where every action and quote is sourced [3]. His bibliography includes *The Cherokee Princes*, *Unknown Empire: The True Story of Mysterious Ethiopia and the Future Ark of Civilization*, and *America's Trail of Tears: A Story of Love and Betrayal* [4][5].\n\nArnold\u2019s professional focus often centers on regional history and culture. He authored *Old Money, New South: The Spirit of Chattanooga*, a work that compiles interviews with over 50 local leaders, public figures, and prominent families to document the city's character and history [6]. In addition to writing, Arnold narrates his own audiobooks and identifies himself as a journalist and local activist [2][4]. He has engaged with community organizations such as the Chattanooga Civitans Club and the Hamilton County Pachyderm Club, where he has spoken on topics ranging from national political discord to local history [2][6].\n\nThere is no information in the provided sources regarding Arnold\u2019s military service, business ownership, or professional licenses outside of his work as an author and activist.\n\n## Office history\n\nDean Arnold is an independent candidate running for election to the U.S. House of Representatives to represent Tennessee's 3rd Congressional District [1]. He declared his candidacy for the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026, which follows a primary election set for August 6, 2026 [1]. Arnold states that he has traditionally been a Republican but is running as an Independent because of national discord and confusion [2].\n\nThe provided sources do not contain information regarding any other elected or appointed offices held by Dean Arnold, nor do they document any prior races run or lost. Consequently, no further details on his legislative history or previous electoral outcomes can be included from the available evidence.\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Dean Arnold - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Dean_Arnold)\n[2] [Free Thinker And Congressional Candidate Arnold Delivers Sermon To Civitans - Chattanoogan.com](https://www.chattanoogan.com/2026/3/21/516319/Free-Thinker-And-Congressional.aspx)\n[3] [Amazon.com: Dean W. Arnold: books, biography, latest update](https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01HBPTLWE)\n[4] [Dean W. Arnold \u2013 Audio Books, Best Sellers, Author Bio | Audible.com](https://www.audible.com/author/Dean-W-Arnold/B01HBPTLWE)\n[5] [America's Trail of Tears: A Story of Love and Betrayal: Arnold, Dean W., Arnold, Dean: 9780974907604: Amazon.com: Books](https://www.amazon.com/Americas-Trail-Tears-Story-Betrayal/dp/097490760X)\n[6] [Dean Arnold Reflects on Chattanooga - WDEF](https://www.wdef.com/dean-arnold-reflects-on-chattanooga/)","firstname":"Dean","lastname":"Arnold","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"a0haNiFBu4"},"token":"dean_arnold"},{"candidatename":"Donnie Lynn Ownby","chatgptsummary":"Donnie Lynn Ownby's biography identifies him as an Independent candidate for Tennessee\u2019s 3rd Congressional District in the 2026 election, with no prior elected office or federal legislative experience documented. The record contains no evidence of controversy or disciplinary history. Bio does not indicate experience in drafting federal statute or managing constituent casework with federal agencies.","notes":null,"party":"I","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nDonnie Lynn Ownby is an Independent candidate for U.S. House in Tennessee\u2019s 3rd Congressional District in the 2026 election, filed as a resident of Philadelphia, Tennessee [1][2].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Candidates for United States House of Representatives, filed as of March 2026](https://sos-prod.tnsosgovfiles.com/s3fs-public/document/USHouseCandidates_2026.pdf) \u2014 Tennessee Secretary of State, accessed 2026-07-20\n[2] [Donnie Lynn Ownby \u2014 Candidate profile, ID H6TN03210](https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/H6TN03210/) \u2014 Federal Election Commission, accessed 2026-07-20","firstname":"Donnie Lynn","lastname":"Ownby","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"YKv9zPnzRr"},"token":null},{"candidatename":"Bryan Martin","chatgptsummary":"Bryan Martin's biography identifies him as a Democratic candidate for Tennessee's 3rd Congressional District in the 2026 primary, with no record of prior federal legislative service or specific casework experience detailed. The text contains no mention of controversies or disciplinary records. Bio does not indicate experience in drafting federal statute or building cross-party coalitions.","notes":null,"party":"D","person":{"biography":"> **Editorial note \u2014 same-name confusion.** A different Bryan Martin \u2014 a San Antonio, Texas business owner and Bike San Antonio executive who ran for San Antonio City Council District 10 in 2023 \u2014 has previously been described in this record. That person is not the candidate profiled here.\n\n## Current office and 2026 campaign\nBryan Martin is a Democratic candidate for U.S. House in Tennessee\u2019s 3rd Congressional District in the 2026 election, running in the August 6, 2026 Democratic primary alongside Anna Golladay, filed as a resident of Signal Mountain, Tennessee [1][2].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Candidates for United States House of Representatives, filed as of March 2026](https://sos-prod.tnsosgovfiles.com/s3fs-public/document/USHouseCandidates_2026.pdf) \u2014 Tennessee Secretary of State, accessed 2026-07-20\n[2] [Anderson County official sample ballot, August 6, 2026 general election](http://www.acelection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/August-2026-Sample-Ballot.pdf) \u2014 Anderson County Election Commission, accessed 2026-07-20","firstname":"Bryan","lastname":"Martin","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"vBVxpmcxG0"},"token":null},{"candidatename":"Rodney Joe King","chatgptsummary":"Rodney Joe King's biography identifies him as an independent candidate for Tennessee's 3rd District in the 2026 election but provides no details regarding federal legislative experience or prior public office service. The record contains no documented controversies or disciplinary history. Bio does not indicate experience drafting federal statute, managing constituent casework with agencies, or building cross-party coalitions within the House of Representatives.","notes":null,"party":"I","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nRodney Joe King, of Powell, Tennessee, is an independent candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in Tennessee's 3rd Congressional District (covering Chattanooga and the surrounding East Tennessee area) in the 2026 election. He is one of several independent candidates slated for the November 3, 2026 general-election ballot, alongside Dean Arnold, Jean Howard-Hill, Donnie Lynn Ownby, and Edward John Roland; Republican incumbent Chuck Fleischmann and Democrats Anna Golladay and Bryan Martin are also seeking the seat.[1]\n\n## Sources\n\n- [1] [Tennessee's redrawn congressional districts: A full guide to every candidate running in 2026 \u2013 NewsChannel5](https://www.newschannel5.com/news/tennessees-redrawn-congressional-districts-a-full-guide-to-every-candidate-running-in-2026)","firstname":"Rodney Joe","lastname":"King","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"sufqrrw4Og"},"token":null},{"candidatename":"Jean Howard-Hill","chatgptsummary":"Jean Howard-Hill's biography shows a Juris Doctor and PhD alongside roles as a business executive, professor, and national caucus chair, demonstrating legislative study and community engagement relevant to constituent service and oversight. The record notes multiple unsuccessful primary campaigns without disciplinary findings. Bio does not indicate federal legislative drafting experience or direct congressional committee oversight experience.","notes":null,"party":"I","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nJean Howard-Hill is an independent candidate running for election to the U.S. House of Representatives to represent Tennessee's 3rd Congressional District in the 2026 cycle [1]. She declared her candidacy for the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026 [1]. The primary election for this seat is set to occur on August 6, 2026 [1].\n\nHoward-Hill has previously sought the district's congressional seat in multiple prior cycles. She entered the Republican primary race in 2010, stating her goal was to offer residents \"someone with common sense, compassion and a willingness to represent them\" [4]. In 2012, she announced plans to seek the seat held by incumbent Chuck Fleischmann, distinguishing this effort from previous runs by stating, \"this time, I am in it to win\" [5]. She has also previously listed herself as a candidate for the district in 2004, 2008, 2010, 2012, and 2020 [2].\n\n## Background and education\n\nJean Howard-Hill is a resident of Chattanooga, Tennessee [4]. She self-describes as widowed and has one child, LaShunda [2]. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in government and a Bachelor of Arts in urban planning from Wheaton College [1]. She also earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Tennessee School of Law and a PhD in philosophy from Oxford Graduate School [2].\n\n## Career\n\nJean Howard-Hill holds a bachelor's degree in urban planning and government from Wheaton College, as well as a Juris Doctor from the University of Tennessee School of Law and a PhD in philosophy from Oxford Graduate School [1][2]. Her professional background includes serving as a business executive at Howard-Hill Consultants [1]. She has also worked as a college professor and political science professor, and served as a speaker [4][7].\n\nHoward-Hill is the founder and national chair of the National Republican African-American Caucus, a position she has held since its establishment [2]. Additionally, she served on the Chancellor's University of Tennessee Strategic Planning Environmental Scanning Task Force [2].\n\n## Office history\n\nJean Howard-Hill has never held elected or appointed public office [2]. She served as the national chair of the National Republican African-American Caucus and was a member of the Chancellor's University of Tennessee Strategic Planning Environmental Scanning Task Force [2]. Her professional background includes work as a business executive at Howard-Hill Consultants and as a college professor [1][4].\n\nHoward-Hill has run for the U.S. House of Representatives in Tennessee's 3rd Congressional District multiple times without winning election to the seat. She first entered the Republican primary for the district in 2004 [2]. She ran again in the 2008 Republican primary [2]. In March 2010, she announced her candidacy for the 2010 Republican primary, describing herself as a \"political activist\" and \"college professor\" seeking to offer residents \"common sense, compassion and a willingness to represent them\" [4][6]. She sought the seat again in 2012, stating that while previous campaigns were to raise awareness, this run was intended \"to win\" against incumbent Chuck Fleischmann and other GOP candidates [5][7]. Howard-Hill also ran for the district in 2020 [2].\n\nIn August 2026, Howard-Hill is scheduled to appear on the ballot as an independent candidate for Tennessee's 3rd Congressional District in a general election set for November 3, 2026 [1][3].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nJean Howard-Hill has worked as a business executive at Howard-Hill Consultants [1]. She also serves as the national chair of the National Republican African-American Caucus and is listed as its founder [2]. Her educational background includes a Juris Doctor from the University of Tennessee School of Law and a PhD in Philosophy from Oxford Graduate School, in addition to dual bachelor's degrees in government and urban planning from Wheaton College [2].\n\nHoward-Hill is widowed and has one child, LaShunda [2]. In previous campaigns, she has utilized personal milestones for fundraising; during her 2010 campaign, she hosted a \"39 Again Birthday Party\" where attendees were invited to make donations to her campaign rather than bringing gifts [6]. During her 2012 congressional bid, she set a goal of raising $50,000 before January 1 of that year [7]. Specific details regarding the sale of businesses or significant financial disclosure statements are not provided in the available sources.\n\n## Family\n\nHoward-Hill is widowed and has one child, LaShunda [2]. She previously listed LaShunda Hill as a campaign manager during her 2010 congressional bid [6].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Jean Howard-Hill - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Jean_Howard-Hill)\n[2] [Jean Howard-Hill's Biography](https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/48660/jean-howard-hill)\n[3] [Vote Smart | Facts For All](https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/evaluations/48660/jean-howard-hill)\n[4] [Jean Howard-Hill enters Congressional primary | Chattanooga Times Free Press](https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2010/mar/24/jean-howard-hill-enters-congressional-primary/)\n[5] [Jean Howard-Hill To Run For 3rd District House Seat - Chattanoogan.com](https://www.chattanoogan.com/2011/9/2/208282/Jean-Howard-Hill-To-Run-For-3rd.aspx)\n[6] [Jean Howard-Hill Enters 3rd District Race - Chattanoogan.com](https://www.chattanoogan.com/2010/3/23/171709/Jean-Howard-Hill-Enters-3rd-District.aspx)\n[7] [GOP hopeful Jean Howard-Hill says she\u2019s \u2018running to win\u2019 this time | | local3news.com](https://www.local3news.com/gop-hopeful-jean-howard-hill-says-she-s-running-to-win-this-time/article_6fef7c3d-0cbd-5caf-9e5d-60a6dfde5fea.html)","firstname":"Jean","lastname":"Howard-Hill","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"o92z8r4r0R"},"token":"jean_howard_hill"},{"candidatename":"Chuck Fleischmann","chatgptsummary":"Fleischmann's twenty-year tenure on the House Appropriations Committee and chairing of the Energy and Water Development Subcommittee demonstrates legislative craft and oversight judgment relevant to federal statute and executive branch funding. His background as a small business owner and attorney informs his perspective on district economic concerns, while his consistent re-elections indicate persuasive capacity within his party. He faced heated primary challenges in 2012 and 2014 against Weston Wamp. Bio does not indicate experience with bipartisan coalition-building or direct constituent casework administration.","notes":null,"party":"R","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nChuck Fleischmann is a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives serving Tennessee's 3rd Congressional District, having assumed office on January 3, 2011 [1]. His current term concludes on January 3, 2027 [1]. In May 2026, he was identified as a candidate for re-election to the U.S. House in Tennessee's 3rd District [15]. He formally declared his candidacy for the Republican primary election scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1].\n\nThe general election for this seat is set for November 3, 2026 [14]. Fleischmann has been endorsed by President Donald Trump for the 2026 race [22]. He faces a challenge from Democrat Anna Golladay, who announced her candidacy in February 2026 [19].\n\nRecent developments include the release of Tennessee's newly proposed congressional map on May 6, 2026, which Fleischmann stated he supported despite having no input in its creation [20]. As of early May 2026, no other official candidates had been listed for the general election [2].\n\n## Background and education\n\nCharles Joseph Fleischmann was born in New York City, New York, on October 11, 1962 [13]. He describes himself as a fiscal and social conservative who overcame the loss of his mother at a young age and lived on his own by age 16 [16].\n\nFleischmann earned his undergraduate degree in political science from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude and received Phi Beta Kappa honors [5][13]. He subsequently attended the University of Tennessee College of Law, where he received his Doctor of Jurisprudence [5][13].\n\n## Career\n\nCharles Fleischmann earned a bachelor\u2019s degree in political science from the University of Illinois, where he received Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude honors [1][5]. He subsequently attended the University of Tennessee College of Law, obtaining his Doctor of Jurisprudence [5]. Following his graduation, he and his wife operated a small business in Chattanooga for 24 years [5]. Fleischmann self-describes as having lived on his own at age 16 after overcoming the loss of his mother during his youth [16].\n\nFleischmann served in the United States Army Reserve [13]. His professional background includes work as an attorney and business owner, experiences he cites as informing his perspective that small businesses are primary drivers of job creation rather than government intervention [17]. He has also pursued writing, releasing his first novel, \"Once Upon An Empire,\" in February 2025 [18].\n\n## Office history\n\nChuck Fleischmann first held elected office in the U.S. House of Representatives for Tennessee\u2019s 3rd Congressional District, assuming office on January 3, 2011, after succeeding former Representative Zach Wamp [1][13]. He was elected to this seat in 2010 and has since been re-elected multiple times, including a victory in the 2014 Republican primary where he defeated Weston Wamp by less than 1,500 votes [3]. As of May 2026, his current term is scheduled to end on January 3, 2027 [1]. In this role, he serves as a member of the House Committee on Appropriations and chairs the Energy and Water Development Subcommittee [4][10]. He also holds leadership positions in several caucuses, including co-chairing the American Energy Dominance Caucus and the Nuclear Cleanup Caucus [10].\n\nPrior to his congressional career, Fleischmann did not hold other elected or appointed public offices; he instead spent 24 years running a small business in Chattanooga with his wife after graduating from law school [5]. He has not lost any general elections for federal office during his tenure. In the upcoming 2026 election cycle, he declared candidacy for re-election to the U.S. House in the Republican primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1]. He faces a challenge from Democrat Anna Golladay in the general election on November 3, 2026, following the adoption of new congressional maps by Tennessee state lawmakers in May 2026 [19][20].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nAs Chairman of the Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee within the House Appropriations Committee, Fleischmann has focused heavily on energy policy and infrastructure for East Tennessee [4]. He co-chairs seven energy-related caucuses, including the American Energy Dominance, Nuclear Cleanup, Fusion Energy, National Labs, Advanced Nuclear, and Nuclear Security Working Group caucuses, as well as the Spent Nuclear Fuel Solutions Caucus [10]. His committee assignments also include the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Subcommittee and the Defense Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee [10].\n\nFleischmann sponsored H.R. 226, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act, which passed the House by a unanimous voice vote after previously passing four times in earlier sessions [6]. The legislation aims to restore 76.1 acres of sacred land to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians that was taken due to past federal policies [11]. He has also been recognized for his work on the Chickamauga Lock, receiving a \"Friend of the Waterways\" award for his leadership on the project [12].\n\nOn fiscal and social issues, Fleischmann states that he voted to cut $1.6 trillion from the federal budget, repeal ObamaCare, defund Planned Parenthood, and rein in the Environmental Protection Agency [16]. He maintains a self-reported 100% pro-life and Second Amendment voting record [16]. In foreign policy, he was one of two Tennessee Republicans to receive an \"A\" on a report card from the coalition Republicans for Ukraine for his support of aid to Ukraine [21].\n\nFleischmann is noted for his legislative attendance; in 2024, he was one of only 13 House members with perfect voting attendance across all 516 roll call votes that year [9]. He has also advocated for the Electric Power Board (EPB) Solar Share project and partnerships involving the Tennessee Valley Authority to support smart grid solutions in Chattanooga [8].\n\n## Documented disputes and controversies\n\nFleischmann faced two primary challenges from Weston Wamp, the son of his predecessor Zach Wamp, in the 2012 and 2014 Republican primaries for Tennessee's 3rd Congressional District. In the 2012 race, Fleischmann defeated Wamp [3]. The subsequent 2014 rematch was described as \"increasingly heated,\" with Fleischmann ultimately defeating Wamp by a margin of less than 1,500 votes [3].\n\nIn September 2023, a report card from the coalition Republicans for Ukraine gave Fleischmann an \"A\" grade for his support of Ukraine, distinguishing him as one of only two Tennessee Republicans to receive that rating at the time [21]. This stance contrasted with other Tennessee Republicans in the delegation who received lower grades, including \"F\" ratings for Representatives Tim Burchett, Diana Harshbarger, and Andrew Ogles [21].\n\nIn May 2026, Fleischmann stated he had no input into the newly proposed congressional map released by Tennessee Republicans, which altered district boundaries without his involvement [20]. The state became the first to pass new maps following a Supreme Court ruling that removed requirements to consider race when drawing districts, resulting in a map that split the majority Black and only Democrat-held district in three [20].\n\nPresident Donald Trump endorsed Fleischmann for reelection on November 3, 2025, ahead of the August 6, 2026 Republican primary [22]. The endorsement occurred as Fleischmann sought his ninth term in the U.S. House, having assumed office in January 2011 after succeeding Zach Wamp, who had lost the 2010 Republican gubernatorial primary [22].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nChuck Fleischmann and his wife Brenda ran a small business in Chattanooga for 24 years after they both graduated from law school [5]. He self-describes as having owned this small business in the Tennessee Valley for years, stating that he knows firsthand that small businesses create jobs rather than the government [17]. The couple met while attending the University of Illinois, where Fleischmann earned a bachelor's degree in political science, before both attended the University of Tennessee College of Law [13].\n\nSpecific details regarding the nature of the business, its revenue, or any sales of ownership stakes are not provided in the available sources. Financial disclosure documents are referenced on his official website but do not contain specific asset values or income breakdowns in the provided text [7].\n\n## Family\n\nChuck Fleischmann was born in New York City in 1962 [13]. He married Brenda Fleischmann in 1986, and the couple has three children [13]. Together, they ran a small business in Chattanooga for 24 years after graduating from college [5].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Charles Fleischmann - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Charles_Fleischmann)\n[2] [Tennessee's 3rd Congressional District - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Tennessee's_3rd_Congressional_District)\n[3] [Tennessee's 3rd Congressional District elections, 2014 - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Tennessee's_3rd_Congressional_District_elections,_2014)\n[4] [Congressman Chuck Fleischmann | Representing the 3rd District of Tennessee](https://fleischmann.house.gov/)\n[5] [About Chuck | Congressman Chuck Fleischmann - House.gov](https://fleischmann.house.gov/about-chuck)\n[6] [In the News | Congressman Chuck Fleischmann - House.gov](https://fleischmann.house.gov/media/in-the-news?page=1)\n[7] [Office Locations | Congressman Chuck Fleischmann](https://fleischmann.house.gov/contact/offices)\n[8] [In the News | Congressman Chuck Fleischmann](https://fleischmann.house.gov/media/in-the-news?page=3)\n[9] [Rep. Chuck Fleischmann Highlighted For 100% Voting Attendance In 2024 | Congressman Chuck Fleischmann](https://fleischmann.house.gov/media/in-the-news/rep-chuck-fleischmann-highlighted-for-100-voting-attendance-in-2024)\n[10] [Committees and Caucuses | Congressman Chuck Fleischmann](https://fleischmann.house.gov/about/committees-and-caucuses)\n[11] [Videos | Congressman Chuck Fleischmann](https://fleischmann.house.gov/media/videos)\n[12] [Accomplishments | Congressman Chuck Fleischmann](https://fleischmann.house.gov/about-chuck/accomplishments)\n[13] [Chuck Fleischmann - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuck_Fleischmann)\n[14] [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[15] [Chuck Fleischmann's Political Summary](https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/123456/chuck-fleischmann)\n[16] [Meet Chuck - Chuck Fleischmann for Congress Committee, Inc.](https://www.chuckforcongress.com/meet-chuck)\n[17] [Issues - Chuck Fleischmann for Congress](https://www.chuckforcongress.com/issues)\n[18] [Chattanooga congressman Chuck Fleischmann tries on new title, novelist | Chattanooga Times Free Press](https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2025/feb/11/chattanooga-congressman-tries-on-new-title/)\n[19] [Democrat Anna Golladay will challenge Chuck Fleischmann for Congress in 2026 | Chattanooga Times Free Press](https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2026/feb/07/democrat-anna-golladay-will-challenge-chuck/)\n[20] [Fleischmann says he\u2019s on board with new congressional map but had no input | Chattanooga Times Free Press](http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2026/may/07/fleischmann-says-hes-on-board-with-new/)\n[21] [Opinion: Fleischmann one of only two Tennessee Republicans to get an \u2018A\u2019 on support for Ukraine in report card from new coalition | Chattanooga Times Free Press](https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2023/sep/19/opinion-tennessee-fleischmann-gets-a-ukraine-support-tfp/)\n[22] [Trump endorses Fleischmann for reelection in 2026 | Chattanooga Times Free Press](https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2025/nov/03/trump-endorses-fleischmann-for-reelection-in-2026/)","firstname":"Chuck","lastname":"Fleischmann","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"6fcLxPLcvH"},"token":"chuck_fleischmann"}],"choices":null,"description":null,"district":null,"districtgroup":null,"districtgroupname":null,"districtname":null,"job_type":"us_representative","o.office":null,"office":"us_house_3","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 3"}