{"campaigns":[{"candidatename":"Matt Ferry","chatgptsummary":"Matt Ferry's biography shows local roots in District 48 and experience as a small business owner and party chair, demonstrating constituency understanding and coalition-building through advocacy work. He has run for this seat repeatedly since 2018 without holding legislative office or drafting statutes. Bio does not indicate prior legislative craft or direct persuasion of fellow legislators through voting records.","notes":null,"party":"D","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nMatt Ferry is a Democratic candidate seeking election to the Tennessee House of Representatives to represent District 48 in 2026 [1]. He appears on the ballot for the Democratic primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1]. Ferry self-describes as a small business owner raised in Murfreesboro who graduated from Middle Tennessee State University [7].\n\nFerry has previously run for the same seat in the general elections of 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024 [7]. He served as the chair of the Rutherford County Democratic Party starting in 2017 [2]. In his current campaign, he states that he is running due to \"outrageous corruption and grift\" within state government over the past sixteen years of Republican control [6]. As of May 2026, no endorsements from Democratic or progressive organizations have been recorded for his candidacy [4].\n\n## Background and education\n\nMatt Ferry was born in Lebanon, Tennessee [1]. He self-describes as a Middle Tennessee native and states that he was raised in Murfreesboro [2][7].\n\nFerry graduated from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) [1][7]. While some candidate profiles indicate that educational details were not provided, other sources confirm his bachelor's degree from the institution [1][5][7].\n\n## Career\n\nMatt Ferry is a small business owner who was raised in Murfreesboro and graduated from Middle Tennessee State University [7]. He obtained a bachelor's degree from that institution [1].\n\nPrior to his current campaign, Ferry served as the chair of the Rutherford County Democratic Party (RCDP) starting in 2017 [2]. During his tenure, he oversaw party operations and worked with various organizations advocating for healthcare rights, workers' rights, and environmental and economic justice [2]. His political engagement began after an internship with Organizing for Action (OFA), after which he started working with local candidates [2].\n\n## Office history\n\nMatt Ferry served as Chair of the Rutherford County Democratic Party, a position he was elected to in 2017 [2]. He held this role until at least 2024 [7]. During his tenure, he oversaw party operations and worked with various organizations advocating for healthcare rights, workers' rights, and environmental and economic justice [2].\n\nFerry has run for the Tennessee House of Representatives in District 48 multiple times without holding the office. He was a candidate in the Democratic primaries for this seat in 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024 [7]. In the 2024 cycle, he appeared on the ballot for the Tennessee Democratic Party State Primary held on August 1, 2024 [3]. He is currently the Democratic candidate for District 48 in the upcoming primary election scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nMatt Ferry has not held elected legislative office and therefore has no legislative record of sponsored bills or votes to report [7]. He is a small business owner who previously served as chair of the Rutherford County Democratic Party [2][7]. During his tenure as party chair, he oversaw party operations in Rutherford County, which includes parts of Murfreesboro and Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) [2].\n\nFerry has sought the Democratic nomination for Tennessee House District 48 in multiple prior cycles, including elections in 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024 [7]. He is currently running for this seat in the upcoming Democratic primary on August 6, 2026 [1][8]. As a candidate, he has received endorsements from Tennessee Advocates for Planned Parenthood and Change TN [5].\n\nRegarding policy positions, Ferry states that he advocates for healthcare rights, workers' rights, and environmental and economic justice [2]. He characterizes his campaign as a response to what he describes as corruption and grift within state government, arguing that the average Tennessean has not benefited proportionally from budget increases under Republican control [6]. Specific legislative proposals or committee assignments are not detailed in available sources [3][5].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nMatt Ferry self-describes as a small business owner [7]. He was raised in Murfreesboro and graduated from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) [1][7]. Specific details regarding his business interests, ownership stakes, or the source of any family wealth are not provided in available records [3][5].\n\nFinancial disclosure information is limited in public sources. One profile notes that he made contributions to the State Democratic Party Organizations and Wayne Steele in 2022 [5]. No other significant financial-disclosure facts, sales of businesses, or detailed income sources are documented in the provided materials [3][5].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Matt Ferry - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Matt_Ferry)\n[2] [Matt Ferry - Run For Something](https://directory.runforsomething.net/candidate/804/ferry-matt/)\n[3] [Vote-USA | Matt Ferry | Candidate for State Representative District 48, Tennessee | August 1, 2024 Tennessee Democratic Party State Primary](https://vote-usa.org/Intro.aspx?State=TN&Id=TNFerryMatt)\n[4] [Endorsements for Matt Ferry - Tennessee Democratic Party Candidate](https://bluevoterguide.org/TN/candidate_Matt_Ferry/301470)\n[5] [iVoterGuide - Matt Ferry iVoterGuide Profile](https://ivoterguide.com/candidate/73890/race/15677/election/1242?culture=es-us)\n[6] [Matt Ferry](https://mattferrytn48.com/)\n[7] [About Matt Ferry](https://mattferrytn48.com/about-matt)\n[8] [Matt Ferry | BallotReady](https://www.ballotready.org/people/matt-ferry)","firstname":"Matt","lastname":"Ferry","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"Ctmmbc2kF2"},"token":"matt_ferry"},{"candidatename":"Bryan Terry","chatgptsummary":"Bryan Terry's biography shows over a decade of legislative service in District 48, including chairing the Health Committee and proposing waste management legislation, demonstrating experience with constituent concerns and legislative craft. The record contains no documented controversies or disciplinary actions. Bio does not indicate prior executive leadership experience or direct business ownership experience.","notes":null,"party":"R","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nBryan Terry is a Republican member of the Tennessee House of Representatives representing District 48, which is based in Rutherford County [1][2]. He assumed office on November 4, 2014, and his current term concludes on November 3, 2026 [1][10]. As of May 2026, Terry is seeking re-election to the Tennessee House of Representatives for District 48 [1].\n\nTerry is listed on the ballot for the Republican primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1]. In February 2026, he proposed the Tennessee Secondary Aluminum Waste Management Act (House Bill 2133), legislation aimed at regulating how solid waste landfill operators handle secondary aluminum waste to protect public health and the environment [9].\n\nDuring his tenure, Terry has served as Chairman of the Health Committee and holds membership on the Calendar and Rules, Insurance, Naming and Designating, and Population Health subcommittees [1][8]. He self-describes his legislative approach as applying principles through a five-step process involving premise, goals, options, consequences, and feasibility [5].\n\n## Background and education\n\nBryan Terry was born on October 27, 1968 [4]. He is a tribal member of the Choctaw Nation and grew up in south Oklahoma City, attending school in Moore, a suburb of Oklahoma City [11]. Terry self-describes as an interdenominational Christian [12].\n\nTerry earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology from the University of Oklahoma and a medical degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine [4][12]. He subsequently completed his anesthesiology residency at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville [12].\n\n## Career\n\nBryan Terry is a physician specializing in anesthesiology who works in Murfreesboro, Tennessee [8]. He earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology from the University of Oklahoma and a medical degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine [4]. His anesthesiology residency was completed at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville [12]. Terry self-describes as an interdenominational Christian [12].\n\nTerry is a member of the Choctaw Nation and grew up in south Oklahoma City, attending school in Moore, Oklahoma [11]. He spent much of his childhood visiting hospitals due to severe asthma and allergies, and he also spent time at his parents\u2019 auto salvage business [11]. Terry resides in Murfreesboro with his wife, Cheryl, whom he has been married to since 1991, and their two children, Brayden and Breeley [8]. The family owns rescue dogs [8].\n\n## Office history\n\nBryan Terry assumed office in the Tennessee House of Representatives for District 48 on January 13, 2015, following his election on November 4, 2014 [1][4]. He serves two-year terms and is not subject to term limits [2]. As of 2026, his current term ends on November 3, 2026 [1]. In the 2022 general election, Terry defeated Matt Ferry to retain his seat in District 48 [3].\n\nDuring his tenure, Terry has held several key committee assignments. He serves as the Chair of the Health Committee and is a member of the Calendar and Rules Committee, the Insurance Committee, and the Naming and Designating Committee [1][8]. He also sits on the Population Health Subcommittee [8]. In February 2026, Terry proposed the Tennessee Secondary Aluminum Waste Management Act (House Bill 2133) to regulate landfill practices regarding aluminum recycling waste [9].\n\nTerry has not held any other elected or appointed offices prior to his service in the State House. He is currently running for re-election to the Tennessee House of Representatives in the Republican primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nRepresentative Bryan Terry has served in the Tennessee House of Representatives since assuming office on November 4, 2014 [1][10]. A member of the Republican Party, he represents District 48, which is based in Rutherford County [4][8]. As of the 2023-2024 legislative session, Terry held several committee assignments, including service on the Calendar and Rules Committee, the Insurance Committee, the Naming and Designating Committee, and the State Government Committee [1]. He also served as the Chair of the Health Committee [1][8].\n\nTerry\u2019s legislative approach is defined by a five-step process he describes as \"Premise, Goals, Options, Consequences, and Feasibility,\" which he applies alongside his personal principles to evaluate policy [5]. In 2026, he proposed the Tennessee Secondary Aluminum Waste Management Act (House Bill 2133), legislation designed to prohibit solid waste landfill operators from mixing household trash with secondary aluminum waste to protect public health and the environment [9].\n\nOn social issues, Terry has consistently supported pro-life measures. The Family Action Council of Tennessee awarded him an \"E\" rating for his support of bills including SB 16/HB 1 (Tennessee Sports Gaming Act), SB 364/HB 563 (Business Protection Act), SB 1257/HB 1029 (Human Life Protection Act), and Governor Lee's Pro-Life Bill (SB 2196/HB 2263) [6]. Conversely, a House committee rejected an anti-abortion bill in 2026 that would have criminalized women for seeking abortion procedures; the measure failed for lack of support in the Population Health Subcommittee [7]. Terry also voted against decriminalization efforts, supporting HB0173/SB0173 to clarify that state law preempts local government enactments regarding such regulations [12].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nBryan Terry is a physician who works as an anesthesiologist in Murfreesboro, Tennessee [8]. He holds a medical degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and a Bachelor of Science in psychology from the University of Oklahoma [4]. Terry states that he applies a \"business-like process\" to his legislative work, utilizing a framework of premise, goals, options, consequences, and feasibility [5].\n\nTerry grew up in south Oklahoma City and spent much of his childhood at his parents' auto salvage business [11]. He is a member of the Choctaw Nation and identifies as Native American [4], [11]. Terry resides in Murfreesboro with his wife, Cheryl, whom he has been married to since 1991, and their two children, Brayden and Breeley [8].\n\n## Family\n\nTerry is married to his wife, Cheryl, whom he has been married to since 1991 [8]. The couple has two children, Brayden and Breeley [8][12]. Terry self-describes as an interdenominational Christian [12].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Bryan Terry - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Bryan_Terry)\n[2] [Tennessee House of Representatives District 48 - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Tennessee_House_of_Representatives_District_48)\n[3] [Tennessee House of Representatives District 48 candidate surveys, 2022 - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Tennessee_House_of_Representatives_District_48_candidate_surveys,_2022)\n[4] [Bryan Terry - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryan_Terry)\n[5] [Home - Bryan Terry for State Representative](https://bryanterry4tn.com/)\n[6] [Rep. Bryan Terry - Family Action Council of Tennessee](https://scorecard.factennessee.org/representatives/bryan-terry)\n[7] [Rep. Bryan Terry Archives \u2022 Tennessee Lookout](https://tennesseelookout.com/tag/rep-bryan-terry/)\n[8] [Representative Bryan Terry \u2014 Tennessee House Republican Caucus](https://tnhousegop.org/members/representative-bryan-terry/)\n[9] [Rep. Bryan Terry proposes Tennessee Secondary Aluminum Waste Management Act \u2014 Tennessee House Republican Caucus](https://tnhousegop.org/member-newsroom/2026/02/rep-bryan-terry-proposes-tennessee-secondary-aluminum-waste-management-act/)\n[10] [State Representative Bryan Terry | BillTrack50](https://www.billtrack50.com/legislatordetail/19651)\n[11] [Native American, Republican, Anesthesiologist: Meet Murfreesboro Rep. Bryan Terry | WPLN News](https://wpln.org/post/native-american-republican-anesthesiologist-meet-murfreesboro-rep-bryan-terry/)\n[12] [Bryan Terry (R - TN)](https://vote.norml.org/politicians/153281)","firstname":"Bryan","lastname":"Terry","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"8AXg61qSak"},"token":"bryan_terry"}],"choices":null,"description":null,"district":"048","districtgroup":"state_house","districtgroupname":"State House","districtname":"District 48","job_type":"state_representative","o.office":"state_house_048","office":"state_house_048","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 48","partisan":1,"pgr":"primary","quantity":null,"referendum":null,"source":{"retrieved_at":"2026-06-01","title":"TN SoS \u2014 Candidates for Tennessee House of Representatives (2026)","url":"https://sos-prod.tnsosgovfiles.com/s3fs-public/document/TNHouse_2026.pdf"},"title":"TN House District 48"}