{"campaigns":[{"candidatename":"Angus Purdy","chatgptsummary":"Purdy's biography shows local business ownership and municipal campaign experience relevant to constituent concerns and district knowledge. He has engaged in community advocacy through volunteer work with transportation and budget coalitions. 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\nAngus Purdy is an independent candidate for U.S. Representative from Tennessee's 6th Congressional District in the 2026 general election [2]. The seat opened after incumbent Republican John Rose opted to run for governor instead [2]. He is based in Nashville [1][2].\n\nPurdy describes himself as a progressive independent focused on working-class concerns. In a June 2023 candidate questionnaire he named affordable housing, support for small locally-owned businesses, and school and transit funding as top priorities [1].\n\n## Career\nPurdy is a small business owner in Nashville [1]. He ran for Nashville Metropolitan Council District 18 in the 2023 municipal election [1].\n\nPurdy has volunteered with Walk Bike Nashville, participated in the Nashville People's Budget Coalition and the People's Plaza occupation, and coached children's soccer through the West Nashville Soccer League [1].\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [District 18: Angus Purdy \u2013 Nashville Banner](https://nashvillebanner.com/2023/06/28/district-18-angus-purdy/) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-20\n- [2] [Tennessee's redrawn congressional districts: A full guide to every candidate running in 2026 \u2013 NewsChannel 5](https://www.newschannel5.com/news/tennessees-redrawn-congressional-districts-a-full-guide-to-every-candidate-running-in-2026) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-20\n","firstname":"Angus","lastname":"Purdy","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"T9fYDY271h"},"token":null},{"candidatename":"Christopher Martin Finley","chatgptsummary":"Christopher Martin Finley's biography shows repeated campaign experience in Tennessee's 6th District and long-term local residence, yet it documents no federal legislative drafting, statutory amendment, or executive branch oversight work. The record contains no controversies or disciplinary actions. Bio does not indicate prior legislative craft or coalition-building experience at the federal level.","notes":null,"party":"D","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nChristopher Martin Finley is running as a Democrat for Tennessee's 6th Congressional District in the 2026 primary election (August 6), one of five Democrats who have qualified for the seat vacated by Republican incumbent John Rose's run for governor [3][4]. He previously ran for the same seat in 2018 and 2020. In the 2018 Democratic primary he placed third with 15.1% of the vote (4,662 votes), behind winner Dawn Barlow (54.5%) and Merrilee Wineinger (22.0%) [5]. In 2020 he won the Democratic primary unopposed (21,375 votes) and advanced to the November general election, where he received 24.0% of the vote (83,852 votes) against Republican incumbent John Rose [6].\n\n## Background and education\nFinley was born March 27, 1956, in Sparta, Tennessee, which is also his home city. He identifies his religion as Christian/Methodist [1].\n\n## Career\nFrom 1993 to 2020, Finley worked as a restaurant server at a series of Nashville-area establishments, including J Alexander's Restaurant (1993-1996), Ruth's Chris Steak House (1996-2001), Fleming's Steak House (2001-2005), Sperry's Restaurant (2005-2011), Urban Grub (2016-2018), Jimmy Kelly's (2018-2020), and Belle Meade Country Club (2015-2020) [1]. Politics1.com lists his occupation simply as \"Restaurant Worker\" [4].\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Christopher Finley \u2013 VoteSmart](https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/180455/christopher-finley) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-20\n- [2] [Vote-USA \u2013 Christopher Martin Finley \u2013 Tennessee 6th District](https://vote-usa.org/Intro.aspx?State=TN&Id=TNFinleyChristopherMartin) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-20\n- [3] [Tennessee's redrawn congressional districts: A full guide to every candidate running in 2026 \u2013 NewsChannel 5](https://www.newschannel5.com/news/tennessees-redrawn-congressional-districts-a-full-guide-to-every-candidate-running-in-2026) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-20\n- [4] [Tennessee 2026 Elections: Candidates for Governor, Senate & House \u2013 Politics1](https://politics1.com/tn.htm) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-20\n- [5] [2018 United States House of Representatives elections in Tennessee \u2013 Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_United_States_House_of_Representatives_elections_in_Tennessee) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-20\n- [6] [2020 United States House of Representatives elections in Tennessee \u2013 Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_United_States_House_of_Representatives_elections_in_Tennessee) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-20\n","firstname":"Christopher Martin","lastname":"Finley","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"CHtXyqL6K2"},"token":null},{"candidatename":"Lore Bergman","chatgptsummary":"Bergman's biography shows extensive personal experience navigating federal disability and housing systems, relevant to constituent service and understanding economic concerns for vulnerable populations. She has no prior elected office or legislative record, meaning she lacks direct experience drafting federal statute or exercising congressional oversight judgment. Bio does not indicate experience in coalition-building across party lines or formal legislative craft at the federal level.","notes":null,"party":"D","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nLore Bergman is a Democratic candidate running for election to the U.S. House of Representatives in Tennessee's 6th Congressional District [1]. She filed her Statement of Organization with the Federal Election Commission on November 6, 2023, establishing \"Lore Bergman for US Congress\" as her principal campaign committee [3]. Bergman officially declared her candidacy for the Democratic primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1].\n\nBergman describes herself as a disability and elderly advocate who previously ran in the 2024 cycle for the same seat [7]. Her 2026 campaign is driven by the motto \"Love Thy Neighbor\" and focuses on issues including affordable housing, Medicare, resources for people with disabilities, banning assault weapons, lower drug prices, and women's reproductive rights [12]. She states that she is running again because she believes the economy is being destroyed, prices are skyrocketing, and democracy is being challenged daily [10].\n\nThe candidate's platform includes fighting price gouging, implementing rent control and freezes, and providing free childcare and pre-kindergarten [11]. Bergman has engaged in voter registration events and public appearances to promote her campaign [9]. She faces incumbent Republican John Rose in the general election if she wins the primary [13].\n\n## Background and education\n\nLore Bergman was born in Chicago, Illinois [1]. She is a first-generation immigrant [12]. Bergman self-describes as a disabled person who has spent much of her life navigating complex systems involving Social Security, disability benefits, and public housing [4], [7], [8].\n\nBergman graduated from the Marquette Manor Baptist Academy [1]. She earned a bachelor's degree from the Pillsbury Baptist institution, though the specific name of the college is not fully provided in available records [1].\n\n## Career\n\nLore Bergman is a disability and elderly advocate who has spent much of her life navigating Social Security, disability benefits, public housing, and other assistance programs [4][7][8]. She states that these experiences revealed significant flaws in resources designed to help those in need, noting that the system can often frustrate users to the point of hopelessness and despair [4][8]. Bergman self-describes as a disabled person and draws upon this personal experience to inform her advocacy work [7][8].\n\nBergman is a first-generation immigrant who was born in Chicago, Illinois [12]. She graduated from Marquette Manor Baptist Academy and earned a bachelor's degree from Pillsbury Baptist College [1]. Professionally, she identifies as an activist [6].\n\n## Office history\n\nLore Bergman has not held any elected or appointed public office prior to her current campaign [6]. She self-describes as a disability and elderly advocate, citing her personal experiences navigating Social Security, disability benefits, and public housing systems as the basis for her political focus [4][7][8].\n\nBergman ran for election to the U.S. House of Representatives in Tennessee's 6th Congressional District during the 2024 cycle [1]. She filed a Statement of Organization with the Federal Election Commission on November 6, 2023, establishing her principal campaign committee for this race [3]. In the Democratic primary held on August 1, 2024, Bergman was defeated by incumbent Republican John Rose [2][13].\n\nBergman is currently running for election to the U.S. House of Representatives in Tennessee's 6th Congressional District as a Democrat [1]. She declared her candidacy for the Democratic primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1]. On her campaign website, Bergman states that she won the primary \"last year,\" although official records indicate she lost the 2024 Democratic primary to John Rose [10].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nLore Bergman has not held elected office prior to her 2026 campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives in Tennessee's 6th District [1][2]. Consequently, she has no legislative record, sponsored bills, or committee assignments to report [6]. Her political experience is self-described as stemming from her advocacy work rather than formal government service [6].\n\nBergman\u2019s policy positions are centered on progressive issues, including affordable housing, Medicare expansion, resources for people with disabilities, banning assault weapons, lowering drug prices, and protecting women\u2019s reproductive health [6][12]. She identifies as a disability and elderly advocate, citing her personal experiences navigating Social Security, disability benefits, and public housing systems as the basis for her platform [4][8].\n\nOn economic issues, Bergman states that she will fight to pass legislation against price gouging and implement strict controls on annual price increases for goods and services, including rent payments [11]. Her platform also includes calls for free childcare and pre-kindergarten, as well as rent control measures to protect tenants' rights [11]. She has described the current political environment as chaotic and dysfunctional, expressing concern over rising hate, racism, bigotry, and misogyny in the country [5].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Lore Bergman - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Lore_Bergman)\n[2] [Tennessee's 6th Congressional District election, 2024 (August 1 Democratic primary) - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Tennessee's_6th_Congressional_District_election,_2024_(August_1_Democratic_primary))\n[3] [Form 1 for Lore Bergman for US Congress](https://docquery.fec.gov/cgi-bin/forms/C00855684/1734510/)\n[4] [Lore Bergman for Tennessee\u2019s 6th Congressional District | News | lebanondemocrat.com](https://www.lebanondemocrat.com/maconcounty/news/lore-bergman-for-tennessee-s-6th-congressional-district/article_a18b65c5-88c1-5423-9408-aec7e53a9b4e.html)\n[5] [Lore Bergman \u2013 The Official website of Lore Bergman](https://lorebergman.org/)\n[6] [Democrat Lore Bergman runs for 6th congressional district - Nashville Banner](https://nashvillebanner.com/2024/07/20/lore-bergman-candidate-6th-congressional-district/)\n[7] [Candidate announcement: Lore Bergman for Congress, 6th District - Main Street Media of Tennessee](https://mainstreetmediatn.com/articles/news-thewilsonpost/candidate-announcement-lore-bergman-for-congress-6th-district/)\n[8] [Bergman announces candidacy for 6th Congressional District - Main Street Media of Tennessee](https://mainstreetmediatn.com/articles/gallatinnews/bergman-announces-candidacy-for-6th-congressional-district/)\n[9] [Lore Bergman for US Congress | Tennessee Technological University Event Calendar](https://reserve.tntech.edu/events/QiiqhIHRpLsyCYJsxwHV/7SZB0ui31rEiK5d4IHj7)\n[10] [Meet Lore \u2013 Lore Bergman](https://lorebergman.org/meet-lore/)\n[11] [Platform \u2013 Lore Bergman](https://lorebergman.org/platform/)\n[12] [Lore Bergman Archives - Nashville Banner](https://nashvillebanner.com/tag/lore-bergman/)\n[13] [Tennessee House District 6 General Election Results 2024](https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-elections/tennessee-us-house-district-6-results)","firstname":"Lore","lastname":"Bergman","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"St1frYKvJh"},"token":"lore_bergman"},{"candidatename":"Chaney Mosley","chatgptsummary":"Chaney Mosley's biography shows federal grant management and advocacy for career education, alongside U.S. Army service and academic leadership in program oversight. The record contains no controversies or disciplinary actions. Bio does not indicate prior elected office experience or direct legislative drafting experience at the federal level.","notes":null,"party":"D","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nChaney Mosley is a Democratic candidate running for election to the U.S. House of Representatives in Tennessee's 6th Congressional District [1]. He declared his candidacy for the primary election scheduled for August 6, 2026, which will determine the party nominee for the seat being vacated by incumbent John Rose [1] [9]. Mosley launched his campaign with a gathering of family, friends, and community members from across Middle Tennessee, including teachers, farmers, and veterans [2].\n\nMosley self-describes as a Christian, husband, father of three, teacher, veteran, and lifelong agricultural educator [4]. He serves as an associate professor of agricultural education at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), where he teaches program management and teaching methodology while supervising student teachers [6] [7]. His professional background includes serving as the past president of the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), a role in which he represented over 29,000 members nationwide to advocate for innovation in schools and workplaces [5] [7].\n\nIn his campaign messaging, Mosley emphasizes his experience as a national leader in career and technical education and his focus on workforce development [3] [5]. He has highlighted his work securing federal grants to support agricultural research and connect under-skilled residents with better job opportunities through public libraries in Middle Tennessee [9] [10]. Mosley completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey for the 2026 cycle, providing further details on his policy positions and campaign platform [1].\n\n## Background and education\n\nChaney Mosley was raised in a small town by a single mother [3]. He self-describes as a Christian and states that he is a husband and father of three [4].\n\nMosley earned a high school diploma from Eagleville High School [1]. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Middle Tennessee State University in 2000 and an Associate of Science degree from George Washington University in 2004 [6]. He later received a Master of Education from Middle Tennessee State University in 2004, followed by an Education Specialist degree from the University of West Georgia in 2007 [6]. Mosley completed his doctoral studies at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), earning both a Ph.D. and a Graduate Certificate in Rural Teacher Certification in 2012 [6].\n\n## Career\n\nChaney Mosley served in the U.S. Army [1]. He holds a high school diploma from Eagleville High School, a bachelor\u2019s degree from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), and a Ph.D. from Virginia Tech [1]. His academic credentials also include a Graduate Certificate in Rural Technical Education from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, an Educational Specialist degree from the University of West Georgia, and a Master of Education from MTSU [6].\n\nMosley is an associate professor of agricultural education at MTSU\u2019s School of Agriculture [6]. In this role, he teaches courses on program management and teaching methodology while supervising student teachers for preservice agricultural education students [7]. He also serves as the assistant director of the Tennessee State FFA Foundation [7]. His areas of expertise include career and technical education (CTE), applied STEM education, and farm and ranch stress and mental health [6].\n\nA national leader in CTE, Mosley previously served as president of the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), representing over 29,000 members nationwide to advocate for innovation and opportunity in schools and workplaces [5]. He was elected president-elect of ACTE in April 2022 [7]. During his tenure, he focused on fostering inclusivity and diversity within the agricultural community, particularly regarding teacher recruitment and retention in rural and urban areas [8].\n\nIn research, Mosley spearheaded a collaboration involving three universities to secure a nearly $750,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture/National Institute of Food and Agriculture [10]. This three-year endeavor investigates soil solutions for sustainable crop production, aiming to address challenges related to projected global population growth by 2050 [10]. He has also led workforce initiatives, such as a federally funded project in 2023 that utilized public libraries in six Middle Tennessee counties to connect under-skilled residents with career opportunities [9].\n\n## Office history\n\nChaney Mosley has not held any elected or appointed public office. He served in the U.S. Army [1]. Professionally, he is an associate professor of agricultural education at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), where he teaches program management and teaching methodology while supervising student teachers [7]. He also serves as the assistant director of the Tennessee Space Grant Consortium [7].\n\nMosley previously served as president-elect of the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) in 2022, representing over 29,000 members nationwide to advocate for innovation in career and technical education [5][7]. He has not held the office of ACTE president yet, as that term follows his presidency-elect role.\n\nMosley is running for election to the U.S. House to represent Tennessee's 6th Congressional District in the Democratic primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1]. This race is currently upcoming and has not been held. There are no records of prior elected races run or lost by Mosley in the provided sources.\n\n## Family\n\nMosley self-describes as a husband and father of three [4]. He states that he was raised in a small town by a single mother [3].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Chaney Mosley](https://ballotpedia.org/Chaney_Mosley)\n[2] [Chaney Mosley, Ph.D.'s Post](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/chaneymosley_im-excited-to-share-that-im-running-for-activity-7388995227774025728-oiqH)\n[3] [Meet Chaney Mosley: Chaney isn't just another candidate; ...](https://www.facebook.com/PutnamCoYoungDems/posts/meet-chaney-mosleychaney-isnt-just-another-candidate-he-is-a-teacher-a-veteran-a/1184527653856190/)\n[4] [Chaney Mosley for Congress](https://www.chaneymosley.com/)\n[5] [About \u2014 Chaney Mosley for Tennessee](https://www.chaneymosley.com/about)\n[6] [Dr. Chaney W. Mosley | Faculty | Middle Tennessee State University](https://w1.mtsu.edu/faculty/chaney-w-mosley)\n[7] [Meet Chaney Mosley, ACTE president-elect - ACTE Online](https://www.acteonline.org/tech-pres-elect-mosley/)\n[8] [LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Agriculture Education | Chaney Mosely](https://prideinagriculture.com/lgbtq-inclusion-agriculture-education-chaney-mosely/)\n[9] [6th Congressional District candidate speaks in Cookeville | News | herald-citizen.com](https://www.herald-citizen.com/news/6th-congressional-district-candidate-speaks-in-cookeville/article_c6d25d7e-de58-5bac-8307-d13f0b6869ce.html)\n[10] [Healthy field, healthy yield? With $750K grant, MTSU ag faculty, others research soil solutions \u2013 MTSU News](https://mtsunews.com/with-750k-grant-ag-faculty-seek-soil-solutions/)","firstname":"Chaney","lastname":"Mosley","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"diNB1lOLbU"},"token":"chaney_mosley"},{"candidatename":"Johnny Garrett","chatgptsummary":"Johnny Garrett's biography shows seven years of state legislative service including leadership as House Majority Whip and membership on Appropriations and Judiciary committees, demonstrating familiarity with budgeting and lawmaking processes. He is an attorney with a business degree and has raised significant campaign funds for his congressional bid. Bio does not indicate experience in federal statute drafting or direct oversight of the executive branch and military.","notes":null,"party":"R","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nJohnny Garrett is a Republican member of the Tennessee House of Representatives representing District 45, a seat he has held since assuming office on November 6, 2018 [1][9]. In addition to his legislative duties, which include serving as the House Majority Whip and sitting on the Appropriations, Civil Justice, Finance, Ways, and Means, and Judiciary committees, Garrett is an attorney and a seventh-generation resident of Goodlettsville, Tennessee [3][7][8].\n\nGarrett declared his candidacy for the Republican primary to represent Tennessee\u2019s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, with the primary election scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1]. He is not seeking re-election to the Tennessee State House, meaning he will not appear on the ballot for that office in the upcoming August primary [1]. His campaign finance reports indicate he has raised over $1.7 million, including significant individual contributions and loans [2].\n\nGarrett self-describes as a pro-Trump Christian conservative who aims to support President Trump\u2019s America First agenda [4][5]. He states that his priorities include lowering taxes, securing borders, promoting peace through strength, opposing men in women's sports, and protecting conservative family values [4][12]. In the current legislative session, he has sponsored House Bill 2036, which would limit eligibility for federal office to natural-born citizens [10].\n\n## Background and education\n\nJohnny C. Garrett was born on August 8, 1978 [3]. He is a seventh-generation resident of Goodlettsville, Tennessee, and has lived in Sumner County for over 35 years [8]. Garrett identifies as a Christian conservative and is a member of the Methodist faith [4][5][6].\n\nGarrett attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in General Business between 1997 and 2001 [6][8]. He subsequently attended the Nashville School of Law, graduating with a Juris Doctor in 2006 [6][8].\n\n## Career\n\nJohnny Garrett is an attorney who earned a Bachelor of Science in general business from the University of Tennessee and a Juris Doctor from the Nashville School of Law [3][6]. He is licensed through the Tennessee Bar Association, where he is listed as a member of Bone McAllester Norton PLLN in Hendersonville [8].\n\nGarrett has served in the Tennessee House of Representatives since November 6, 2018, representing District 45 [1][9]. During his tenure, he has held leadership roles including Republican Whip starting in 2021 and serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee, Civil Justice Subcommittee, Finance, Ways, and Means Committee, and Judiciary Committee [6][7]. He is a seventh-generation resident of Goodlettsville who has lived in Sumner County for over 35 years [8].\n\n## Office history\n\nJohnny Garrett was elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives for District 45 in November 2018 and assumed office on January 8, 2019, succeeding Courtney Rogers [1][3]. He serves as a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee, Civil Justice Subcommittee, Finance, Ways, and Means Committee, and Judiciary Committee within the state legislature [7]. In addition to his committee assignments, Garrett holds the position of Republican Whip in the Tennessee House of Representatives, a role he has held since 2021 [6][8].\n\nGarrett is currently running for election to the U.S. House of Representatives to represent Tennessee's 6th Congressional District in the Republican primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1]. He declared his candidacy for this seat in July 2025, positioning himself as a pro-Trump conservative attorney [12]. Garrett will not appear on the ballot for re-election to the Tennessee House of Representatives in the upcoming August 2026 primary, meaning he will not seek another term in that body [1].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nJohnny Garrett has served in the Tennessee House of Representatives since January 8, 2019, representing District 45 [1][3]. During his tenure, he has held leadership roles within the Republican caucus, serving as the House Majority Whip starting in 2021 [6][8]. His committee assignments include membership on the Appropriations Subcommittee, the Civil Justice Subcommittee, the Finance, Ways, and Means Committee, and the Judiciary Committee [7].\n\nGarrett\u2019s legislative record is characterized by conservative policy positions. He received an 86% lifetime rating from CPAC [13] and earned a perfect scorecard from the Family Action Council of Tennessee for his votes on measures including the Human Life Protection Act (SB 1257/HB 1029), the Governor Lee's Pro-Life Bill (SB 2196/HB 2263), and legislation restricting single-sex student athletics (SB 1736/HB 1689) [11]. In January 2026, Garrett sponsored House Bill 2036, which would limit eligibility for federal office to natural-born citizens [10].\n\nAs a candidate for the U.S. House in Tennessee\u2019s 6th District, Garrett self-describes as a pro-Trump Christian conservative who supports President Trump\u2019s America First agenda [4][5]. He states that his priorities include lowering taxes, securing borders, and maintaining traditional gender standards in sports [12]. Financial records from the Federal Election Commission show that Garrett raised $1,707,664.57 for his congressional campaign, including $900,000 in loans received [2].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nJohnny Garrett holds a Bachelor of Science in General Business from the University of Tennessee and a Juris Doctor from the Nashville School of Law [3][6]. He is an attorney who serves as a member of Bone McAllester Norton PLLC in Hendersonville, Tennessee [8]. As a state legislator, he has held leadership roles within the Tennessee House Republican Caucus, including serving as the House Majority Whip since 2021 and the Republican Whip starting in 2019 [6][7].\n\nGarrett\u2019s campaign finances for his bid to represent Tennessee's 6th Congressional District reflect a reliance on individual donors rather than personal wealth. Federal Election Commission data indicates that he raised a total of $1,707,664.57 for his congressional campaign, with $807,664.57 coming from contributions and $900,000 from loans received [2]. Of the total contributions, $772,323.00 were individual contributions, including $624,038.21 in itemized donations and $148,284.79 in unitemized donations [2]. He also contributed $2,291.57 of his own funds to the campaign [2].\n\nGarrett self-describes as a pro-Trump Christian conservative who cites his Tennessee roots and family values as central to his identity [4][5]. He is a seventh-generation resident of Goodlettsville, Tennessee, where he has lived for over 35 years [8]. His professional background in business and law is frequently highlighted alongside his role as a husband and father of three children: Jackson, Ella, and Addie [6].\n\n## Family\n\nGarrett self-describes as a husband and father of three [4][5]. His wife is named Kara, and their children are Jackson, Ella, and Addie [6].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Johnny Garrett - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Johnny_Garrett)\n[2] [GARRETT, JOHNNY - Candidate overview - FEC.gov](https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/H6TN06213/)\n[3] [Johnny Garrett (politician) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_Garrett_(politician))\n[4] [Johnny Garrett for Congress](https://johnnygarrettforcongress.com/)\n[5] [Meet Johnny - Johnny Garrett for Congress](https://johnnygarrettforcongress.com/meet-johnny/)\n[6] [Johnny Garrett's Biography](https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/182452/johnny-garrett)\n[7] [Representative Johnny Garrett \u2014 Tennessee House Republican Caucus](https://tnhousegop.org/members/representative-johnny-garrett/)\n[8] [Group Directory](https://www.tba.org/?mg=&pg=groupsdirectory&dirAction=memberDetails&dirMemberid=1847007)\n[9] [State Representative Johnny Garrett | BillTrack50](https://www.billtrack50.com/legislatordetail/22950)\n[10] [Tennessee Republican bill would limit federal office to natural-born citizens \u2022 Tennessee Lookout](https://tennesseelookout.com/2026/01/23/tennessee-republican-bill-would-limit-federal-office-to-natural-born-citizens/)\n[11] [Rep. Johnny Garrett - Family Action Council of Tennessee](https://scorecard.factennessee.org/representatives/johnny-garrett)\n[12] [State Rep. Johnny Garrett announces bid for Congress - Axios Nashville](https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/07/08/state-rep-johnny-garrett-announces-bid-for-congress)\n[13] [Johnny Garrett \u2014 State Representative from Tennessee \u2014 86% Lifetime CPAC Rating](https://www.cpac.org/bio/tn-johnny-garrett)","firstname":"Johnny","lastname":"Garrett","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"HZXaLVrVwh"},"token":"johnny_garrett"},{"candidatename":"Mike Croley","chatgptsummary":"Mike Croley's biography shows federal service in the U.S. Navy and work as an engineer at NOAA, alongside nonprofit leadership as executive director of the Cumberland Trails Conference. The record contains no documented controversies or disciplinary actions. Bio does not indicate prior legislative experience drafting federal statute or direct constituent casework with federal agencies.","notes":null,"party":"D","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nMike Croley is a Democratic candidate running for election to the U.S. House to represent Tennessee's 6th Congressional District [1]. He declared his candidacy for the Democratic primary scheduled on August 6, 2026, following the resignation of incumbent U.S. Representative Mark Green [5]. The general election for this seat is scheduled for November 3, 2026 [4].\n\nCroley established a principal campaign committee titled \"MIKE CROLEY FOR TN6\" to manage his fundraising efforts [2]. As of the available financial reports, the committee had raised $14,730.00 in total receipts, with $14,690.00 coming from individual contributions [2]. Cole Jacobs serves as the committee's treasurer, and the campaign maintains a mailing address in Crossville, Tennessee [2].\n\nIn his campaign messaging, Croley self-describes himself as an engineer and outlines a platform known as the \"AAA Blueprint\" (Triple-A) [3]. This framework addresses concerns he states he hears from Tennesseans across various regions, aiming to provide robust constituent feedback mechanisms on legislation [3][4]. Prior to his congressional run, Croley served as the executive director of the Cumberland Trails Conference, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the development of the Cumberland Trail State Park in Tennessee [6].\n\n## Background and education\n\nMike Croley was born in Owensboro, Kentucky [1]. He graduated from Ohio County High School [1].\n\nCroley earned a bachelor's degree from Vanderbilt University in 2005 and a graduate degree from Tennessee Technological University [1].\n\n## Career\n\nMike Croley served in the United States Navy from 1999 to 2009 [1]. He graduated from Ohio County High School and earned a bachelor's degree from Vanderbilt University in 2005, followed by a graduate degree from Tennessee Technological University [1].\n\nProfessionally, Croley worked at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) before transitioning to leadership roles in the non-profit sector [4]. He served as the executive director of the Cumberland Trails Conference, an organization dedicated to supporting the development and completion of the Cumberland Trail State Park in Tennessee [6].\n\n## Office history\n\nMike Croley served in the U.S. Navy from 1999 to 2009 [1]. He later worked as an engineer at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) before leaving his position due to budget cuts associated with the Inflation Reduction Act [4]. He also served as the Executive Director of the Cumberland Trails Conference, a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing the Cumberland Trail State Park in Tennessee [6].\n\nCroley declared his candidacy for the Democratic primary for U.S. House in Tennessee's 6th Congressional District, with the election scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1][4]. He established a principal campaign committee, \"Mike Croley for TN6,\" which reported raising $14,730.00 and receiving $14,690.00 in total contributions as of the available financial data [2]. The race is part of the contest to replace resigning U.S. Representative Mark Green [5].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nMike Croley\u2019s professional background includes service in the U.S. Navy from 1999 to 2009 and work as an engineer at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) [1][4]. He holds a bachelor's degree from Vanderbilt University, earned in 2005, and a graduate degree from Tennessee Technological University [1]. Croley has also served as the executive director of the Cumberland Trails Conference, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the development of the Cumberland Trail State Park [6].\n\nFinancial disclosure data for his 2026 campaign indicates that his principal campaign committee, \"MIKE CROLEY FOR TN6,\" reported total receipts of $14,730.00 and total individual contributions of $14,690.00 as of the most recent filing [2]. The sources provided do not contain information regarding Croley's personal wealth source, family wealth, private business ownership stakes, or sales of businesses [1][2][3][4][5][6].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Mike Croley - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Mike_Croley)\n[2] [MIKE CROLEY FOR TN6 - committee overview - FEC.gov](https://www.fec.gov/data/committee/C00902239/)\n[3] [Mike Croley for Congress](https://croleyforcongress.com/)\n[4] [Candidates of Our Dreams: Mike Croley (TN-06)](https://kateforthepeople.substack.com/p/candidates-of-our-dreams-mike-croley)\n[5] [Game on: Fields fill for Tennessee\u2019s open 6th and 7th U.S. House seats; a Democrat in District 5 \u2022 Tennessee Lookout](https://tennesseelookout.com/2025/07/08/whos-running-for-tennessees-6th-and-7th-u-s-house-seats/)\n[6] [Interview With Mike Croley, Cumberland Trails Conference, Executive Director - Mark Fraley Podcast](http://www.markfraley.com/podcast/interview-mike-croley-cumberland-trail-conference-executive-director/)","firstname":"Mike","lastname":"Croley","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"E0tWeWAvlF"},"token":"mike_croley"},{"candidatename":"Jon Henry","chatgptsummary":"Jon Henry's biography shows 27 years of Marine Corps service as a Sergeant Major and graduate degrees in public administration and military studies. These facts suggest familiarity with federal oversight and constituent needs through his rural Tennessee upbringing and church leadership roles. The record contains no documented controversies or disciplinary actions. Bio does not indicate experience drafting federal legislation or building cross-party coalitions at the congressional level.","notes":null,"party":"R","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nJon Henry is a Republican candidate seeking election to the U.S. House of Representatives to represent Tennessee's 6th Congressional District [1]. He officially declared his candidacy for the Republican primary, which is scheduled to take place on August 6, 2026 [1]. As of May 2026, the outcome of this upcoming election remains unknown.\n\nHenry\u2019s campaign profile identifies him as a conservative candidate [2]. His background includes 27 years of service in the United States Marine Corps, during which he rose to the rank of Sergeant Major and served in both Iraq wars [3]. He holds a Master of Military Studies from the Marine Corps Command and Staff College and a Master of Public Administration from Troy University [1][2].\n\n## Background and education\n\nJon Henry was born in Carthage, Tennessee [1]. He grew up in Riddleton, where his family raised tobacco, crops, cattle, and pigs [3]. He self-describes as a member of the Church of Christ [2].\n\nHenry pursued his undergraduate education at Palomar College and American Military University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from the latter in 2008 [1][2]. He completed graduate studies at Troy University, receiving a Master of Public Administration in 2012, and attended the United States Marine Corps Command and Staff College, where he earned a Master of Military Studies in 2014 [1][2].\n\n## Career\n\nJon Henry served in the United States Marine Corps for 27 years, from 1990 to 2017, rising to the rank of Sergeant Major [1][2]. His military career included service during both Iraq wars [3]. He pursued his undergraduate education at Palomar College and the American Military University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in 2008 [1][2]. Henry completed graduate studies at Troy University, obtaining a Master of Public Administration in 2012, and attended the United States Marine Corps Command and Staff College, where he earned a Master of Military Science in 2014 [1][2].\n\nOutside of his military service, Henry has been involved with the Church of Christ as an assistant pastor and children's ministry leader [2]. He also serves as a volunteer for Hope Worldwide and was the commander of Legion Riders Post 57 [2].\n\n## Office history\n\nJon Henry served in the United States Marine Corps from 1990 to 2017, rising to the rank of Sergeant Major and serving in both Iraq wars during his military career [1][3]. He self-describes as having spent 27 years in the Marine Corps [2].\n\nHenry ran for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in Tennessee [3]. The sources provided do not specify the year of this race or its outcome, so details regarding that specific election result are omitted here.\n\nIn 2026, Henry declared his candidacy for the Republican primary to represent Tennessee's 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives [1]. The primary election is scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1]. As this date is after today (May 11, 2026), the outcome of this race is unknown.\n\n## Family\n\nHenry\u2019s wife is Renee, whom he married right out of high school [3]. The couple has two children, Kristian and Jonathan, and a grandson named Kolton [3].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Jon Henry - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Jon_Henry)\n[2] [Get sample ballots, voting information, candidate evaluations and more.](https://ivoterguide.com/candidate?elecK=704&raceK=6830&primarypartyk=R&canK=53825)\n[3] [Riddleton's Jon Henry seeks Republican nod for U.S. Senate | Hartsville | lebanondemocrat.com](https://www.lebanondemocrat.com/hartsville/riddletons-jon-henry-seeks-republican-nod-for-u-s-senate/article_703db2f2-3305-5630-a525-a10ef94151a9.html)","firstname":"Jon","lastname":"Henry","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"AaY0d43U3O"},"token":"jon_henry"},{"candidatename":"Miriam Leibowitz","chatgptsummary":"Leibowitz's background as a Democratic activist and community outreach manager suggests capacity for constituent engagement and coalition-building within her party. The biography contains no record of controversy or disciplinary action. Bio does not indicate experience in federal legislative drafting or oversight judgment of the executive branch.","notes":null,"party":"D","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nMiriam Leibowitz is running as a Democrat in the August 6, 2026 primary for Tennessee's 6th Congressional District, one of five Democrats \u2014 alongside Lore Bergman, Mike Croley, Christopher Martin Finley, and Chaney Mosley \u2014 who have qualified for the seat left open by Republican incumbent John Rose's campaign for governor [1][2]. She is based in Nashville [1][2].\n\n## Career\nPolitics1.com lists Leibowitz's occupation as \"Community Outreach Manager & Democratic Activist\" [3].\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Democrats scramble campaigns after Tennessee redistricting \u2013 Nashville Banner](https://nashvillebanner.com/2026/05/13/tennessee-redistricting-democrats-congressional-candidates/) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-20\n- [2] [Tennessee's redrawn congressional districts: A full guide to every candidate running in 2026 \u2013 NewsChannel 5](https://www.newschannel5.com/news/tennessees-redrawn-congressional-districts-a-full-guide-to-every-candidate-running-in-2026) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-20\n- [3] [Tennessee 2026 Elections: Candidates for Governor, Senate & House \u2013 Politics1](https://politics1.com/tn.htm) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-20\n","firstname":"Miriam","lastname":"Leibowitz","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"CayNumO0GO"},"token":null},{"candidatename":"Natisha Brooks","chatgptsummary":"Natisha Brooks's biography shows experience as an educational consultant and academy operator, yet it does not demonstrate federal legislative craft, prior elected office, or direct oversight of the executive branch. The record contains no documented controversies or disciplinary actions. Bio does not indicate experience in drafting federal statute or managing constituent casework with federal agencies.","notes":null,"party":"R","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nNatisha Brooks is a Republican candidate seeking election to the U.S. House of Representatives in Tennessee's 6th Congressional District.[1] She officially declared her candidacy for the Republican primary, which is scheduled to take place on August 6, 2026.[1] The general election for this seat is set for November 3, 2026.[1]\n\nBrooks describes herself as a \"Constitutional Conservative\" and has cited fiscal responsibility as a key motivation for her political career.[8] Her campaign platform emphasizes uniting Tennesseans regardless of party affiliation.[8] She operates The Brooks Academy, a home-schooling institution, and is an educational consultant who attended Prairie View A&M University.[1][5]\n\nIn previous political cycles, Brooks has sought other offices. In 2020, she ran for U.S. Senator in Tennessee as a Republican, where she self-reported receiving contributions from Marsha Blackburn.[2] She also previously sought the Republican nomination for Tennessee's 5th Congressional District, placing second in a Wilson County straw poll among five candidates.[6] During that campaign, she stated she had resigned from her previous professional role to focus on running for Congress.[5] Additionally, Brooks was a candidate for Metro Nashville mayor and participated in forums hosted by WKRN.[4][7]\n\n## Background and education\n\nNatisha Brooks attended Prairie View A&M University [1]. She is an educational consultant who operated The Brooks Academy, a home-schooling institution, as of 2020 [1]. Brooks also maintains a website for her home school academy [5].\n\n## Career\n\nBrooks attended Prairie View A&M University [1]. She has worked as an educational consultant and is described as a longtime educator [5][9]. As of 2020, she operated The Brooks Academy, also referred to as the Brooks Home School Academy, a homeschooling institution that served families across Tennessee and internationally [1][5].\n\nBrooks self-describes as a Christian conservative constitutionalist [9].\n\n## Office history\n\nNatisha Brooks has not held any elected or appointed public office [2]. She self-describes as a \"Constitutional Conservative\" and runs on the Republican ticket for federal office [5][8].\n\nBrooks ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in Tennessee's 5th Congressional District, where she placed second in a Wilson County straw poll among five Republican candidates [6]. She also sought the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate in Tennessee in 2020 [2]. Additionally, Brooks was a candidate for Mayor of Nashville, participating in a mayoral forum hosted by WKRN [4][7].\n\nAs of 2026, Brooks is running for election to the U.S. House to represent Tennessee's 6th Congressional District in the Republican primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nNatisha Brooks has not held elected legislative office, and therefore possesses no legislative record of sponsored bills, votes, or committee assignments [1]. Her political experience is primarily rooted in her work as an educational consultant and operator of The Brooks Academy, a home-schooling institution established as of 2020 [1].\n\nBrooks identifies herself as a \"Constitutional Conservative\" and has stated that fiscal responsibility was a primary factor in her decision to run on the Republican ticket [5][8]. In a 2022 political courage test, she indicated support for expanding federal funding to entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare, arguing that these benefits are vital to the country's economy [3]. Conversely, she opposed increasing income taxes on any tax bracket to balance the budget [3]. She also holds a pro-life stance, asserting that human life begins at conception [2].\n\nDuring her previous campaign for Tennessee's 5th Congressional District, Brooks placed second in a Wilson County straw poll among Republican candidates [6]. In that cycle, she received contributions from Marsha Blackburn but reported no other political contributions received [2].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nNatisha Brooks is an educational consultant who operated The Brooks Academy, a homeschooling institution, as of 2020 [1]. She also maintains an online presence for the Brooks Home School Academy, which she states has enrolled 319 families across the state and nation, including five international families [5]. Brooks self-describes her professional background in education and consulting rather than traditional corporate business ownership [5].\n\nPublic financial disclosure records indicate that Brooks received no campaign contributions from private sources during the 2020 U.S. Senate race [2]. Her political funding history includes a contribution of $1 to Marsha Blackburn in 2015, but she reported receiving zero dollars in contributions for that specific election cycle [2]. No other significant business sales or wealth sources are detailed in available records.\n\n## Family\n\nNatisha Brooks is married and has a son named Miles Brooks, Jr., who serves as an attorney for Blue Cross/Blue Shield [6]. She operates The Brooks Academy, a home-schooling institution that includes families from across the state and nation, as well as five international families [5].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Natisha Brooks - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Natisha_Brooks)\n[2] [Voter Guide Profile for TN U.S. Senator candidate - Natisha Brooks](https://ivoterguide.com/candidate/53817/race/6830/election/704)\n[3] [Natisha Brooks' Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)](https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/political-courage-test/190499/natisha-brooks)\n[4] [Natisha Brooks Archives - Tennessee Star](https://tennesseestar.com/tag/natisha-brooks/)\n[5] [Fiscal Responsibility Draws Natisha Brooks to GOP for Seat \u2013 The Tennessee Tribune](https://tntribune.com/fiscal-responsibility-draws-natisha-brooks-to-gop-for-seat/)\n[6] [Brooks Places Second in Wilson County Straw Poll for 5th Congressional District \u2013 The Tennessee Tribune](https://tntribune.com/brooks-places-second-in-wilson-county-straw-poll-for-5th-congressional-district/)\n[7] [Natisha Brooks \u2014 Arts Equity Nashville](https://www.artsequitynashville.org/natisha-brooks)\n[8] [Candidate announcement: Natisha Brooks for Congress - Main Street Media of Tennessee](https://mainstreetmediatn.com/articles/thewilsonpost/candidate-announcement-natisha-brooks-for-congress/)\n[9] [Nashville Mayor's Race | Natisha Brooks: Mayoral Candidate Q&A](https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/mayoral-race-2023/natisha-brooks-candidate-q-and-a/)","firstname":"Natisha","lastname":"Brooks","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"4oflCMlWFe"},"token":"natisha_brooks"},{"candidatename":"Van Hilleary","chatgptsummary":"Van Hilleary's biography shows prior federal legislative service on the Armed Services and Budget Committees, military experience as a Gulf War veteran, and recent work as a congressional chief of staff, addressing demands for legislative craft, oversight judgment, and constituent-service capacity. While a 2006 Senate campaign featured accusations regarding pay raises that fact-checkers later disputed, no disciplinary records appear in the text. Bio does not indicate recent experience with drafting federal statute or building cross-party coalitions.","notes":null,"party":"R","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nVan Hilleary is a Republican candidate seeking to represent Tennessee\u2019s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives [5]. He launched his campaign on July 11, 2025, with an event in Gallatin, aiming to succeed outgoing Representative John Rose, who vacated the seat to run for governor [5][10]. Hilleary previously served as a Republican member of the U.S. House from Tennessee\u2019s 4th District from 1995 to 2003 [2][8].\n\nIn his campaign materials, Hilleary self-describes as a \"fighter for Trump\" and emphasizes his background as a veteran who flew combat missions during the Gulf War [3][4]. He states that he is running to ensure President Trump has supporters in Congress who will \"back him up\" rather than obstruct his agenda [4]. Hilleary also served as chief of staff to John Rose from 2019 to 2025 before leaving that role to run for office [13].\n\nCampaign finance data indicates that Hilleary\u2019s committee raised $52,876.63 in total receipts during the reporting period ending September 30, 2026 [1][6]. The funds included $24,757.63 in individual contributions and $3,000.00 from other committees [1]. As of May 2026, Hilleary remains on the ballot for the upcoming general election [6].\n\n## Background and education\n\nWilliam Vanderpool Hilleary was born on June 20, 1959, in Dayton, Tennessee [2]. He grew up in Rhea County, Tennessee [3].\n\nHilleary attended the University of Tennessee, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree while receiving an Air Force ROTC scholarship [2][3]. He subsequently earned his Juris Doctor from Cumberland School of Law [7]. Note that Wikipedia lists his law school as Samford University [2], but campaign materials and other sources identify it as Cumberland [7].\n\n## Career\n\nWilliam Vanderpool Hilleary was born in Dayton, Tennessee [2]. He attended the University of Tennessee on an Air Force ROTC scholarship and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from that institution [3]. He subsequently received his Juris Doctor from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University [7].\n\nHilleary served as an officer in the United States Air Force from 1982 to 1984 on active duty, followed by service in the Air Force Reserve from 1984 to 1995 [2]. During his active service, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant and flew 24 combat and combat support missions as a C-130 navigator during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm [3]. He self-describes as a veteran who has been on the \"front lines of the fight for freedom\" [4].\n\nFollowing his military service, Hilleary served in the U.S. House of Representatives from Tennessee's 4th district from 1995 to 2003 [2]. After leaving Congress, he worked as a lobbyist and legal professional. He served as a lobbyist for Sonnenschein, Nath & Rosenthal from 2004 to 2008 [11]. He later held the position of Of Counsel at SNR Denton in 2004 [11] and worked as a lobbyist for Dentons US between 2012 and 2015 [11].\n\nIn 2019, Hilleary returned to Capitol Hill as the chief of staff to Representative John W. Rose [13]. He left this role in 2025 to launch his campaign for Tennessee's 6th Congressional District [5].\n\n## Office history\n\nVan Hilleary served as a U.S. Representative for Tennessee\u2019s 4th District from January 3, 1995, to January 3, 2003 [2]. During his tenure, he was a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Budget Committee [11]. He left office after losing the 2002 Republican primary for Governor of Tennessee to Democrat Phil Bredesen [13].\n\nFollowing his congressional service, Hilleary worked as a lobbyist for Sonnenschein, Nath & Rosenthal from 1999 to 2008 and later for Dentons US from 2012 to 2015 [11]. He also served as Of Counsel at SNR Denton in 2004 [11]. In 2006, he ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate [13].\n\nIn December 2018, Hilleary returned to Capitol Hill as Chief of Staff to Rep.-elect John W. Rose [13]. He subsequently launched a campaign for Tennessee\u2019s 6th Congressional District in July 2025, seeking to succeed Rose, who was vacating the seat to run for governor [5]. As of May 2026, Hilleary remains a candidate in the Republican primary for this upcoming election [6].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nDuring his tenure as a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Tennessee\u2019s 4th District from 1995 to 2003, Hilleary served on the House Budget Committee and the House Armed Services Committee [2][11]. GovTrack.us characterizes his legislative ideology during this period as conservative, noting his position in the rightmost tier of its ideology-leadership chart based on bills sponsored and cosponsored between 1997 and 2002 [8].\n\nHilleary\u2019s voting record includes repeated opposition to congressional pay raises; he and Representative Ed Bryant were cited by Senate candidate Bob Corker for consistently voting against such increases, contradicting accusations that they voted to raise their own pay [12]. In the context of his current campaign for Tennessee\u2019s 6th Congressional District, Hilleary self-describes as a \"fighter\" who will cast \"hard votes\" and support President Trump without compromising or making backroom deals [3][4]. He states that he is prepared to protect shared Tennessee values in Washington D.C. [10].\n\nFollowing his departure from Congress, Hilleary worked as a lobbyist for Sonnenschein, Nath & Rosenthal (later SNR Denton and Dentons US) from 2004 to 2015 [11]. He later returned to Capitol Hill in 2019 as the Chief of Staff for Rep.-elect John W. Rose, bringing prior legislative experience to the role [13][14].\n\n## Documented disputes and controversies\n\nIn 2006, Van Hilleary ran for the U.S. Senate in Tennessee but lost to incumbent Bob Corker [13]. During that campaign, Corker accused Hilleary and fellow representative Ed Bryant of voting to raise their own pay while in the House [12]. Fact-checking organizations noted that Hilleary and Bryant had repeatedly voted against such raises [12].\n\nHilleary previously ran for Governor of Tennessee but lost to Democrat Phil Bredesen [13]. He later returned to Capitol Hill as chief of staff to Rep.-elect John W. Rose, who was his former boss during Hilleary's tenure in the House [13]. In July 2025, Hilleary announced his candidacy for Tennessee\u2019s 6th Congressional District, seeking to succeed Rose, who was vacating the seat to run for governor [5].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nVan Hilleary\u2019s professional background includes service as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Tennessee\u2019s 4th District from 1995 to 2003 [2]. Following his congressional tenure, he worked in the private sector and on Capitol Hill, serving as Of Counsel at SNR Denton starting in 2004 and later as a lobbyist for Dentons US between 2012 and 2015 [11]. He also returned to Washington as Chief of Staff for Rep.-elect John W. Rose, a position he assumed in 2019 [13].\n\nHilleary\u2019s campaign finances for the 2026 election cycle show total receipts of $52,876.63, with $24,757.63 coming from individual contributions and $3,000.00 from other committees [1]. The FEC data indicates that $2,007.63 of these individual contributions were unitemized [1]. As of the September 30, 2026 campaign committee report, OpenSecrets lists total raised, spent, and cash on hand figures as zeroed out or obscured in its summary view for this cycle [6].\n\nHilleary self-describes his career as that of a \"fighter\" and notes his background as a veteran who flew 24 combat missions during the Gulf War [3]. He is a member of the Portland Chamber of Commerce in Tennessee, listed under the category of individual membership for his campaign committee [9].\n\n## Family\n\nVan Hilleary is married to Meredith Hilleary[2]. The couple has four children[2].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [HILLEARY, W VAN - Candidate overview - FEC.gov](https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/H4TN04072/)\n[2] [Van Hilleary - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Van_Hilleary)\n[3] [Meet Van \u2013 Van Hilleary for U.S. Congress](https://www.vanfortn.com/about/)\n[4] [Van Hilleary for U.S. Congress](https://www.vanfortn.com/)\n[5] [Former Tennessee congressman Hilleary announces run for 6th Congressional District | Chattanooga Times Free Press](https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2025/jul/14/former-tennessee-congressman-hilleary-announces/)\n[6] [Rep. Van Hilleary - Tennessee District 04](https://www.opensecrets.org/members-of-congress/van-hilleary/other-data?cid=N00003166&cycle=2002)\n[7] [Van Hilleary](https://www.chairmanbobsutton.com/post/william-vanderpool-van-hilleary)\n[8] [Rep. Van Hilleary [R-TN4, 1995-2002], former Representative for Tennessee's 4th Congressional District - GovTrack.us](https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/van_hilleary/400547)\n[9] [Van Hilleary for Tennessee | Individual - Portland Chamber of Commerce - TN, TN](https://www.portlandcofc.com/list/member/van-hilleary-for-tennessee-3617)\n[10] [Former Tennessee Rep. Van Hilleary seeks House comeback \u2013 Roll Call](https://rollcall.com/2025/07/14/van-hilleary-tennessee-midterm-election/)\n[11] [Van Hilleary \u2022 OpenSecrets](https://www.opensecrets.org/revolving-door/hilleary-van/summary?id=28352)\n[12] [van hilleary Archives - FactCheck.org](https://www.factcheck.org/person/van-hilleary/)\n[13] [Former Tennessee Rep. Van Hilleary Returns as Chief of Staff](https://rollcall.com/tag/van-hilleary/)\n[14] [Former Tennessee Rep. Van Hilleary Returns as Chief of Staff \u2013 Roll Call](https://rollcall.com/2018/12/11/former-tennessee-rep-van-hilleary-returns-as-chief-of-staff/)","firstname":"Van","lastname":"Hilleary","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"SiaGmXsGKk"},"token":"van_hilleary"},{"candidatename":"Christopher B. Monday","chatgptsummary":"Christopher B. Monday's biography shows long-term residence in Tennessee's 6th District and repeated independent campaigns since 2018, suggesting familiarity with local concerns. His career as a graphic designer does not demonstrate federal legislative craft, executive branch oversight judgment, or prior coalition-building experience at the congressional level. Bio does not indicate experience drafting federal statute or managing constituent casework with federal agencies.","notes":null,"party":"I","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nChristopher B. Monday is running as an independent candidate in Tennessee's 6th Congressional District for the 2026 general election in November. He is based in Cookeville, Tennessee (Putnam County). He has run for this seat as an independent in prior cycles, including 2018 and 2020.\n\n## Career\nMonday works as a graphic designer.\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Tennessee's redrawn congressional districts: A full guide to every candidate running in 2026 \u2013 NewsChannel 5](https://www.newschannel5.com/news/tennessees-redrawn-congressional-districts-a-full-guide-to-every-candidate-running-in-2026)\n- [2] [Tennessee 2026 Elections: Candidates for Governor, Senate & House \u2013 Politics1](https://politics1.com/tn.htm)","firstname":"Christopher B.","lastname":"Monday","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"maoRjuLzYt"},"token":null}],"choices":null,"description":null,"district":null,"districtgroup":null,"districtgroupname":null,"districtname":null,"job_type":"us_representative","o.office":null,"office":"us_house_6","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 6"}