{"campaigns":[{"candidatename":"Marsha Blackburn","chatgptsummary":"Marsha Blackburn, the first woman to represent Tennessee in the U.S. Senate, has a strong record of public service and leadership. She has served on several committees, including Finance, Commerce, Science & Transportation, Veterans Affairs, and Judiciary. Blackburn has consistently advocated for fiscal responsibility, economic opportunity, and strategic trade policies. She has also championed the rights of creators and rights-owners in the entertainment industry, and has been a leading advocate for veterans and healthcare. Her commitment to border security and law and order is evident in her efforts to fully fund the United States Border Patrol and impose harsher penalties for drug smuggling. Given her experience, leadership, and dedication to her constituents, Blackburn is well-suited for the role of U.S. Senator.","notes":"","party":"Republican","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nMarsha Blackburn is the senior U.S. Senator from Tennessee, serving since January 3, 2019, and is a candidate for Governor of Tennessee in the 2026 election [1]. She announced her campaign on August 6, 2025, becoming the third sitting U.S. senator to enter a 2026 gubernatorial race, and is considered the frontrunner in a Republican primary field that also includes U.S. Representatives John Rose and Mark Green, state Rep. Monty Fritts, and Secretary of State Tre Hargett; the primary is scheduled for August 6, 2026 [2][3]. She remains the sitting senator while running for governor.\n\n## Background and education\nBlackburn was born Mary Marsha Wedgeworth on June 6, 1952, in Laurel, Mississippi [4]. She graduated from Mississippi State University in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science in home economics, attending on a 4-H scholarship and serving as president of the Associated Women Students [5].\n\n## Career\nWhile at Mississippi State, Blackburn worked as a student sales manager for the Southwestern Company [5]. She later founded Marketing Strategies, a promotion and event-management firm, in 1978 [4]. She founded the Williamson County Young Republicans and chaired the county Republican Party from 1989 to 1991, then lost a 1992 bid for Tennessee's 6th Congressional District to incumbent Bart Gordon [4].\n\n## Office history\nBlackburn served in the Tennessee State Senate representing the 23rd district from 1999 to 2003, rising to minority whip [4]. She represented Tennessee's 7th Congressional District in the U.S. House from January 3, 2003, to January 3, 2019, winning reelection seven times [4]. She was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2018, defeating former Democratic Governor Phil Bredesen 54.7%-43.9%, and was reelected in 2024, defeating Democratic state Rep. Gloria Johnson 63.8%-34.2% [6][7]. Her committee assignments in the 119th Congress include Commerce, Science, and Transportation (chair, Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Technology, and Data Privacy), Judiciary (chair, Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law), Finance, and Veterans' Affairs [8].\n\n## Family\nBlackburn is married to Charles \"Chuck\" Blackburn; they have two children, Chad and Mary Morgan, and live in Brentwood, Tennessee [9].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Marsha Blackburn - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marsha_Blackburn) - accessed 2026-07-06\n[2] [Marsha Blackburn becomes third U.S. senator to announce a 2026 gubernatorial bid - Ballotpedia News](https://news.ballotpedia.org/2025/08/15/marsha-blackburn-becomes-third-u-s-senator-to-announce-a-2026-gubernatorial-bid/) - accessed 2026-07-06\n[3] [2026 Tennessee gubernatorial election - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_Tennessee_gubernatorial_election) - accessed 2026-07-06\n[4] [Marsha Blackburn - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marsha_Blackburn) - accessed 2026-07-06\n[5] [Marsha Blackburn - Mississippi State University Libraries](https://www.library.msstate.edu/mpc/marsha-blackburn) - accessed 2026-07-06\n[6] [2018 United States Senate election in Tennessee - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_United_States_Senate_election_in_Tennessee) - accessed 2026-07-06\n[7] [2024 United States Senate election in Tennessee - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_United_States_Senate_election_in_Tennessee) - accessed 2026-07-06\n[8] [Committee Assignments - U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee](https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/committee-assignments) - accessed 2026-07-06\n[9] [Meet the Man Behind the Bow Tie & Author of \"Bow Tie Bible\" - Williamson Source](https://williamsonsource.com/meet-the-man-behind-the-bow-tie-and-author-of-bow-tie-bible/) - accessed 2026-07-06","firstname":"Marsha","lastname":"Blackburn","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"gS4KyRSN8B"},"token":"marsha_blackburn"},{"candidatename":"Gloria Johnson","chatgptsummary":"Gloria Johnson, a special education teacher and Tennessee House representative, is running for U.S. Senate. She has a history of advocating for public school students and teachers, gun safety measures, and victims of injustice. Johnson aims to shift power back to working and middle-class families, protect abortion rights, fight for gun safety laws, lower the rising costs of living, expand affordable healthcare, and increase funding for public schools. Her experience and commitment to these issues make her a suitable candidate for the Senate.","notes":"","party":"Democratic","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nGloria Johnson is a Democratic member of the Tennessee House of Representatives for District 90 (Knoxville, Knox County), a seat she has held since November 8, 2022, and currently holds [1][2]. She is running for reelection in the Democratic primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1]. In 2024, while serving in the state House, she also ran for the U.S. Senate (Class 1) seat held by Republican incumbent Marsha Blackburn: Johnson won the Democratic primary on August 1, 2024, with about 70% of the vote, then lost the November 5, 2024 general election to Blackburn, 63.8%-34.2% [3][4].\n\n## Background and education\nJohnson was born May 25, 1962, in Denver, Colorado [1]. She earned a bachelor's degree in special education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville [1].\n\n## Career\nJohnson worked for 27 years as a special education teacher, including at Knoxville's Central High School during a 2008 school shooting there [1]. She chaired the Knox County Democratic Party for two terms [1].\n\n## Office history\nJohnson first won a Tennessee House seat representing District 13 in 2012, lost reelection to Eddie Smith in 2014, defeated Smith to reclaim the seat in 2018, and was reelected in 2020. Following 2022 redistricting, she won the newly configured District 90 and has held it since [1].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\nIn April 2023, Johnson joined Representatives Justin Jones and Justin Pearson in a gun-control protest on the House floor, using a bullhorn without recognition, three days after the Covenant School shooting in Nashville; the three became known as the \"Tennessee Three.\" Jones and Pearson were expelled by the Republican supermajority; Johnson survived her own expulsion vote by a single vote [1].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Gloria Johnson (politician) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gloria_Johnson_(politician)) - accessed 2026-07-06\n[2] [Representative Gloria Johnson - Tennessee General Assembly](https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/LegislatorInfo/member?district=h90) - accessed 2026-07-06\n[3] [2024 United States Senate election in Tennessee - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_United_States_Senate_election_in_Tennessee) - accessed 2026-07-06\n[4] [Marsha Blackburn tops Gloria Johnson, wins re-election - Nashville Banner](https://nashvillebanner.com/2024/11/05/marsha-blackburn-re-elected-senate-seat/) - accessed 2026-07-06","firstname":"Gloria","lastname":"Johnson","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"gUCBjdX6mU"},"token":"gloria_johnson"},{"candidatename":"Marquita Bradshaw","chatgptsummary":"Marquita Bradshaw, a Tennessee native with extensive experience in environmental justice and human rights advocacy, is a suitable candidate for the Senate. Her career spans various sectors including labor, environment, education reform, tax reform, trade policy, and social justice. She has a strong record of community service and has received numerous awards for her work. As a senator, her passion for a clean and safe environment, and her commitment to addressing the concerns of the most vulnerable in society, would guide her representation of Tennessee's interests at the federal level.","notes":"","party":"Democratic","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nMarquita Bradshaw is a Democratic candidate running for election to the United States Senate from Tennessee in 2026 [1]. She is seeking the Class 2 seat and appears on the ballot for the Democratic primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1]. The general election for this race is set for November 3, 2026 [1].\n\nBradshaw has established a principal campaign committee titled \"MARQUITA BRADSHAW FOR US SENATE\" to manage her bid [3]. As of the available financial reports, the committee lists Jerry Johnson as treasurer and maintains a mailing address in Memphis, Tennessee [3]. The committee's reported total receipts and contributions are listed at $0.00 [3].\n\nBradshaw, who previously secured the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate in 2020 [4], is running again in this cycle [12]. She describes her platform as focusing on environmental justice, voters' rights, healthcare access, and economic solutions for working families [10]. Bradshaw has stated that her campaign is not a \"fringe\" effort and intends to engage with voters across the state [8].\n\n## Background and education\n\nMarquita Bradshaw was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on January 19, 1974 [4]. She grew up in South Memphis, where she notes that her great-grandmother died of cancer in the early 1990s after being exposed to toxic waste at the nearby Memphis Defense Depot, which was later classified as a National Priority List Superfund Site [11].\n\nBradshaw attended the University of Memphis, where she earned a Bachelor of Liberal Studies in Journalism in 2019 [5].\n\n## Career\n\nMarquita Bradshaw is a graduate of the University of Memphis, where she earned a Bachelor of Liberal Studies in Journalism in 2019 [5]. Prior to her recent political campaigns, she has worked as an insurance producer for American Income Life Insurance Company and served as a recruiter for Williams-Sonoma [5].\n\nBradshaw has been deeply involved in environmental justice advocacy, serving as the executive director of the nonprofit Sowing Justice since 2020 [5][11]. She also held the position of environmental justice chair for the Sierra Club\u2019s Tennessee chapter [12]. Additionally, she worked as an administrative aide for the Public Partnership from 2016 to 2023 [5]. Her advocacy work has focused on issues such as pollution cleanup at former military sites and broader social justice causes [12]. Bradshaw grew up in South Memphis near the Memphis Defense Depot, which was later classified as a National Priority List Superfund Site, an experience that influenced her community organizing efforts [11].\n\n## Office history\n\nMarquita Bradshaw has not held any elected or appointed public office prior to her current political campaigns [4]. She is a candidate for the United States Senate in Tennessee, representing the Democratic Party [1]. In the 2020 United States Senate election, Bradshaw won the Democratic primary on August 6, 2020, becoming the first African American woman to win a major party nomination in any statewide race in Tennessee history [4][6][13]. She subsequently lost the general election to Republican Bill Hagerty [4][7][9].\n\nBradshaw ran again for the United States Senate seat in Tennessee during the 2024 election cycle but was unsuccessful in her bid [12]. As of May 2026, she is on the ballot for the Democratic primary for the same U.S. Senate Class 2 seat, with the primary scheduled for August 6, 2026, and the general election set for November 3, 2026 [1][2].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nMarquita Bradshaw has not held elected legislative office and therefore has no legislative record of sponsored bills, votes, or committee assignments [1][4][12]. Her political career consists of unsuccessful bids for the U.S. Senate in 2020, 2024, and 2026 [12]. In the 2020 United States Senate election in Tennessee, Bradshaw won the Democratic primary before losing the general election to Republican Bill Hagerty [4][9][13]. She subsequently ran for the same seat in 2024 and 2026 without securing victory in the general election [12].\n\nAs a candidate, Bradshaw has articulated specific policy positions through her campaign platform. She supports strengthening voters\u2019 rights, improving physical and mental health services, legalizing marijuana, establishing a $15 minimum wage, advancing environmental equity policies, fully funding the educational system, and implementing Medicare for all [10]. Her advocacy work prior to her Senate runs focused on environmental justice, including pollution cleanup at former military sites in South Memphis, where she served as executive director of the nonprofit Sowing Justice and as environmental justice chair for the Sierra Club\u2019s Tennessee chapter [11][12].\n\n## Documented disputes and controversies\n\nIn the 2020 United States Senate election in Tennessee, Marquita Bradshaw defeated Nashville attorney and former Army helicopter pilot James Mackler in the Democratic primary [13]. Following her victory, Bradshaw characterized the contest as a \"Marquita versus Goliath\" race against the Trump-endorsed Republican candidate, Bill Hagerty, who ultimately won the general election [9]. Bradshaw stated that her campaign was not a \"fringe campaign,\" noting that she had raised $270,000 compared to $24,000 spent during the primary phase [8].\n\nBradshaw ran for the U.S. Senate again in 2024, though sources indicate this bid was unsuccessful [12]. She returned as a candidate for the Democratic nomination in the 2026 United States Senate election in Tennessee, with the primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1]. Her campaign committee, MARQUITA BRADSHAW FOR US SENATE, reported $0.00 in total receipts and contributions as of the available financial data [3].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nMarquita Bradshaw\u2019s professional background includes roles in insurance sales and retail recruitment. She worked as an insurance producer for American Income Life Insurance Company in 2019 and served as a recruiter for Williams-Sonoma from 2018 to 2019 [5]. Her career also encompasses community organizing, including service as the executive director of the nonprofit Sowing Justice starting in 2020 and as an administrative aide for Public Partnership from 2016 to 2023 [5].\n\nBradshaw describes herself as having raised her son on a working-class salary [14]. Financial disclosure data from her principal campaign committee, MARQUITA BRADSHAW FOR US SENATE, lists total receipts and contributions at $0.00 in the provided overview [3]. In previous campaigns, she reported raising significantly more than she spent; during the 2020 Democratic primary, she raised $270,000 compared to $24,000 in expenditures [8].\n\n## Family\n\nMarquita Bradshaw is a single mother who has self-described as raising her son on a working-class salary [5][13][14]. She has one child [4][5]. Her uncle is John DeBerry [4].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Marquita Bradshaw - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Marquita_Bradshaw)\n[2] [United States Senate election in Tennessee, 2026 - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/United_States_Senate_election_in_Tennessee,_2026)\n[3] [MARQUITA BRADSHAW FOR US SENATE - committee overview - FEC.gov](https://www.fec.gov/data/committee/C00720805/)\n[4] [Marquita Bradshaw - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marquita_Bradshaw)\n[5] [Vote Smart | Facts For All](https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/190509/marquita-bradshaw)\n[6] [Local Memphian makes history as first African American woman to be nominated for Tenn. senate | News | fox13memphis.com](https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/local-memphian-makes-history-as-first-african-american-woman-to-be-nominated-for-tenn-senate/article_3b2d981a-4bfe-5851-a781-a7ef51ef6fff.html)\n[7] [Marquita Bradshaw prepares to tour Tennessee ahead of November election](https://wreg.com/news/marquita-bradshaw-prepares-to-tour-tennessee-ahead-of-november-election/)\n[8] [Marquita Bradshaw says hers is no 'fringe campaign'](https://dailymemphian.com/article/16507/marquita-bradshaw-bill-hagerty-us-senate)\n[9] [The Memphis miracle: Marquita Bradshaw \u2022 Tennessee Lookout](https://tennesseelookout.com/2020/09/10/the-memphis-miracle-marquita-bradshaw/)\n[10] [Color Of Change PAC Endorses Marquita Bradshaw](https://votingwhileblack.com/endorsements/marquita-bradshaw/)\n[11] [Marquita Bradshaw](https://www.sowingjustice.org/our-leadership)\n[12] [Marquita Bradshaw \u2014 Grokipedia](https://grokipedia.com/page/Marquita_Bradshaw)\n[13] [Marquita Bradshaw scores upset win in Tennessee Democratic Senate primary](https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-election/marquita-bradshaw-scores-upset-win-tennessee-democratic-senate-primary-n1236096)\n[14] [MEET MARQUITA | Bradshaw For Senate](https://www.marquitabradshaw.com/meet-marquita)","firstname":"Marquita","lastname":"Bradshaw","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"ELUyyCYKkB"},"token":"marquita_bradshaw"},{"candidatename":"Civil Miller-Watkins ","chatgptsummary":"Civil Miller-Watkins is a candidate for the Senate (class 1) who is focused on addressing \"Kitchen Table Issues\" such as education, healthcare, and the economy. She advocates for making public schools a top choice, implementing common sense gun laws, supporting women's rights, improving maternal care, and reducing rural healthcare deserts. Economically, she aims to expand job availability, support unions, and create economic policies that foster individual growth. Her role as a Senator would involve representing state interests at the federal level, participating in legislative sessions, and voting on national laws and policies.","notes":"","party":"Democratic","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nCivil Miller-Watkins ran as a Democratic candidate for the United States Senate from Tennessee in the 2024 election cycle [1][2]. She lost the August 1, 2024 Democratic primary to Gloria Johnson [4].\n\nMiller-Watkins' campaign focused on the following issue areas [1]:\n\n**Education:** Supporting public schools as a first-choice option and enacting gun safety laws to allow students to feel safe in school and in the community.\n\n**Health care:** Advocating for women's reproductive rights, supporting caregivers of family members, improving maternal care outcomes, and reducing rural healthcare access gaps.\n\n**Economy:** Expanding the availability of well-paying jobs, supporting unions to strengthen the middle class, and promoting economic policy that broadens opportunity.\n\n## Office history\nMiller-Watkins previously served in a school board leadership role in Tennessee, including as vice chair of the Fayette County Board of Education [3].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Campaign Site](https://www.civilforsenate.com/home)\n[2] [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Civil_Miller-Watkins)\n[3] [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/fcps-school-board-spotlight-vice-chair-civil-public-schools-tn-/)\n[4] [Tennessee Democrat Miller-Watkins runs for U.S. Senate \u2013 Nashville Banner](https://nashvillebanner.com/2024/07/20/senate-candidate-democrat-civil-miller-watkins/)","firstname":"Civil","lastname":"","middlename":"Miller-Watkins","suffix":null,"token":"7OsfAd3uAC"},"token":"civil_miller_watkins"},{"candidatename":"Lola Denise Brown ","chatgptsummary":"Lola Denise Brown, a minister and politician with experience as the Chair of NAACP's Membership Committee, is a suitable candidate for the Senate (class 1) position. Her background in community service and leadership, coupled with her strong ties to Nashville, Tennessee, equip her to effectively represent the state's interests at the federal level. Her engagement with constituents through various social media platforms also demonstrates her commitment to addressing their concerns and advocating for state-specific issues.","notes":"","party":"Democratic","person":{"biography":"Woman of YHWH, The Most High,\nMother, Minister, Politician\nChair of NAACP'S Membership Committee\n\nPast: Musician and New Way Outreach Ministries\n\nWent to University School Of Nashville\n\nLeft in 1968\n\nLives in Nashville, Tennessee\n\nFrom Nashville, Tennessee\n\nEngaged since November 2023\n\nLinks:\n\nLinkedin: (Linkedin)[https://www.facebook.com/dr.dorothy.l.browns.daughter/]\n\nInstagram: (Instagram)[https://www.instagram.com/loladenise1956/]\n\nTwitter: (Twitter)[https://x.com/ldenise1]\n\nBusiness Site: (Retail)[https://retail.totallifechanges.com/7312571]","firstname":"Lola","lastname":"Brown","middlename":"Denise","suffix":null,"token":"2jsLb9omKO"},"token":"lola_denise_brown"},{"candidatename":"Tres Wittum","chatgptsummary":"Tres Wittum, a 36-year-old Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate in Tennessee, brings a fresh perspective with his focus on limited government, conservative fiscal policy, and individual liberty. His campaign emphasizes tackling the national debt, strengthening the republic through \"States' Rights\", and reforming the Senate. Wittum's key platforms include homeland security, fiscal responsibility, and election integrity. With 11 years of experience in the Tennessee Senate and a deep understanding of Tennessee values, Wittum is well-equipped to represent the state's interests at the federal level. His goals include ending the federal income tax, repealing the 17th Amendment to restore states' rights, and imposing term limits for Congress.","notes":"","party":"Republican","person":{"biography":"Tres Wittum, a 36-year-old Millennial statesman,\n\nhas announced his candidacy for the United States Senate in Tennessee,\n\nrepresenting the Republican Party in the upcoming August 1, 2024, primary.\n\nWittum brings a fresh perspective to the race,\n\nemphasizing limited government,\n\nconservative fiscal policy,\n\nand individual liberty.\n\nWittum\u2019s campaign centers on tackling America\u2019s greatest threat: the national debt of $34.5 trillion.\n\nHe believes in strengthening the republic by focusing on \u201cStates\u2019 Rights\u201d and reforming the United States Senate to better serve the people.\n\nKey Campaign Platforms\n\nHomeland Security:\n\nWittum is committed to\n\nsecuring the borders,\n\ntoughening law enforcement\n\nand prosecution for illegal immigration.\n\nHe plans to update the current immigration system for better security.\n\nFiscal Responsibility:\n\nHe advocates for reducing government spending, balancing the federal budget,\n\nand cutting the federal income tax.\n\nElection Integrity:\n\nWittum believes in upholding fair elections and will not certify a fraudulent election, ensuring the preservation of democracy.\n\nWittum has extensive experience working as a policy aide to the Tennessee Senate leadership, including the Senate Speaker Pro Tempore\u2019s office and the Senate Finance, Ways & Means Committee Chairman\u2019s office.\n\nHe first became politically active on his college campus, as a College Republican at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, later serving as the Tennessee College Republicans State Chairman. He also combatted antisemitism as a member of Christians United for Israel on campus.\n\nWittum\u2019s youthful energy and deep understanding of Tennessee values make him a strong candidate for the U.S. Senate.\n\nHis 11 years of service in the Tennessee Senate provide him with a thorough understanding of constituent needs and legislative challenges.\n\nHe aims to end the federal income tax,\n\nrepeal the 17th Amendment to restore states\u2019 rights, impose term limits for Congress,\n\nMaking America GREAT Again and putting America(ns) first!\n\nLinks:\n\nBallotpedia Site: [https://ballotpedia.org/Tres_Wittum](https://ballotpedia.org/Tres_Wittum)\n\nCampaign Site: [https://treswittum.com/](https://treswittum.com/)\n\nFacebook: [https://www.facebook.com/tres.wittum/](https://www.facebook.com/tres.wittum/)\n\nTwitter: [https://x.com/TresWittum](https://x.com/TresWittum)","firstname":"Tres","lastname":"Wittum","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"XVKUidNoEP"},"token":"tres_wittum"}],"choices":null,"description":"United States Senators are responsible for representing the interests of the state at the federal level, participating in legislative sessions, and voting on national laws and policies. This role involves engaging with constituents, addressing their concerns, and advocating for state-specific issues, such as economic development, healthcare, and education.\nSenators are paid 174,000 per year and this is their 2024 schedule https://www.senate.gov/legislative/2024_schedule.htm","district":"tn","districtgroup":"state","districtgroupname":"State","districtname":"Tennessee","job_type":"us_senator","o.office":"senate_(class_1)","office":"senate_(class_1)","officedescription":"A United States Senator represents the entire state in the upper chamber of Congress, serving a six-year term. Senators write and pass federal law, approve federal spending, confirm federal judges and executive appointments, and ratify treaties.","officequalities":"- Legislative craft at the federal level: drafting and amending federal statute, and understanding the body of law being changed.\n- Statewide constituency understanding: the economic and everyday concerns of the whole state, not a single district.\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- Advice and consent: senators confirm federal judges and executive appointments and ratify treaties.","officeterm":6,"officetitle":"Senate (class 1)","partisan":1,"pgr":"primary","quantity":1,"referendum":"","source":null,"title":"Senate (class 1)"}