{"campaigns":[{"candidatename":"Heidi Kuhn","chatgptsummary":"Heidi Kuhn's biography shows extensive local government management and constituent service experience through roles as Shelby County Criminal Court Clerk and Director of Training, demonstrating capacity for casework and administrative oversight. The record contains no documented controversies or disciplinary actions. Bio does not indicate federal legislative drafting experience or cross-party coalition-building at the national level.","notes":null,"party":"D","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nHeidi Kuhn started her career with Shelby County Government in January 2001 as the Executive Director of the Crime Victims Center, advocating for victims and fighting for their rights. She was then appointed as the Deputy Director of Community Services, where she was responsible for all victim and offender services, as well community support divisions, such as the Aging Commission, the Community Services Agency and Veterans Affairs. Ms. Kuhn then became the Director of Training where she developed a Training Center for the County from concept to fully operational status. Prior to being elected Criminal Court Clerk in August 2018, she served as the Special Assistant and Lead Strategist to Sheriff Bill Oldham, researching, strategizing and implementing innovative policies to enhance law enforcement and jail operations.\n\n\u200b\n\n\u200b\u200bMs. Kuhn holds a Master\u2019s degree from Christian Brothers University Business School and a Bachelor\u2019s degree in Education from the University of New Mexico. She also holds certifications in Leadership, Management and Ethics. Ms. Kuhn believes in giving back to the community and thus has served and continues to serve on several boards and is active within the community.\n\n\u200b\n\n\u200bClerk Kuhn is committed to serving the people of Shelby County to the best of her ability and she is dedicated to making sure the Criminal Court Clerk\u2019s office strives towards effective and efficient government operations.\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n- **2026** \u2014 [Criminal Court Clerk (SS-8005)](https://conflict.app.tn.gov/conflict/view_form_8005.htm?name=KUHN&id=54369&f=193645&v=1) \u2014 filed as a Shelby County official/candidate\n- **2026** \u2014 [County Mayor (SS-8005)](https://conflict.app.tn.gov/conflict/view_form_8005.htm?name=KUHN&id=54369&f=201313&v=1) \u2014 filed as a Shelby County official/candidate\n- **2025** \u2014 [Criminal Court Clerk (SS-8005)](https://conflict.app.tn.gov/conflict/view_form_8005.htm?name=KUHN&id=54369&f=189077&v=1) \u2014 filed as a Shelby County official/candidate\n- **2024** \u2014 [Criminal Court Clerk (SS-8005)](https://conflict.app.tn.gov/conflict/view_form_8005.htm?name=KUHN&id=54369&f=173833&v=1) \u2014 filed as a Shelby County official/candidate\n\n*Source: [Tennessee Ethics Commission Statement of Interest Search](https://conflict.app.tn.gov/conflict/search.htm). Scraped 2026-04-25.*\n","firstname":"Heidi","lastname":"Kuhn","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"REMcmPkWrR"},"token":null},{"candidatename":"David Kustoff","chatgptsummary":"David Kustoff's biography shows relevant experience as a U.S. Representative since 2017, including service on the House Committee on Ways and Means and prior work as a U.S. Attorney overseeing federal prosecutions. He demonstrates constituent-service capacity through securing federal appropriations for district projects and nominating students to military academies. Bio does not indicate experience in drafting complex federal statute or building cross-party coalitions beyond his party's primary.","notes":null,"party":"R","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nDavid Kustoff is a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing Tennessee's 8th Congressional District, a seat he has held since January 3, 2017 [1]. His current term concludes on January 3, 2027 [1]. In May 2026, Kustoff announced his candidacy for re-election to the U.S. House in Tennessee's 8th District [1]. He filed to run in the Republican primary scheduled for August 6, 2026, with the general election set for November 3, 2026 [2]. The filing deadline for this race was originally March 10, 2026, but was reopened to May 15, 2026, due to redistricting [2].\n\nAs of May 2026, Kustoff has secured funding for his campaign, with reported total receipts exceeding $1.8 million [11]. He continues to serve in the 119th Congress, where he is assigned to the House Committee on Ways and Means [9]. Recent legislative activity includes introducing the Small Business Tax Cut Act (H.R. 8415) to expand tax deductions for small businesses and farmers [6]. Additionally, Kustoff has announced federal funding secured for West Tennessee projects through the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations package signed by President Trump [10]. He also nominated students from the district for the 2026\u20132027 school year to U.S. military service academies [12].\n\n## Background and education\n\nDavid Frank Kustoff was born on October 8, 1966 [13]. He was born and raised in Shelby County, Tennessee, and self-describes as a lifelong conservative with deep roots in West Tennessee [7][18]. He attended White Station High School in his hometown area [7].\n\nKustoff earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Memphis and graduated in 1992 from the university's Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, where he received a Juris Doctor [7][13].\n\n## Career\n\nDavid Kustoff was born and raised in Shelby County, Tennessee, and attended White Station High School [7]. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Memphis and graduated from the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law in 1992 [7]. In that same year, he opened a law firm in Memphis [7].\n\nKustoff served as the United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee from March 16, 2006, to May 16, 2008, appointed by President George W. Bush [13]. In this role, he oversaw the prosecution of the Tennessee Waltz political corruption cases, which resulted in guilty pleas or convictions for 12 defendants, including former state Senator John Ford [14]. He also advocated for the death penalty and worked to send criminals back to their countries of origin [17].\n\nPrior to his federal appointment, Kustoff was active in Republican Party politics during the 1990s, serving as Chairman of the Shelby County GOP from 1995 to 1999 [1]. He also served as the Tennessee Chairman for Lamar Alexander\u2019s successful 2002 U.S. Senate campaign and chaired the election campaigns for George W. Bush in 2000 and 2004 [1].\n\n## Office history\n\nDavid Kustoff served as the United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee from March 16, 2006, to May 16, 2008, after being appointed by President George W. Bush [13]. In this role, he oversaw the prosecution of the Tennessee Waltz political corruption cases, which resulted in convictions for former state Senator John Ford and other defendants [14].\n\nKustoff was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Tennessee's 8th Congressional District in 2016, assuming office on January 3, 2017 [1]. He won re-election in 2018, defeating Democrat Erika Stotts Pearson with 67.7% of the vote [5]. He subsequently won re-election in 2020 [3], 2022 [4], and 2024, securing a fifth term by defeating Democrat Sarah Freeman [20].\n\nKustoff is currently serving his fifth term in Congress, which ends on January 3, 2027 [1]. He has been sworn in for the 119th Congress as of January 3, 2025 [9]. In this capacity, he serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means [20] and is responsible for securing federal appropriations for projects in West Tennessee [10].\n\nHe has declared his candidacy for re-election to the U.S. House in the Republican primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1]. The general election for this seat is set for November 3, 2026 [2].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nRepresenting Tennessee\u2019s 8th Congressional District since January 2017, Kustoff serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means [20]. In the 119th Congress, he continues his legislative work in this capacity [9]. His policy priorities include maintaining law and order, supporting small businesses, and advocating for pro-life policies [17]. He self-describes as a lifelong conservative who focuses on keeping communities safe and prosperous [18].\n\nKustoff has sponsored legislation aimed at tax relief for small entities. He introduced the Small Business Tax Cut Act (H.R. 8415), which seeks to lower taxes for millions of small businesses, farmers, and independent professionals by expanding the qualified business income deduction under Section 199A [6]. The bill was cosponsored by Representatives Greg Steube, Claudia Tenney, Mike Carey, Carol Miller, Michelle Fischbach, and Blake Moore [8].\n\nIn terms of appropriations, Kustoff secured federal funding for 11 separate projects in West Tennessee included in the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations package signed by President Trump [10]. He stated that these investments support critical projects throughout the district [10]. Additionally, he annually nominates students from West Tennessee to U.S. service academies, including the Air Force, Coast Guard, Naval, Merchant Marine, and Military Academies [12].\n\nKustoff\u2019s legislative record is supported by endorsements from various groups. He has received support from the National Rifle Association, which cited his stance on crime, borders, military support, veterans' issues, and the Second Amendment [16]. He also formed a law and order coalition featuring over 40 sheriffs, district attorneys, and police chiefs from West Tennessee [15]. President Donald Trump endorsed Kustoff in 2018, describing him as a champion for the Trump Agenda [19].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nDavid Kustoff\u2019s professional background is rooted in law and politics rather than private industry wealth. He opened a law firm in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1992 after graduating from the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law [7]. Prior to his election to Congress, he served as the United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee from 2006 to 2008, a role in which he oversaw the prosecution of the Tennessee Waltz political corruption cases [14]. His early career also included significant political work, such as chairing the election campaigns for George W. Bush in 2000 and 2004, and serving as Tennessee Chairman for Lamar Alexander\u2019s 2002 Senate run [1].\n\nKustoff does not report significant personal wealth derived from business ownership or sales of private enterprises in his public financial disclosures. His campaign finance data indicates that his fundraising relies heavily on individual contributions and transfers from other authorized committees rather than substantial self-funding; for instance, records show $865,444.67 in total individual contributions and $80,000.00 in transfers from other authorized committees, with zero reported candidate contributions to his own campaign [11]. This financial profile aligns with his self-description as a \"lifelong conservative\" whose roots are in West Tennessee, rather than a figure of significant private business fortune [18].\n\n## Family\n\nDavid Kustoff is married to Roberta Kustoff[13]. The couple has two children[13].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [David Kustoff - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/David_Kustoff)\n[2] [Tennessee's 8th Congressional District election, 2026 - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Tennessee's_8th_Congressional_District_election,_2026)\n[3] [Tennessee's 8th Congressional District election, 2020 - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Tennessee's_8th_Congressional_District_election,_2020)\n[4] [Tennessee's 8th Congressional District election, 2022 - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Tennessee's_8th_Congressional_District_election,_2022)\n[5] [Tennessee's 8th Congressional District election, 2018 - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Tennessee's_8th_Congressional_District_election,_2018)\n[6] [Congressman David Kustoff | Representing the 8th District of Tennessee](https://kustoff.house.gov/)\n[7] [About | Congressman David Kustoff](https://kustoff.house.gov/about)\n[8] [Media | Congressman David Kustoff - House.gov](https://kustoff.house.gov/media)\n[9] [David Kustoff (Tennessee (TN)), 119th Congress Profile](https://clerk.house.gov/members/K000392)\n[10] [Congressman David Kustoff Secures Funding for West Tennessee in Government Appropriations Package | Congressman David Kustoff](https://kustoff.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-david-kustoff-secures-funding-west-tennessee-government)\n[11] [KUSTOFF, DAVID - Candidate overview - FEC.gov](https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/H2TN07103/)\n[12] [Congressman Kustoff Announces Military Service Academy Nominations for 2026 \u2013 2027 School Year | Congressman David Kustoff](https://kustoff.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kustoff-announces-military-service-academy-nominations-2026-2027)\n[13] [David Kustoff - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Kustoff)\n[14] [Meet David \u2013 David Kustoff for Congress](https://www.kustoffforcongress.com/about/)\n[15] [Congressman Kustoff Announces Law and Order Coalition \u2013 David Kustoff for Congress](https://www.kustoffforcongress.com/2018/05/14/congressman-kustoff-announces-law-and-order-coalition/)\n[16] [National Rifle Association endorses Congressman David Kustoff \u2013 David Kustoff for Congress](https://www.kustoffforcongress.com/2018/07/11/national-rifle-association-endorses-congressman-david-kustoff/)\n[17] [Issues \u2013 David Kustoff for Congress](https://www.kustoffforcongress.com/issues/)\n[18] [David Kustoff for Congress](https://www.kustoffforcongress.com/)\n[19] [News \u2013 David Kustoff for Congress](https://www.kustoffforcongress.com/news/)\n[20] [Republican David Kustoff wins reelection to U.S. House in Tennessee's 8th Congressional District | News | fox13memphis.com](https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/republican-david-kustoff-wins-reelection-to-u-s-house-in-tennessees-8th-congressional-district/article_c41e5ad6-9be1-11ef-b0c6-2f2e38347909.html)","firstname":"David","lastname":"Kustoff","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"FVsgDlYWez"},"token":null},{"candidatename":"Horace Taylor","chatgptsummary":"Horace Taylor's biography shows active social media engagement for his 2026 campaign in Tennessee's 8th District but lacks evidence of federal legislative craft, constituent-service capacity, or coalition-building experience. The record contains no documented controversies or disciplinary history. Bio does not indicate prior elected office experience or direct oversight judgment experience.","notes":null,"party":"I","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nHorace Taylor is an Independent candidate running for the United States House of Representatives in Tennessee's 8th Congressional District [1]. He is listed among the candidates for the district as of May 15, 2026 [6]. The general election for this seat is scheduled to take place in 2026 [2].\n\nTaylor has maintained an active campaign presence on social media during the early months of 2026. On April 17 and April 18, he posted content through his official Instagram account, @horaceforcongress [4][5]. In May, he shared a video clip via the same platform on May 8, 2026 [3].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Horace Taylor - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Horace_Taylor)\n[2] [Tennessee's 8th Congressional District election, 2026 - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Tennessee%27s_8th_Congressional_District_election,_2026)\n[3] [Photo by Horace Taylor (@horaceforcongress) \u00b7 May 8, 2026](https://www.instagram.com/p/DYDyMLUDn5h/)\n[4] [Photo by Horace Taylor (@horaceforcongress)](https://www.instagram.com/p/DXQdIXPDn84/)\n[5] [Photo by Horace Taylor (@horaceforcongress) \u00b7 April 18, 2026](https://www.instagram.com/p/DXQX_xAjldM/)\n[6] [D5, 8 and 9 Candidates for United States House of Representatives ...](https://www.facebook.com/temiika/posts/d5-8-and-9-candidates-for-united-states-house-of-representatives-as-of-may-15-20/10243107476766529/)","firstname":"Horace","lastname":"Taylor","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"3SJJld3P5o"},"token":"horace_taylor"},{"candidatename":"Jordan D. Hinders","chatgptsummary":"Jordan D. Hinders is a Democratic candidate for Tennessee's 8th Congressional District in the 2026 election. The biography identifies him as a resident of Arlington but provides no details regarding prior legislative experience, federal casework capacity, or history of cross-party coalition building. Bio does not indicate relevant legislative craft or oversight judgment experience.","notes":null,"party":"D","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nJordan D. Hinders, of Arlington, Tennessee, is a Democratic candidate for Tennessee's 8th Congressional District in the 2026 election, one of four Democrats -- alongside Dewey Gordon Bryan, Heidi Kuhn, and Leonard Perkins -- competing in the August 6, 2026 primary [1][2]. Republican incumbent David Kustoff of Germantown is seeking reelection and is the only Republican candidate listed for the newly redrawn 8th District [1]. The new district lines took effect after Governor Bill Lee signed a redrawn congressional map into law on May 7, 2026, following a special legislative session [2][3].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Candidates for United States House of Representatives - Tennessee Secretary of State](https://sos-prod.tnsosgovfiles.com/s3fs-public/document/USHouseCandidates_2026.pdf) - accessed 2026-07-20\n[2] [Who's running where? Tennessee posts candidate list for redrawn congressional districts - WSMV](https://www.wsmv.com/2026/05/17/whos-running-where-tennessee-posts-candidate-list-redrawn-congressional-districts/) - accessed 2026-07-20\n[3] [Tennessee's redrawn congressional districts: A full guide to every candidate running in 2026 - NewsChannel 5](https://www.newschannel5.com/news/tennessees-redrawn-congressional-districts-a-full-guide-to-every-candidate-running-in-2026) - accessed 2026-07-20","firstname":"Jordan D.","lastname":"Hinders","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"ZZaoB6bZfF"},"token":null},{"candidatename":"Adam D. Austill","chatgptsummary":"Adam D. Austill's biography identifies him as an independent candidate for Tennessee's 8th Congressional District in 2026, though it provides no details regarding his professional background or prior public service. The text contains no information about legislative experience, constituent-service capacity, coalition-building history, or any disciplinary records. Bio does not indicate federal legislative craft or oversight judgment experience.","notes":null,"party":"I","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nAdam D. Austill, of Covington, Tennessee, is an independent candidate for Tennessee's 8th Congressional District in the 2026 election [1][2]. The redrawn 8th district stretches from Memphis-area suburbs in Shelby County across rural West Tennessee counties into Middle Tennessee, and is currently represented by Republican incumbent David Kustoff, who is seeking reelection [1][2]. Austill is one of six independent candidates certified for the district's ballot, alongside Wendell \"Wells\" Blankenship, Pamela Jeanine \"P.\" Moses, Antonio Futch, Horace Taylor, and Henry J. Ward III [1][2].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Tennessee's redrawn congressional districts: A full guide to every candidate running in 2026 - NewsChannel 5](https://www.newschannel5.com/news/tennessees-redrawn-congressional-districts-a-full-guide-to-every-candidate-running-in-2026) - accessed 2026-07-06\n[2] [Who's running where? Tennessee posts candidate list for redrawn congressional districts - WSMV](https://www.wsmv.com/2026/05/17/whos-running-where-tennessee-posts-candidate-list-redrawn-congressional-districts/) - accessed 2026-07-06","firstname":"Adam D.","lastname":"Austill","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"7SJyX2H2yT"},"token":null},{"candidatename":"Wendell \"Wells\" Blankenship","chatgptsummary":"Blankenship's biography shows repeated independent runs for the U.S. House in Tennessee's 9th District and current candidacy in the new 8th District, demonstrating persistence and basic campaign activity. He stated that elected officials must represent voters but received low vote shares in prior races. Bio does not indicate federal legislative drafting experience or oversight judgment of the executive branch.","notes":null,"party":"I","person":{"biography":"Wendell \"Wells\" Blankenship is an independent candidate running for U.S. House in Tennessee's newly configured 8th Congressional District in the 2026 election [35]. The new district boundaries, approved by the state legislature and signed by Governor Bill Lee, split Memphis and Shelby County among the 5th, 8th, and 9th districts, dispersing voters into areas that lean Republican [35]. Blankenship qualified for the ballot in this race alongside other independent candidates including Adam Austill, Antonio Futch, Pamela Jeanine \"P.\" Moses, Horace Taylor, and Henry J. Ward III [37]. He previously ran as an independent candidate for U.S. House in Tennessee's 9th Congressional District in 2024, where he received 1.7% of the vote (3,708 votes) against incumbent Steve Cohen [1]. In that race, Blankenship completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, stating that the core responsibility of elected officials is to represent voters [25]. He also ran for U.S. House in Tennessee's 9th District in 2022 as an independent, finishing third behind incumbent Steve Cohen and Republican challenger Charlotte Bergmann [18]. Local reporting notes that Blankenship did not have a campaign website during the 2024 cycle [25].\n\n## Sources\n\n[1] [Wendell Wells - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Wendell_Wells)\n[2] [Wendell, North Carolina - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Wendell,_North_Carolina)\n[3] [Wendell, Idaho - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Wendell,_Idaho)\n[4] [Wendell, Minnesota - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Wendell,_Minnesota)\n[5] [Wendell Willard - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Wendell_Willard)\n[6] [Wendell Walker - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Wendell_Walker)\n[7] [Barry Wendell - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Barry_Wendell)\n[8] [Wendell Jones - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Wendell_Jones)\n[9] [Wendell Champion - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Wendell_Champion)\n[10] [Wendell Felder - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Wendell_Felder)\n[11] [Susan Buchser-Lochocki - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Susan_Buchser-Lochocki)\n[12] [Endorsements by Wendell Walker - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Endorsements_by_Wendell_Walker)\n[13] [Wendell Ka'ehu'ae'a - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Wendell_Ka%27ehu%27ae%27a)\n[14] [Wendell Manning - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Wendell_Manning)\n[15] [Wendell Lee - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Wendell_Lee)\n[16] [Wendell Tabb - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Wendell_Tabb)\n[17] [Wendell Byrd - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Wendell_Byrd)\n[18] [Tennessee's 9th Congressional District - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Tennessee's_9th_Congressional_District)\n[19] [United States House of Representatives elections in Tennessee, 2026 - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/United_States_House_of_Representatives_elections_in_Tennessee,_2026)\n[20] [M. LaTroy A-Williams - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/M._LaTroy_A-Williams)\n[21] [United States House of Representatives elections in Tennessee, 2024 - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/United_States_House_of_Representatives_elections_in_Tennessee,_2024)\n[22] [WELLS, WENDELL - Candidate overview - FEC.gov](https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/H4TN09121/)\n[23] [Wendell Walker - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendell_Walker)\n[25] [What to know in U.S. House of Representatives race for District 8 and 9 | localmemphis.com](https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/politics/elections/what-to-know-in-us-house-of-representatives-race-for-district-8-election/522-87a7469d-1fd4-4374-932a-681428ca8c8c)\n[26] [Election 2024: Results for U.S. & Tennessee Senate & House races | localmemphis.com](https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/politics/elections/election-2024-us-west-tennessee-senate-house-races-results/522-23306a12-4182-4f8c-97ef-49793084d7de)\n[29] [Blankenship, Edward Louis (Dayton) - Chattanoogan.com](https://www.chattanoogan.com/2014/3/12/271627/Blankenship-Edward-Louis-Dayton.aspx)\n[34] [Tennessee's redrawn congressional districts: A full guide to every candidate running in 2026](https://www.newschannel5.com/news/tennessees-redrawn-congressional-districts-a-full-guide-to-every-candidate-running-in-2026)\n[35] [New district lines give West Tennessee politics a fresh shuffle | News | stategazette.com](https://www.stategazette.com/news/new-district-lines-give-west-tennessee-politics-a-fresh-shuffle/article_2ba92e97-de78-5819-b51b-785ef6263b22.html)\n[37] [State lawmakers pitted against each other in 9th | Tennessee | thecentersquare.com](https://www.thecentersquare.com/tennessee/article_6e462b30-56b2-47d7-9784-ff2d9b8a8b38.html)\n[40] [Obituaries \u2013 McCreary Journal](https://www.mccrearyjournal.com/2014/08/08/obituaries-2/)","firstname":"Wendell \"Wells\"","lastname":"Blankenship","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"xch1qsKdBt"},"token":null},{"candidatename":"Henry J. Ward, III","chatgptsummary":"Henry J. Ward III's biography shows he is an independent candidate certified for Tennessee's 8th Congressional District in November 2026. The record contains no evidence of prior legislative craft, federal agency casework, or coalition-building experience at the congressional level. Bio does not indicate relevant legislative drafting experience or oversight judgment experience.","notes":null,"party":"I","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nHenry J. Ward III, of Millington, Tennessee, is an independent candidate for Tennessee's 8th Congressional District, one of six independent candidates certified for the district's November 2026 general-election ballot alongside Adam D. Austill, Wendell \"Wells\" Blankenship, Antonio Futch, Pamela Jeanine \"P.\" Moses, and Horace Taylor [1][2].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Candidates for United States House of Representatives - Tennessee Secretary of State](https://sos-prod.tnsosgovfiles.com/s3fs-public/document/USHouseCandidates_2026.pdf) - accessed 2026-07-20\n[2] [Who's running where? Tennessee posts candidate list for redrawn congressional districts - WSMV](https://www.wsmv.com/2026/05/17/whos-running-where-tennessee-posts-candidate-list-redrawn-congressional-districts/) - accessed 2026-07-20","firstname":"Henry J.","lastname":"Ward","middlename":null,"suffix":"III","token":"ifrrQuXW8e"},"token":null},{"candidatename":"Dewey Gordon Bryan","chatgptsummary":"Bryan's thirty-five-year career as an airline captain and former Naval Aviator demonstrates significant leadership and operational oversight experience relevant to federal agency management. His background includes extensive work with federal aviation regulations and safety protocols. The biography contains no record of disciplinary actions or controversies. Bio does not indicate legislative drafting experience or prior elected office service.","notes":null,"party":"D","person":{"biography":"Dewey Gordon Bryan is a Democratic candidate running for election to the U.S. House of Representatives in Tennessee\u2019s 8th Congressional District [1]. He is on the ballot in the Democratic primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1]. The general election for this seat is set for November 3, 2026 [1]. Bryan is challenging incumbent Republican David Kustoff [12].\n\nBryan served in the U.S. Navy from 1975 to 1990 [1]. He was a designated Naval Aviator for 14 years (1976\u20131990) and completed 329 carrier arrested landings, including 95 at night [1]. Bryan graduated from York High School and earned a bachelor\u2019s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1975 as part of a four-year NROTC scholarship program [1].\n\nProfessionally, Bryan worked as an airline pilot for 35 years, retiring from FedEx in August 2018 after joining in October 1983 [1]. He served as a Captain for 28 of those 35 years [1]. Additionally, he served as an FAA-designated simulator instructor, proficiency check airman, and line check airman for the Airbus A300/310 aircraft for 13 years [1].\n\nIn his 2026 campaign, Bryan has focused on economic issues. In a Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey, he stated, \u201c\u2018IT\u2019S THE ECONOMY, STUPID\u2019. Pretty much sums up the complete economic mess our current representative has helped legislate us into,\u201d referring to Representative Kustoff [1].\n\nBryan is one of four Democratic candidates in the primary field for Tennessee\u2019s 8th District, alongside Jordan Hinders, Heidi Kuhn, and Leonard Perkins [12]. The redistricting process recently divided Shelby County among Congressional Districts 5, 8, and 9 [12]. As of the latest reporting, no FEC financial filings have been recorded for Bryan in the 2026 cycle [22].\n\n## Sources\n\n[1] [Dewey Gordon Bryan](https://ballotpedia.org/Dewey_Gordon_Bryan)\n[13] [August 2026 Primaries | Here are the candidates running in Tennessee's redrawn congressional districts | localmemphis.com](https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/politics/elections/august-2026-primaries-here-are-the-candidates-running-in-tennessees-redrawn-congressional-districts/522-80897870-f7eb-4f36-86d9-0b27624c5505)\n[16] [Dewey Gordon Bryan | BallotReady](https://www.ballotready.org/people/dewey-gordon-bryan)\n[22] [BRYAN, DEWEY GORDON \u2014 U.S. House \u2014 TN-08 | The Candidate](https://thecandidate.com/candidates/dewey-gordon-bryan-tn-house-08)","firstname":"Dewey Gordon","lastname":"Bryan","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"LwT33FmTJB"},"token":null},{"candidatename":"Antonio Futch","chatgptsummary":"Antonio Futch's biography identifies him as an independent candidate for Tennessee's 8th Congressional District in 2026, indicating local residence and campaign activity. The record contains no mention of prior legislative service, federal legal drafting, or specific casework experience with federal agencies. Bio does not indicate federal legislative craft or oversight judgment experience.","notes":null,"party":"I","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nAntonio Futch, of Memphis, Tennessee, is an independent candidate for Tennessee's 8th Congressional District, one of six independent candidates certified for the district's November 2026 general-election ballot alongside Adam D. Austill, Wendell \"Wells\" Blankenship, Pamela Jeanine \"P.\" Moses, Horace Taylor, and Henry J. Ward III [1][2]. The redrawn 8th district stretches from Memphis-area suburbs in Shelby County across rural West Tennessee, and is currently represented by Republican incumbent David Kustoff, who is seeking reelection [1][2].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Candidates for United States House of Representatives - Tennessee Secretary of State](https://sos-prod.tnsosgovfiles.com/s3fs-public/document/USHouseCandidates_2026.pdf) - accessed 2026-07-20\n[2] [Tennessee's redrawn congressional districts: A full guide to every candidate running in 2026 - NewsChannel 5](https://www.newschannel5.com/news/tennessees-redrawn-congressional-districts-a-full-guide-to-every-candidate-running-in-2026) - accessed 2026-07-20","firstname":"Antonio","lastname":"Futch","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"w6wTXndI0v"},"token":null},{"candidatename":"Pamela Jeanine \"P.\" Moses","chatgptsummary":"Pamela Jeanine Moses's biography documents a 2022 voting rights victory and a federal lawsuit challenging Tennessee redistricting maps, demonstrating litigation experience relevant to oversight judgment and constituent service. The record notes her status as a formerly incarcerated individual who claims wrongful imprisonment due to speaking out against corruption. Bio does not indicate legislative craft at the federal level or persuasion experience across party lines.","notes":null,"party":"I","person":{"biography":"Pamela Jeanine \"P.\" Moses is an independent candidate for U.S. House District 8 in Tennessee [17]. She has also previously run for the U.S. Senate against Marsha Blackburn [19].\n\nMoses describes herself as a formerly incarcerated and justice-impacted individual who claims her imprisonment was wrongful and resulted from speaking out against corruption, including allegations against a judge [19]. She states that she fought and won a voting rights case in 2022, which restored her ability to run for federal office [19]. Her political platform addresses reparations, affordable housing, climate change, healthcare, and criminal justice reform [19].\n\nIn the context of the 2026 U.S. House District 8 race, Moses filed a federal lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee to block the state\u2019s new congressional maps from taking effect [14]. The lawsuit names Governor Bill Lee, House Speaker Cameron Sexton, Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, and Tennessee Coordinator of Elections Mark Goins as defendants [14]. Moses argues that the mid-election redistricting effort is unconstitutional because lawmakers approved the new maps after candidate filing deadlines had passed [14]. She contends that she spent nearly two years building her campaign under the previous district boundaries, including purchasing voter data and organizing operations, before being notified by election officials that she needed to change districts or withdraw by May 15 [14]. The lawsuit also alleges that the new map splits Shelby County\u2019s minority communities across multiple districts, potentially weakening minority voting power [14].\n\nMoses lists her contact information as PO Box 80564, Memphis, TN 38108, and phone number 901-329-9992 [19].\n\n## Sources\n\n[14] [Independent congressional candidate sues Tennessee over new redistricting maps](https://wcyb.com/news/local/independent-congressional-candidate-sues-tennessee-over-new-redistricting-maps-pamela-jeanine-moses)\n[17] [Pamela Jeanine Moses | BallotReady](https://www.ballotready.org/people/pamela-jeanine-moses)\n[19] [A Letter From Pamela Jeanine Moses to Tennessee Voters](https://daughteroftennessee.substack.com/p/a-letter-from-pamela-jeanine-moses)\n[24] [Independent congressional candidate sues Tennessee over new redistricting maps](https://fox17.com/news/local/independent-congressional-candidate-sues-tennessee-over-new-redistricting-maps-pamela-jeanine-moses)\n[29] [A Letter From Pamela Jeanine Moses to Tennessee Voters](https://substack.com/home/post/p-150842084)","firstname":"Pamela Jeanine \"P.\"","lastname":"Moses","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"dpORmd7o14"},"token":null},{"candidatename":"Leonard Perkins","chatgptsummary":"Perkins' biography shows military service as an air traffic controller and long-term work with veterans through counseling and church leadership, relevant to constituent service and oversight of the executive branch. He has no prior elected office experience or federal legislative drafting background. Bio does not indicate experience in federal lawmaking or cross-party coalition building.","notes":null,"party":"D","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nLeonard Perkins is a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives representing Tennessee's 8th Congressional District [1]. He declared his candidacy for the Democratic primary, which is scheduled to take place on August 6, 2026 [1]. The general election for this seat is set for November 3, 2026 [4].\n\nPerkins has established a principal campaign committee titled the Committee to Elect Leonard Perkins Sr to Congress [2]. As of the available records, the committee reported total receipts of $14,164.94 [2]. He completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey for the 2026 election cycle [1].\n\nOn his campaign website, Perkins self-describes as a champion for veterans' human rights, women's reproductive autonomy, and organized labor [3]. His platform emphasizes veteran's rights, women's rights, and pro-labor positions [4].\n\n## Background and education\n\nLeonard Perkins was born in Memphis, Texas [1]. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1973 to 1977 as an air traffic controller [1][3].\n\nPerkins earned a bachelor's degree from Crichton College in 1995 and a graduate degree from the Memphis Theological Seminary in 2012 [1]. He is a pastor and the founder of Patmos Island Community Church, where he has served for 23 years [3].\n\n## Career\n\nLeonard Perkins served in the U.S. Air Force from 1973 to 1977 as a retired air traffic controller [1][3]. Following his military service, he worked as a retired employee for the Department of Veterans Affairs [3].\n\nProfessionally, Perkins is a substance abuse counselor and has served as a pastor for 23 years [3]. He founded Patmos Island Community Church, where he continues to serve as pastor [3]. In the business sector, he founded the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1113 in 2015 [3]. Additionally, in 2019, Perkins established the All Veterans Golfplex and Adaptive Sports Center, a 46-acre therapeutic facility dedicated to supporting veterans and their families [3].\n\nPerkins holds a bachelor's degree from Crichton College, earned in 1995, and a graduate degree from the Memphis Theological Seminary, completed in 2012 [1].\n\n## Office history\n\nLeonard Perkins has not previously held elected or appointed public office [1]. He is running for election to the U.S. House of Representatives to represent Tennessee's 8th Congressional District in the 2026 cycle [1]. The Democratic primary for this seat is scheduled for August 6, 2026, with the general election set for November 3, 2026 [4].\n\nPerkins established a principal campaign committee titled \"Committee to Elect Leonard Perkins Sr to Congress\" to support his bid for the U.S. House [2]. As of the available records, he has not held prior elected or appointed positions, nor have sources indicated losses in previous electoral races [1]. His professional background includes service as a retired USAF air traffic controller and a former employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs [3]. He also served as a pastor and founder of Patmos Island Community Church for 23 years [3].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nLeonard Perkins self-describes as a retired U.S. Air Force air traffic controller and a former employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs [3]. His business interests include serving as a substance abuse counselor and founding Patmos Island Community Church, where he has served as pastor for 23 years [3]. In 2015, Perkins founded the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1113 [3].\n\nIn 2019, Perkins established the All Veterans Golfplex and Adaptive Sports Center, a 46-acre therapeutic facility dedicated to veterans and their families [3]. He also founded this organization in 2019 [3]. Public financial disclosure records for his campaign committee indicate total receipts of $14,064.94 [2].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Leonard Perkins - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Leonard_Perkins)\n[2] [COMMITTEE TO ELECT LEONARD PERKINS SR TO CONGRESS - committee overview - FEC.gov](https://www.fec.gov/data/committee/C00875161/)\n[3] [Championing Veterans\u2019 Human Rights - PERKINS TO CONGRESS](https://perkinstocongress.com/about/)\n[4] [Home- PERKINS TO CONGRESS - US Congress Candidate](https://perkinstocongress.com/)","firstname":"Leonard","lastname":"Perkins","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"SnO1uYvLDe"},"token":null}],"choices":null,"description":null,"district":null,"districtgroup":null,"districtgroupname":null,"districtname":null,"job_type":"us_representative","o.office":null,"office":"us_house_8","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":{"retrieved_at":"2026-06-01","title":"TN SoS \u2014 Candidates for United States House of Representatives (2026)","url":"https://sos-prod.tnsosgovfiles.com/s3fs-public/document/USHouseCandidates_2026.pdf"},"title":"US House District 8"}