{"campaigns":[{"candidatename":"Samantha Petit","chatgptsummary":"Samantha Petit's biography shows over twenty years as a healthcare professional and small-business owner in Warren County, demonstrating local roots and familiarity with constituent economic and health concerns. She has no prior elected office history or documented disciplinary record. Bio does not indicate legislative drafting experience or coalition-building experience.","notes":null,"party":"D","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nSamantha Petit of Morrison, Tennessee is the Democratic candidate for Tennessee House of Representatives District 43, representing Warren and White counties [1]. She met the March 10, 2026 qualifying deadline and was confirmed on the Tennessee Secretary of State's official candidate list [1]. She is on the ballot for the Democratic primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1].\n\nA lifelong Warren County resident, Petit self-describes as a wife, mother, small-business owner, and healthcare professional with more than 20 years of experience [2]. She says her decision to run followed prayer and reflection, and describes her campaign as focused on unity, accountability, and service over politics [2]. Her stated platform priorities are affordability and livable wages, accessible healthcare, strong public education, and accountability [2].\n\n## Background and education\n\nSamantha Petit is a lifelong resident of Warren County, Tennessee [2]. She identifies as a healthcare professional and small-business owner with more than 20 years of experience in her field [2]. Specific details on her education are not available in public sources.\n\n## Career\n\nPetit describes herself as a small-business owner and healthcare professional with more than 20 years of experience [2]. Public sources do not name her specific employer or business.\n\n## Office history\n\nPetit has not previously held elected or appointed office. She announced her candidacy for Tennessee House District 43 in 2026 [2][3].\n\n## Family\n\nPetit self-describes as a wife and mother [2].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Candidates for Tennessee House of Representatives, 2026](https://sos-prod.tnsosgovfiles.com/s3fs-public/document/TNHouse_2026.pdf) (Tennessee Secretary of State, District 43 listing, Morrison, TN) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-20\n[2] [DISTRICT 43 \u2014 Samantha Petit has officially announced...](https://www.instagram.com/p/DUZAieXEQRa/) (Instagram, campaign announcement)\n[3] [Warren County's Samantha Petit announced her candidacy...](https://www.facebook.com/61573446851878/posts/warren-countys-samantha-petit-announced-her-candidacy-for-the-43rd-district-seat/122166436544781561/) (Main Street Journal via Facebook)","firstname":"Samantha","lastname":"Petit","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"ESlD5TDz76"},"token":"samantha_petit"},{"candidatename":"Paul Sherrell","chatgptsummary":"Paul Sherrell's biography shows over a decade of legislative service, committee assignments in health and transportation, and leadership roles relevant to constituent understanding and legislative craft. In 2023, he faced criticism for suggesting execution by hanging during a debate on lethal injection methods, an incident that drew calls for his resignation before he issued an apology. Bio does not indicate prior experience as a lobbyist or experience with major cross-partisan coalition-building efforts beyond party leadership.","notes":null,"party":"R","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nPaul Sherrell is a Republican member of the Tennessee House of Representatives representing District 43, having assumed office on November 8, 2016 [1][2]. His current term concludes on November 3, 2026 [1]. Sherrell is seeking re-election to the Tennessee House of Representatives for District 43 and appears on the ballot for the Republican primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1][4].\n\nDuring his tenure, Sherrell has served as Floor Leader for the Tennessee House Republican Caucus and holds assignments on the Government Operations, Health, Population Health, Private Acts, and Transportation committees [10]. In early 2026, he advocated for a federal grant to fund the Upper Cumberland State Veterans Cemetery in White County [17]. Later that year, he sponsored House Bill 2221, which was unanimously passed by the General Assembly to enhance transparency in the criminal justice process and prepare the state for the implementation of Marsy\u2019s Law [18].\n\n## Background and education\n\nPaul Sherrell was born on March 28, 1959, in White County, Tennessee, where he grew up on a farm [2][9]. He attended White County High School, graduating in 1977 [9]. Following high school, Sherrell obtained a commercial driver's license at the age of eighteen and worked as a construction worker and heavy equipment operator [3][9].\n\nSherrell furthered his education by attending the Tennessee Law Enforcement Academy, after which he served as a law enforcement officer [9][15]. He also completed training at the Tennessee Real Estate Educational Systems Real Estate School, becoming a licensed real estate agent [15].\n\n## Career\n\nPaul Sherrell was born on March 28, 1959, in White County, Tennessee, and grew up on a farm [2][9]. He graduated from White County High School in 1977 [9]. Following graduation, he obtained a commercial driver's license at age eighteen [3][9]. His early professional career included work as a construction worker and heavy equipment operator [3][9].\n\nSherrell attended the Tennessee Law Enforcement Academy and served as a law enforcement officer [9][15]. He later completed training at the Tennessee Real Estate Educational Systems Real Estate School and worked as a real estate agent [15]. Additionally, Sherrell has owned an auto parts business [3].\n\n## Office history\n\nPaul Sherrell first entered elected office in 2016 when he won election to the Tennessee House of Representatives for District 43, becoming the first Republican ever elected to that seat [2][3]. He assumed office on November 8, 2016, following a two-year term cycle typical for the chamber [1][2]. Sherrell has since been re-elected to represent District 43 in subsequent general elections, serving continuously through the 2021\u20132022 and 2023\u20132024 legislative sessions [1][16]. His current term is scheduled to end on November 3, 2026 [1].\n\nDuring his tenure, Sherrell has held various committee assignments. In the 2023\u20132024 session, he served as Floor Leader and was assigned to the Government Operations Committee, Health Committee, Population Health Subcommittee, Private Acts Committee, and Transportation Committee [10]. Prior sessions saw him assigned to other committees, though specific details for earlier years are less detailed in available records [1].\n\nSherrell is currently on the ballot for re-election to the Tennessee House of Representatives in District 43. He is listed as a candidate in the Republican primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1][4]. As this election date is after the current date of May 11, 2026, the outcome of this race is unknown [1].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nSherrell\u2019s legislative portfolio includes significant work on criminal justice reform and veterans' affairs. In April 2026, he sponsored House Bill 2221, which was unanimously passed by the General Assembly to prepare Tennessee for the passage of Marsy\u2019s Law; this legislation requires criminal court clerks to provide data to the Tennessee Sheriff\u2019s Association for the Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) system [18]. Earlier in his tenure, he advocated for federal funding that led to a grant for the Upper Cumberland State Veterans Cemetery in White County [17].\n\nOn fiscal policy, Sherrell voted in favor of HB534/SB1221 regarding gas taxes and supported HB1782/SB2656 to repeal emissions tests [11]. He also backed HB2021/SB1987 for CAF reform and HB2143 (SB1877) for CAF transparency [11]. In the area of business regulation, he supported HB2248/SB2465, known as the Fresh Start Act, and HB1020/SB1086 concerning Air B&B regulations [11].\n\nSherrell has consistently voted against marijuana decriminalization efforts. He voted in favor of HB0173/SB0173, which clarifies that state law preempts local government enactments regarding drug regulation and sanctions [12]. His voting record also includes support for HB1716/SB1759 to ban car smoking and HB306/SB1194 to repeal shampoo licensing requirements [11].\n\nRegarding social issues, Sherrell supported SB 16/HB 1 (Tennessee Sports Gaming Act), SB 364/HB 563 (Business Protection Act), and SB 1257/HB 1029 (Human Life Protection Act) [5]. He also voted for SB 1297/HB 1151 regarding single-sex restroom laws, SB 1304/HB 836 on conscience provisions for child-placing agencies, and SB 1373/HB 307 allowing elective religious courses for credit [5]. Additionally, he supported SB 1499/HB 1274 (School Protection Act), SB 1736/HB 1689 on single-sex student athletics, and SB 2196/HB 2263 (Governor Lee's Pro-Life Bill) [5].\n\nSherrell\u2019s committee assignments have included the Government Operations Committee, Health Committee, Population Health Subcommittee, Private Acts Committee, and Transportation Committee [10]. He has served as Floor Leader for the Tennessee House Republican Caucus [10].\n\nIn February 2023, Sherrell sparked controversy during a debate on HB1245, which would allow electrocution as an alternative to lethal injection. While discussing an amendment to add execution by firing squad, he asked if he could include an amendment for \"hanging by a tree,\" a comment that drew criticism from the Tennessee Black Caucus and the NAACP before he issued an apology [6][7][8].\n\n## Documented disputes and controversies\n\nIn February 2023, during a Criminal Justice Subcommittee meeting regarding HB1245, which would allow electrocution as an alternative to lethal injection and include an amendment for execution by firing squad, Representative Sherrell suggested adding hanging from a tree as another method [6][7]. He stated, \u201cI was just wondering, could I put an amendment on that that would include hanging by a tree, also\u201d [6][13]. The remark drew criticism from the NAACP and members of the Tennessee Black Caucus, who labeled the comment \"wrong, unjust, and racist\" and called for his resignation [8]. Sherrell subsequently issued an apology for the remarks [7][13].\n\nSherrell has faced a petition on Change.org with over 42,000 signatures calling for his removal from office, citing concerns over his public service record [15]. In March 2023, he sponsored legislation to rename a portion of Rep. John Lewis Way in Nashville to President Donald Trump Boulevard, a proposal that intersected with Dr. Martin L. King Jr. Blvd and drew commentary linking the move to the earlier lynching comment controversy [14].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nSherrell states that he grew up on a farm in White County, Tennessee, and obtained a commercial driver's license at age 18 [3][9]. His professional background includes work as a construction worker, heavy equipment operator, real estate agent, and law enforcement officer [3][9]. He also owned an auto parts business, which he has since sold [3].\n\nSherrell self-describes his career history as diverse, encompassing roles in real estate and law enforcement to gain insights into community needs [15]. Specific details regarding the value of his assets, ownership stakes in current ventures, or the financial terms of his past business sales are not provided in the available sources.\n\n## Family\n\nSherrell is married to Miranda and they have two children [2].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Paul Sherrell - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Paul_Sherrell)\n[2] [Paul Sherrell - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Sherrell)\n[3] [Paul Sherrell](https://www.paulsherrellfortn.com/)\n[4] [Paul Sherrell's Voting Records](https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/key-votes/170257/paul-sherrell)\n[5] [Rep. Paul Sherrell - Family Action Council of Tennessee](https://scorecard.factennessee.org/representatives/paul-sherrell)\n[6] [Tennessee Lawmaker's Lynching Comment Sparks Outrage](https://eji.org/news/tennessee-lawmakers-lynching-comment-sparks-outrage/)\n[7] [Tennessee Lawmaker Apologies For \"Hanging By A Tree\u201d Comments](https://www.vibe.com/news/politics/tennessee-gop-representative-hanging-tree-1234739823/)\n[8] [Tennessee Black Caucus calls on Rep. Sherrell to resign after \"hanging by a tree\" remark](https://www.newschannel5.com/news/tennessee-black-caucus-calls-on-rep-sherrell-to-resign-after-hanging-by-a-tree-remark)\n[9] [Paul Sherrell \u2014 Grokipedia](https://grokipedia.com/page/Paul_Sherrell)\n[10] [Representative Paul Sherrell \u2014 Tennessee House Republican Caucus](https://tnhousegop.org/members/representative-paul-sherrell/)\n[11] [Paul Sherrell | Tennessee Scorecard 2023](https://tnscorecard.com/legislator/paul-sherrell/)\n[12] [Paul Sherrell (R - TN)](https://vote.norml.org/politicians/170257)\n[13] [Republican sorry for suggesting \u2018hanging by a tree\u2019 as execution method | Tennessee | The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/mar/02/execution-hanging-by-a-tree-tennessee-republican)\n[14] [Tennessee representative who proposed execution by \u2018hanging by a tree\u2019 needs a history lesson](https://baptistnews.com/article/tennessee-representative-who-proposed-execution-by-hanging-by-a-tree-needs-a-history-lesson/)\n[15] [Paul Sherrell - Petitions - Tennessee House of Representatives - District 43 \u00b7 Change.org](https://www.change.org/decision-makers/paul-sherrell-tennessee-house-of-representatives-district-43)\n[16] [Paul Sherrell Running For Reelection: A Look At His Voting Record | Tennessee Conservative](https://tennesseeconservativenews.com/paul-sherrell-running-for-reelection-a-look-at-his-voting-record/)\n[17] [Rep. Paul Sherrell applauds federal grant to establish state veterans cemetery in White County \u2014 Tennessee House Republican Caucus](https://tnhousegop.org/press-releases/2026/01/rep-paul-sherrell-applauds-federal-grant-to-establish-state-veterans-cemetery-in-white-county/)\n[18] [Rep. Paul Sherrell passes bill to protect victims of crime \u2014 Tennessee House Republican Caucus](https://tnhousegop.org/press-releases/2026/04/rep-paul-sherrell-passes-bill-to-protect-victims-of-crime/)","firstname":"Paul","lastname":"Sherrell","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"XomYvsCEmT"},"token":"paul_sherrell"},{"candidatename":"DeWayne Howard","chatgptsummary":"DeWayne Howard's biography confirms his candidacy for Tennessee House District 43 and notes his filing to appear on the general election ballot following the 2026 primary. The record contains no documented controversies or disciplinary history. Bio does not indicate legislative craft experience or coalition-building experience.","notes":null,"party":"R","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nDeWayne Howard is a candidate in the 2026 Republican primary for Tennessee House of Representatives District 43 [1]. The qualifying deadline for this race was March 10, 2026, at noon [1]. Howard has filed to appear on the ballot for the upcoming general election following the primary results.\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Candidate Lists | Tennessee Secretary of State](https://sos.tn.gov/elections/2026-candidate-lists)","firstname":"DeWayne","lastname":"Howard","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"qHTYtoawqo"},"token":"dewayne_howard"}],"choices":null,"description":null,"district":"043","districtgroup":"state_house","districtgroupname":"State House","districtname":"District 43","job_type":"state_representative","o.office":"state_house_043","office":"state_house_043","officedescription":"The Tennessee House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the state legislature, with 99 members elected from single-member districts to two-year terms. Representatives pass state laws, originate revenue bills, approve the state budget, and \u2014 together with the Senate \u2014 confirm gubernatorial appointments and propose constitutional amendments. Candidates must be at least 21 years old, U.S. citizens, Tennessee residents for at least three years, and district residents for at least one year.","officequalities":"- **Integrity** \u2014 Acts in the interest of constituents and the public good rather than for personal gain, and remains independent of undue influence from donors, lobbyists, and party leadership.\n- **Understanding of the constituency** \u2014 Grasps both the economic-development needs of the district and the day-to-day concerns of individual residents \u2014 safety, healthcare, education, infrastructure.\n- **Persuasion** \u2014 Engages, listens to, and persuades both fellow legislators and constituents. Can change minds and explain votes honestly.\n- **Legislative craft** \u2014 Reads, drafts, and amends statute with care. Understands how specific bill language translates to outcomes, and knows the body of law being modified.\n- **Coalition-building** \u2014 Finds common ground across partisan and factional lines, brokers compromises that hold, and forms working majorities even when consensus is hard to reach.","officeterm":2,"officetitle":"State Representative District 43","partisan":1,"pgr":"primary","quantity":null,"referendum":null,"source":{"retrieved_at":"2026-06-01","title":"TN SoS \u2014 Candidates for Tennessee House of Representatives (2026)","url":"https://sos-prod.tnsosgovfiles.com/s3fs-public/document/TNHouse_2026.pdf"},"title":"TN House District 43"}