← Back to Williamson County, Tennessee: Election on 2026-08-06
Contest for TN House District 65
State House District 65
primary - Partisan - State Representative District 65
About this office
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 — together with the Senate — 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.
Term length: 2 years.
This role calls for
- Integrity — 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.
- Understanding of the constituency — Grasps both the economic-development needs of the district and the day-to-day concerns of individual residents — safety, healthcare, education, infrastructure.
- Persuasion — Engages, listens to, and persuades both fellow legislators and constituents. Can change minds and explain votes honestly.
- Legislative craft — Reads, drafts, and amends statute with care. Understands how specific bill language translates to outcomes, and knows the body of law being modified.
- Coalition-building — Finds common ground across partisan and factional lines, brokers compromises that hold, and forms working majorities even when consensus is hard to reach.
Derived from the office's statutory duties and operational reality. Candidate summaries below map each candidate's documented experience to these requirements.
Campaigns
Democratic Primary
1 candidate
Pierre-Griffin's twenty-year residence and business ownership in Williamson County demonstrate local roots relevant to understanding constituency needs. His 2024 campaign highlighted priorities like schools and growth, suggesting engagement with district concerns. No controversies or disciplinary records appear in the biography. Bio does not indicate legislative craft experience or coalition-building experience.
Republican Primary
2 candidates
Lee Reeves's biography shows relevant experience for District 65 through his current service on Education and Finance committees, demonstrating legislative craft and coalition-building skills. His background as a zoning commissioner and real estate professional suggests an understanding of local economic needs. Bio does not indicate prior electoral campaign management experience or direct advocacy experience with state-level lobbying groups.
Michelle Foreman's background as an attorney and registered nurse suggests familiarity with legal drafting and healthcare concerns relevant to constituents. Her four-year service on the Tennessee GOP State Executive Committee indicates experience in party organization. However, a Nashville court ordered her to pay $100,000 in sanctions for filing lawsuits deemed intended to chill public participation. Bio does not indicate prior legislative experience or direct constituent advocacy through elected office.
Know something about this race we don't?
Submit a contribution →