{"campaigns":[{"candidatename":"Theodore (Butch) Baker","chatgptsummary":"Baker's biography shows long-term local service as a police chaplain and leadership roles in music publishing, suggesting familiarity with community concerns and negotiation skills relevant to persuasion and coalition-building. He has no documented controversies or disciplinary records. Bio does not indicate legislative drafting experience or direct elected office experience.","notes":null,"party":"R","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nTheodore \"Butch\" Baker is a Republican candidate for Tennessee State Senate District 17, which covers portions of Davidson and Wilson counties [1][2]. He declared his candidacy for the Republican primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [2], challenging incumbent Senator Mark Pody. Baker's campaign is organized around the themes of faith, family, freedom, and fiscal responsibility [1].\n\nBaker's published campaign priorities include protecting the state constitution, ensuring quality education and safe schools, improving roads and public transportation, maintaining low state taxes, and expanding access to quality healthcare for all Tennesseans [1].\n\n## Background and education\nBaker was raised in Sweetwater, Tennessee. His father served as a Methodist minister for 47 years, and his mother served as a City Commissioner in Sweetwater for more than 12 years [1]. Baker is a graduate of the Tennessee Military Institute and subsequently attended Officer Candidate School with the U.S. Marine Corps in Quantico, Virginia [1]. He later attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and is a graduate of the Leadership Music program in Nashville [1].\n\n## Career\nBaker has spent approximately 46 years working in the music industry as a recording artist, songwriter, producer, and publishing executive [1]. In the 1980s he recorded for Mercury, Arista, Sony, and Warner Brothers, releasing multiple singles and the album \"We Will\" [1]. In the 1990s he transitioned into music publishing, leading Encore Publishing before spending 14 years at HoriPro Publishing, where he served as Senior Vice President of Creative [1]. He remains an active songwriter registered with BMI [1].\n\nBaker currently serves as a chaplain for both the Berry Hill Police Department and the City of Berry Hill [1]. He is a member of the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce [2].\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Butch Baker for TN State Senate \u2013 butchbaker.com](https://butchbaker.com/)\n","firstname":"Theodore (Butch)","lastname":"Baker","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"8V33lUtOBa"},"token":null},{"candidatename":"Mark Pody","chatgptsummary":"Mark Pody's biography shows over a decade of legislative experience in Tennessee, including committee assignments on Education and State & Local Government, alongside prior service in the House and leadership roles in the Civil Air Patrol. The record documents no controversies or disciplinary actions. Bio does not indicate specific experience in drafting complex statute language or building cross-partisan coalitions.","notes":null,"party":"R","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nMark Pody is a Republican member of the Tennessee State Senate representing District 17, having assumed office on January 9, 2018 [1][2]. His current term is scheduled to end on November 3, 2026 [1]. In the 2026 election cycle, Pody is seeking re-election to the Tennessee State Senate for District 17 and is listed as a candidate on the ballot for the Republican primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1][7].\n\nDuring the 2026 legislative session, Pody exerted control over various state matters before the General Assembly adjourned to allow lawmakers to raise funds and campaign for reelection [5]. In May 2026, he stated that he would not be introducing legislation to criminalize women for seeking abortion procedures [5]. Additionally, Pody was appointed to lead the Legislative Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol Tennessee Wing, where he was promoted from major to lieutenant colonel within the organization [9].\n\n## Background and education\n\nMark Allen Pody was born on April 23, 1956, in Spokane, Washington [2]. He resides in Lebanon, Tennessee [3]. Pody is married to Barbara Lynne Pody [2].\n\nSpecific details regarding his upbringing, religious affiliation, and the schools he attended or degrees he earned are not provided in the available sources.\n\n## Career\n\nMark Pody has worked as an insurance producer and owned a financial planning and insurance firm [1][2]. He self-describes as a small business owner who has consistently stood against government overreach [6].\n\nPody served in the Civil Air Patrol, the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, where he was promoted from major to lieutenant colonel [9]. He was appointed to lead the Legislative Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol Tennessee Wing to strengthen connections between volunteer service and state government [9].\n\n## Office history\n\nMark Pody served in the Tennessee House of Representatives from District 46 from January 11, 2011, to January 9, 2018 [2][4]. He succeeded Stratton Bone, Jr. in that role and was succeeded by Clark Boyd [2].\n\nPody assumed office in the Tennessee State Senate representing District 17 on January 9, 2018, succeeding Mae Beavers [2]. His current term is scheduled to end on November 3, 2026 [1]. During the 2023\u20132024 legislative session, he served as the Second Vice Chair of the State & Local Government Committee and was a member of the Senate Education Committee [1].\n\nPrior to his election to the Senate, Pody ran in a special election for District 17 after Mae Beavers resigned in August to pursue a gubernatorial campaign [11]. In that race, he defeated Democratic candidate Mary Alice Carfi by 308 votes (5,990 to 5,682) [11].\n\nPody is currently running for re-election to the Tennessee State Senate to represent District 17 [1]. He is on the ballot in the Republican primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nMark Pody has served in the Tennessee State Senate since January 9, 2018, representing District 17 [1]. Prior to his election to the Senate, he served in the Tennessee House of Representatives from the 46th district from January 11, 2011, until January 9, 2018 [2]. He assumed the Senate seat following a special election victory over Democratic candidate Mary Alice Carfi by 308 votes (5,990 to 5,682), succeeding Mae Beavers who resigned from the position [11].\n\nDuring the 2023-2024 legislative session, Pody held assignments on the Senate Education Committee and served as Second Vice Chair of the State & Local Government Committee [1]. His legislative portfolio has included involvement with several significant bills, such as SB 16/HB 1 (Tennessee Sports Gaming Act), SB 1257/HB 1029 (Human Life Protection Act), and SB 2196/HB 2263 (Governor Lee's Pro-Life Bill) [8]. In the 2026 session, Pody stated he would not be introducing legislation to criminalize women for seeking abortion procedures [5].\n\nPody\u2019s policy positions emphasize conservative fiscal policies and limiting the size and scope of government, arguing that many initiatives are best handled by individuals, churches, and non-profits rather than the state [10]. He has also been active in civic organizations, notably being appointed to lead the Legislative Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol Tennessee Wing, where he was promoted from major to lieutenant colonel [9].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nMark Pody has identified himself as a small business owner and insurance producer [2][6]. His professional background includes ownership of a financial planning and insurance firm [1]. He also operated an insurance agency [10].\n\nPody self-describes his career focus as fighting for smaller government and standing against government overreach through his business experience [6]. Specific details regarding the size of his wealth, precise ownership stakes in his businesses, or the sale of any companies are not provided in the available sources.\n\n## Family\n\nMark Pody is married to Barbara Lynne Pody [2]. The couple has two children [3].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Mark Pody - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Mark_Pody)\n[2] [Mark Pody - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Pody)\n[3] [Vote-USA | Mark A. Pody | Currently Elected State Senator District 17, Tennessee](https://vote-usa.org/Intro.aspx?State=TN&Id=TNPodyMark)\n[4] [State Senator Mark Pody | BillTrack50](https://www.billtrack50.com/legislatordetail/6122)\n[5] [Sen. Mark Pody Archives \u2022 Tennessee Lookout](https://tennesseelookout.com/tag/sen-mark-pody/)\n[6] [contact Senator Mark Pody](https://sengov.com/states/tennessee/mark-pody/)\n[7] [Mark Pody | BallotReady](https://www.ballotready.org/people/mark-pody)\n[8] [Sen. Mark Pody - Family Action Council of Tennessee](https://scorecard.factennessee.org/senators/mark-pody)\n[9] [Tennessee State Senator Mark Pody Selected to Lead Civil Air Patrol Legislative Outreach](https://www.cap.news/p/tennessee-state-senator-mark-pody-selected-to-lead-civil-air-patrol-legislative-outreach)\n[10] [Mark Pody Announces Run For Senate Seat - WBRY FM 107.1 AM 1540](https://www.wbry.com/mark-pody-announces-run-for-senate-seat/)\n[11] [State Rep. Mark Pody Archives - Tennessee Star](https://tennesseestar.com/tag/state-rep-mark-pody/)","firstname":"Mark","lastname":"Pody","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"aVpF9tqYPp"},"token":"mark_pody"},{"candidatename":"Lindsey Patrick-Wright","chatgptsummary":"Patrick-Wright's twenty-year career as a public librarian and regional manager demonstrates sustained community engagement and familiarity with constituent needs in education and safety. Her advocacy regarding school board disputes and local opposition to immigration facilities illustrates active persuasion efforts on specific district concerns. Bio does not indicate legislative drafting experience or formal coalition-building experience within the state senate.","notes":null,"party":"D","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nLindsey Patrick-Wright is a Democratic candidate running for election to the Tennessee State Senate to represent District 17 [1]. She is on the ballot in the Democratic primary scheduled for August 6, 2026, with the general election set for November 3, 2026 [1]. Patrick-Wright self-describes as a mother, librarian, and longtime public servant who has spent 20 years serving communities across the state through public libraries [2]. She resides in Wilson County, where she raises her child and advocates for strong schools, safer communities, and affordability for working families [2].\n\nRecent campaign developments include the launch of \"The Lindsey Patrick-Wright Report,\" a weekly breakdown of Tennessee Senate bills impacting public education, healthcare, and civil rights, which Patrick-Wright stated is intended to provide transparency to the people of Senate District 17 [4]. Her platform emphasizes fighting for families, community unity, and demanding transparency from the state government [3][4]. In February 2026, she publicly stated that Wilson County does not want Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities in the area, noting at that time that officials had not confirmed a detention center for Lebanon [3][8].\n\nPatrick-Wright\u2019s campaign has been highlighted by her advocacy regarding LGBTQ+ rights following a viral speech to the Wilson County School Board [5]. She recounted hearing hateful comments directed at her sixth-grade child at West Wilson Middle School, including threats and slurs, which she presented during a public comment session [6]. This advocacy has resonated with local families facing similar issues [5]. Additionally, her campaign has issued action alerts urging constituents to contact their Tennessee representatives to vote against redistricting efforts [7].\n\n## Background and education\n\nLindsey Patrick-Wright is a mother and librarian who resides in Wilson County with her child[2]. She has spent approximately 20 years serving communities across Tennessee through public libraries, helping families access education, opportunity, and support[2]. In her professional capacity, she serves as the Regional Manager of the Southeast Branch of Nashville Public Library, a role that places her in one of the country's most diverse communities[9].\n\nPatrick-Wright holds a teaching position in Children\u2019s Literature at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK)[9]. Specific details regarding her birthplace, year of birth, religious affiliation, and other educational degrees are not provided in the available sources.\n\n## Career\n\nLindsey Patrick-Wright is a librarian who has spent approximately 20 years serving communities across Tennessee through public libraries [2]. In her professional capacity, she serves as the Regional Manager of the Southeast Branch of Nashville Public Library, a role that places her in one of the country's most diverse communities [9]. She also teaches Children\u2019s Literature at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville [9].\n\n## Office history\n\nLindsey Patrick-Wright has served for nearly two decades in public library administration, holding the position of Regional Manager for the Southeast Branch of Nashville Public Library [9]. In this role, she manages operations within one of the country's most diverse communities and teaches Children\u2019s Literature at the University of Tennessee Knoxville [9].\n\nPatrick-Wright is currently running for election to the Tennessee State Senate to represent District 17 as a Democrat [1]. She is on the ballot for the Democratic primary scheduled for August 6, 2026, with a general election set for November 3, 2026 [1]. Her campaign focuses on transparency and issues affecting families, including public education, healthcare, and civil rights [4].\n\nPrior to her current Senate bid, Patrick-Wright gained public attention through community activism in Wilson County. In 2024, she delivered a speech at a Wilson County School Board meeting regarding harassment of her LGBTQ+ child, which resonated with local families [5][6]. She has also been active in opposing the placement of an ICE detention center in Lebanon, Tennessee, stating that the community does not want such facilities [3][8].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nLindsey Patrick-Wright has not yet served in the Tennessee State Senate, as she is currently a candidate for District 17 in the Democratic primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1]. Her legislative platform emphasizes transparency and accountability, highlighted by her announcement of \"The Lindsey Patrick-Wright Report,\" a weekly breakdown of state bills impacting public education, healthcare, and civil rights [4]. She has advocated for increased oversight of state government actions, stating that constituents demand transparency from the state [3].\n\nPatrick-Wright\u2019s policy positions are rooted in her background as a librarian and mother, focusing on support for strong schools, community safety, and affordability for working families [2]. She has taken public stances against federal immigration enforcement in her district, declaring that Wilson County does not want Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities present [8]. This position was reinforced when she noted that officials had not confirmed a detention center for Lebanon, despite local opposition [3].\n\nHer legislative priorities include protecting LGBTQ+ rights, a stance informed by her advocacy for her child\u2019s safety in the Wilson County School System [5]. She has publicly opposed redistricting efforts, urging Tennessee representatives to vote against proposed maps [7]. Patrick-Wright self-describes as a public servant with nearly 20 years of experience serving communities through public libraries, aiming to provide families with a voice in Nashville [2].\n\n## Documented disputes and controversies\n\nPatrick-Wright\u2019s public profile includes a widely reported dispute with the Wilson County School Board regarding the treatment of LGBTQ+ students. In a public comment session at West Wilson Middle School in Mount Juliet, she recited a list of alleged slurs and threats directed at her sixth-grade child, including statements such as \u201cYou\u2019re going to hell\u201d and \u201cDie!\u201d [6] The incident gained national attention, with Patrick-Wright discussing the event and its resonance with local families in media interviews [5].\n\nDuring the 2026 election cycle, Patrick-Wright engaged in public disputes concerning immigration enforcement in her district. She issued statements demanding transparency from state officials and asserting that \u201cWILSON COUNTY does not want ICE here,\u201d following reports of a potential detention center in Lebanon [3]. While she characterized the situation as a demand for local input, officials subsequently clarified that no detention center had been confirmed [8].\n\nPatrick-Wright has also positioned her campaign against state legislative actions regarding electoral boundaries. She has issued action alerts urging constituents to contact their representatives to vote \u201cNo on Redistricting,\u201d framing the issue as part of her broader advocacy for transparency and family affordability [7].\n\n## Family\n\nLindsey Patrick-Wright is a mother who resides in Wilson County with her child [2]. She has described herself as a mom fighting for a safer and more affordable Tennessee for all families [7]. In 2019, she noted that she enjoyed spending quality time with her nine-year-old daughter and their dog, Buddy [9].\n\nPatrick-Wright gained public attention in 2026 after delivering a speech to the Wilson County School Board regarding harassment her child faced at West Wilson Middle School due to their gender identity [5]. During the public comment session, she recited specific insults shouted at her sixth-grade child, Pippy, which included threats of violence and death [6]. She stated that the experience allowed her to connect with other local families facing similar challenges [5].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Lindsey Patrick-Wright](https://ballotpedia.org/Lindsey_Patrick-Wright)\n[2] [Lindsey for TN](https://www.lindseyfortn.com/)\n[3] [State Senate candidate Lindsey Patrick-Wright (D)](https://www.facebook.com/TheTNHoller/posts/-state-senate-candidate-lindsey-patrick-wright-d-do-not-stop-representing-us-dem/1383960637078206/)\n[4] [Lindsey Patrick-Wright on Instagram: \"Our campaign ...](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DV1xgvBEbe5/)\n[5] [Tennessee Mother Lindsey Patrick-Wright discusses her viral speech towards her child\u2019s school board regarding LGBTQ+ rights](https://www.yahoo.com/news/tennessee-mother-lindsey-patrick-wright-003333429.html)\n[6] [Tennessee Mom Tells Wilson County School Board Her LGBTQ Child Is Harassed](https://www.thedailybeast.com/tennessee-mom-tells-wilson-county-school-board-her-lgbtq-child-is-harassed/)\n[7] [lindseypatrickwright | Instagram, TikTok | Linktree](https://linktr.ee/lindseypatrickwright)\n[8] [\ud83d\udd25 State Senate candidate Lindsey Patrick-Wright (D): \u201cDo not stop representing us. Demand transparency from the state. WILSON COUNTY does not want ICE here.\u201d @lindseypatrickwright Officials now say a detention center has NOT been confirmed for Lebanon \ud83e\udd14 \ud83d\udcaa\ud83c\udffd](https://www.threads.com/@thetnholler/post/DU5rdeODRDI/video-state-senate-candidate-lindsey-patrick-wright-d-do-not-stop-representing-us)\n[9] [Lindsey Patrick-Wright's schedule for 2019 TLA Conference](https://tnla19.sched.com/lindsey_patrick.1thrz5pl)","firstname":"Lindsey","lastname":"Patrick-Wright","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"vvZWAMq0EB"},"token":"lindsey_patrick_wright"},{"candidatename":"Joni Cochran","chatgptsummary":null,"notes":null,"party":"D","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nJoni Cochran is a candidate for Tennessee Senate, District 17 in the 2026 Tennessee election (Davidson County).\n","firstname":"Joni","lastname":"Cochran","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"BUWON5j2wH"},"token":"joni_cochran"}],"choices":null,"description":null,"district":"017","districtgroup":"state_senate","districtgroupname":"State Senate","districtname":"District 17","job_type":"state_senator","o.office":"state_senate_017","office":"state_senate_017","officedescription":"The Tennessee State Senate is the upper chamber of the state legislature, with 33 members elected from single-member districts to four-year terms. Seats are staggered so roughly half are on the ballot every two years. Senators pass state laws, approve the state budget, confirm gubernatorial appointments, and \u2014 together with the House \u2014 propose constitutional amendments. Candidates must be at least 30 years old, U.S. citizens, Tennessee residents for at least seven 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":4,"officetitle":"State Senate District 17","partisan":1,"pgr":"primary","quantity":null,"referendum":null,"source":{"retrieved_at":"2026-06-01","title":"TN SoS \u2014 Candidates for Tennessee Senate (2026)","url":"https://sos-prod.tnsosgovfiles.com/s3fs-public/document/TNSenate_2026.pdf"},"title":"TN Senate District 17"}