Tennessee voters will go to the polls on Nov. 3 to choose a new U.S. senator, U.S. representatives, governor and state legislators. Here's everything you need to know.
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Voter information
Who is eligible to register to vote in TN?
Voters must meet the following criteria to vote in Tennessee:
- A citizen of the United States
- At least 18 years old
- A resident of Tennessee
More information can be found on the Tennessee Secretary of State’s website.
How do you register to vote?
It's too late to register for the Nov. 3 General Election. To participate in future elections, residents can register online or by sending a filled-out Voter Registration Application to their local county election commission.
How do you check if you’re registered?
Residents can check their registration by visiting the Tennessee Voter Registration Lookup and Absentee Ballot Status Tracker.
What are the key election dates?
Early voting: Oct. 14 - Oct. 29
State and Federal General election: Nov. 3
Where do you vote in-person?
Voters can check their polling location on the Tennessee Secretary of State’s website.
Can you mail in a ballot?
Voters can request an absentee ballot if they meet certain criteria. More information can be found on the Tennessee Secretary of State’s website.
Constitutional amendments
Tennessee ballots will include three Constitutional amendment questions.
Candidates
Tennessee Governor
Marsha Blackburn
Tennessee Governor
Party: Republican
Jerri Greene
Tennessee Governor
Party: Democrat
WUOT asked each candidate to rate their level of agreement with six statements, on a scale of 0 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Here are the statements; click the arrow to see the responses we received.
I believe the election process is fair and secure.
Issue 1
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Marsha Blackburn | Tennessee Governor
Issue 1
Level of agreement: 4 out of 5
While our local election workers do an incredible job under tough circumstances, partisan and racial gerrymandering and redistricting, as well as attempts to make it harder to vote, create unnecessary barriers. We should be making it easier for all eligible Tennesseans to vote, not putting up roadblocks. Additionally, as long as we have big money in politics, it makes it easier for the wealthy elite to buy their way into office.
Candidate: Jerri Greene | Tennessee Governor
Election/voter fraud is currently a serious problem in the United States.
Issue 2
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Marsha Blackburn | Tennessee Governor
Issue 2
Level of agreement: 0 out of 5
Study after study shows that widespread voter fraud is virtually non-existent. The obsession over this, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, only serves to suppress legitimate votes and sow unnecessary confusion and doubt in the results of our elections when Tennesseans have real kitchen-table issues to worry about, like putting groceries in the fridge and gas in their cars. These are the kinds of issues politicians love to distract with because they have no plan to help everyday Tennesseans.
Candidate: Jerri Greene | Tennessee Governor
State lawmakers should pass legislation to regulate the development and operation of data centers.
Issue 3
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Marsha Blackburn | Tennessee Governor
Issue 3
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
I have explicitly called for a moratorium on new data centers and strong, smart oversight. As a Memphis City Council member, I sponsored an ordinance to pause data center development because these massive tech and AI facilities consume far too much electricity and water, and they are endangering the health of nearby residents. We need to put a stop to new builds until we can protect our water, prevent power bill spikes for everyday working families, and mandate strict environmental and corporate accountability.
Candidate: Jerri Greene | Tennessee Governor
The best way to ensure constituents have access to affordable healthcare is by supporting policies that expand state-funded programs, rather than relying on the federal government.
Issue 4
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Marsha Blackburn | Tennessee Governor
Issue 4
Level of agreement: 2 out of 5
Tennesseans want healthcare access, period. Whether through expanding Medicaid or leveraging federal partnerships, we shouldn’t leave billions of federal tax dollars on the table out of pure political stubbornness while our rural hospitals struggle to keep their doors open. While we will take ownership of what we can do as a state to ensure healthcare is affordable and accessible, we also have to fight for the tax dollars residents are paying to the federal government will benefit them, not lay sitting.
Candidate: Jerri Greene | Tennessee Governor
State lawmakers should direct more funding towards the expansion of healthcare services and hospitals in rural areas.
Issue 5
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Marsha Blackburn | Tennessee Governor
Issue 5
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
No Tennessean should have to go without coverage, especially while Tennessee lawmakers have billions of federal healthcare dollars just sitting on the table waiting to be put toward giving Tennesseans the relief they deserve. I will expand Medicaid to bring coverage to hundreds of thousands of working Tennesseans and advocate for state legislation to lower prescription drug costs. I will also put an end to regional monopolies like Ballad Health. We need aggressive action to make quality care accessible and affordable.
Candidate: Jerri Greene | Tennessee Governor
Local police and law enforcement should be required to work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Issue 6
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Marsha Blackburn | Tennessee Governor
Issue 6
Level of agreement: 0 out of 5
Public safety is built on community trust. When local police are forced to act as federal immigration agents, it drives communities into the shadows and makes victims or witnesses of crime afraid to talk to law enforcement, which ultimately makes everyone less safe. That is why my Day One plan explicitly ends the Tennessee Highway Patrol's collaboration with ICE.
Candidate: Jerri Greene | Tennessee Governor
U.S. Senate
Bill Hagerty
U.S. Senator
Party: Republican
Status: Incumbent
Marquita Bradshaw
U.S. Senate
Party: Democratic
Tharon Chandler
U.S. Senator
Party: Independent
Andrew Gerena
U.S. Senator
Party: Independent
Jeremy Dean Hearn
U.S. Senator
Party: Independent
Robert Jones
U.S. Senator
Party: Independent
James William Macon III
U.S. Senator
Party: Independent
Yoshi D. Matthews
U.S. Senator
Party: Independent
David Sutman Jr.
U.S. Senator
Party: Independent
Catherine Barcel Whitson
U.S. Senator
Party: Independent
WUOT asked each candidate to rate their level of agreement with eight statements, on a scale of 0 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Here are the statements; click the arrow to see the responses we received.
I believe the election process is fair and secure.
Issue 1
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Bill Hagerty | U.S. Senator
Issue 1
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
I believe our election process is fair and secure. Election officials and poll workers work diligently to protect every ballot and ensure accurate results. We must continue strengthening election security, promoting transparency, and protecting every eligible voter’s access to the ballot.
Candidate: Marquita Bradshaw | U.S. Senator
Issue 1
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Tharon Chandler | U.S. Senator
Issue 1
Level of agreement: 1 out of 5
There is no legitimate, morally acceptable reason why Super PACs, Corporations, or Major construction firms (among other examples) should be permitted to fund political candidates or political parties. This upholds the status qou of morally absent politicians, who swear loyalty of greed to the minority of economic elitists; rather than an oath to the American people. Learn more at opentn.org
Candidate: Andrew Gerena | U.S. Senator
Issue 1
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Jeremy Dean Hearn | U.S. Senator
Issue 1
Level of agreement: 1 out of 5
I distinguish between the security of casting and counting ballots and the broader political system surrounding our elections. Election officials have substantial safeguards in place to protect ballots and election infrastructure. However, I do not believe our overall electoral process provides a completely fair political environment. The influence of money, concentrated political power, misinformation, and unequal access to voters can distort the information people receive before they ever cast a ballot. A secure ballot is essential, but a truly fair election also requires transparency, accountability, accurate information, and meaningful access to the political process.
Candidate: Robert Jones | U.S. Senator
Issue 1
Level of agreement: 3 out of 5
I believe our elections are generally secure, but every system can be improved, and the goal should always be to increase voter confidence, transparency, and participation while protecting the integrity of every legal vote. Tennessee should also create a primary election process for independent candidates so that voters have a meaningful opportunity to evaluate and choose independent nominees just as they do candidates from the major parties.
Candidate: James William Macon III | U.S. Senator
Issue 1
Level of agreement: 4 out of 5
I believe our elections are generally fair and secure, but we should never become complacent. We should continue strengthening election security, transparency, and voter confidence.
Candidate: Yoshi D. Matthews | U.S. Senator
Issue 1
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
Candidate: David Sutman Jr. | U.S. Senator
Issue 1
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
I have voted for five decades and I am so impressed with the election commissions and their excellent work for Tennesseans. I have felt safe and secure whether voting early, on the day of elections and even when I had to vote absentee when traveling. Keep up the great work!
Candidate: Catherine Barcel Whitson | U.S. Senator
Election/voter fraud is currently a serious problem in the United States.
Issue 2
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Bill Hagerty | U.S. Senator
Issue 2
Level of agreement: 0 out of 5
Election and voter fraud occur only rarely, and there is no evidence that they are currently widespread enough to undermine U.S. election results. We should continue strengthening election security while rejecting misinformation that erodes public trust and makes voting harder for eligible citizens. Every lawful vote must be protected and counted.
Candidate: Marquita Bradshaw | U.S. Senator
Issue 2
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Tharon Chandler | U.S. Senator
Issue 2
Level of agreement: 3 out of 5
Government issued Photo ID should be required in all 50 states and U.S. Territories. A drivers license or non-driver's ID is easily accessible and sufficient. However, if the government is capable of Auto-registering half of their population for a military draft = then the government is also fully capable of automatic voter registration of every U.S. citizen. Furthermore, mechanisms used to suppress voter turnout, such as: Shutting down locally accessible voting locations in targeted communities, forcing political party assignments, and voter database purges must be terminated Nationally.
Candidate: Andrew Gerena | U.S. Senator
Issue 2
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Jeremy Dean Hearn | U.S. Senator
Issue 2
Level of agreement: 1 out of 5
Election fraud should always be investigated and prosecuted when credible evidence exists. However, the available evidence does not support characterizing individual voter fraud as a widespread problem in the United States. Research examining multiple elections has consistently found documented voter fraud to be rare. Election security should remain a priority, but our policies should be based upon demonstrated risks and evidence rather than unsupported claims.
Candidate: Robert Jones | U.S. Senator
Issue 2
Level of agreement: 1 out of 5
I share the concern that every eligible voter should be able to cast a ballot and have confidence that it is counted accurately. We should strengthen election integrity through secure voter registration, transparent audits, and consistent enforcement of election laws while also basing our decisions on facts, evidence, and due process rather than fear or speculation.
Candidate: James William Macon III | U.S. Senator
Issue 2
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
Election integrity is extremely important. We need strong safeguards and enforcement to prevent fraud and ensure every legitimate vote is protected and accurately counted.
Candidate: Yoshi D. Matthews | U.S. Senator
Issue 2
Level of agreement: 1 out of 5
Election integrity is important, but I don't believe widespread voter fraud is a major concern at this time based on the evidence available. Individual cases should always be taken seriously, investigated, and prosecuted when warranted. At the same time, we should not treat isolated incidents as evidence of widespread fraud. My approach would be simple: protect the integrity of our elections, address credible concerns, and base our decisions on facts and evidence rather than fear, speculation, or partisan rhetoric.
Candidate: David Sutman Jr. | U.S. Senator
Issue 2
Level of agreement: 0 out of 5
Candidate: Catherine Barcel Whitson | U.S. Senator
The government should prioritize policies that protect the environment and address climate change, even when they cost more money.
Issue 3
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Bill Hagerty | U.S. Senator
Issue 3
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
Protecting our environment and addressing climate change are essential investments in public health, economic security, and future generations. While some policies require upfront funding, inaction costs far more through extreme weather, higher healthcare expenses, damaged infrastructure, and lost livelihoods. We must pursue a just transition that creates good-paying jobs, protects vulnerable communities, and ensures corporations—not working families—pay their fair share.
Candidate: Marquita Bradshaw | U.S. Senator
Issue 3
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Tharon Chandler | U.S. Senator
Issue 3
Level of agreement: 3 out of 5
There are financially responsible ways to protect the environment without harming the local economy and small business. The first step requires engagement and active listening to the concerns of the communities the policies effect as well as requiring experts to be present during these open community discussions. Example: Constructing modern / modular Nuclear Energy Power plants along side renewable energy sources provides both (Hi-yield) + minimized negative impact on the environment, better energy independence and security VS. the entire continuous fragile supply chain system required to up hold burning Coal and Compressed Natural Gas. I do STRONGLY support protecting our parks and wildlife conservation efforts full stop. A second example, The United Sates of America is decades behind the rest of the developed world when it comes to the subject of high-speed passenger rail, this is fully achievable (if we incarcerate the corruption) and beneficial in many aspects. #1 Reduces traffic congestion on the interstate ! #2 It's more accessible and affordable than taking regional flights to and from destinations (connecting all major cities in a geographical regional area). #3 Reduces carbon emissions by transporting large amounts of passengers over long distances, burning far less fossil fuels and producing far less carbon emissions than the thousands of individual, round trip motor vehicle traffic it will eliminate. #4 Less traffic + Less exhausted drivers + Less Distracted drivers = less collisions, less injuries, and less death on the roadways. BUT WHAT ABOUT JOBS? I got you. Conductors, Sanitation, Security, Maintenance, Construction, Food service, Advertising, Tourism, Terminal staff, Entertainment, these are CAREERS not just dead end low paying jobs. Imagine traveling from Knoxville to Nashville in 30-40 minutes instead of 3 hours. This technology already exists, let's harness it !
Candidate: Andrew Gerena | U.S. Senator
Issue 3
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Jeremy Dean Hearn | U.S. Senator
Issue 3
Level of agreement: 3 out of 5
Environmental policy should be approached through balance, sustainability, and long-term cost analysis. Some investments may cost more initially while producing significant long-term economic, environmental, and public benefits. The goal should not simply be to spend more because a policy is environmentally beneficial, but to evaluate the full costs and benefits and pursue solutions that are both environmentally and economically sustainable.
Candidate: Robert Jones | U.S. Senator
Issue 3
Level of agreement: 4 out of 5
I believe we have a responsibility to leave cleaner air, cleaner water, and a healthier environment for future generations, but we also have a responsibility to spend taxpayer dollars wisely. The best solutions are those that protect our natural resources, strengthen our energy infrastructure, create jobs, and deliver measurable results without placing unnecessary financial burdens on working families.
Candidate: James William Macon III | U.S. Senator
Issue 3
Level of agreement: 4 out of 5
Protecting our environment and addressing climate change should be priorities.
Candidate: Yoshi D. Matthews | U.S. Senator
Issue 3
Level of agreement: 3 out of 5
I moderately agree. Protecting our environment and addressing climate change are important, but policies should also be practical and consider their impact on families, farmers, workers, and the cost of living. We should pursue solutions that protect our environment without placing unnecessary financial burdens on working Americans.
Candidate: David Sutman Jr. | U.S. Senator
Issue 3
Level of agreement: 0 out of 5
Candidate: Catherine Barcel Whitson | U.S. Senator
The federal government should regulate the development and operation of data centers.
Issue 4
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Bill Hagerty | U.S. Senator
Issue 4
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
The federal government should establish clear standards for data centers’ energy and water consumption, environmental impact, grid reliability, transparency, and cybersecurity. Regulation should protect communities and ratepayers while supporting responsible innovation, good-paying local jobs, and meaningful state and local input.
Candidate: Marquita Bradshaw | U.S. Senator
Issue 4
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Tharon Chandler | U.S. Senator
Issue 4
Level of agreement: 2 out of 5
Yes, but Ultimately the LOCAL community must and always have the final say. Not the suits in Washington DC or the Executive suite at Oracle, Meta, Amazon, or google. Environmental and Data Privacy regulations are an absolute must across the board. But if the local populace votes no. Then the answer is no.
Candidate: Andrew Gerena | U.S. Senator
Issue 4
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Jeremy Dean Hearn | U.S. Senator
Issue 4
Level of agreement: 4 out of 5
The rapid expansion of data centers requires clear standards that protect the communities in which they operate. I support establishing reasonable federal benchmarks addressing issues such as energy demand, water use, infrastructure impacts, transparency, and environmental concerns, while allowing states and local communities to adopt stronger protections when their circumstances require them. Technological development should not come at the expense of the communities supporting it.
Candidate: Robert Jones | U.S. Senator
Issue 4
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
I believe the federal government should establish reasonable standards for data centers because they are becoming critical infrastructure, but those standards should protect communities while encouraging innovation and investment. Data centers should not be allowed to create pollution, consume more water per square foot than a typical family home without clear public benefit and mitigation plans, or generate excessive noise that diminishes the quality of life of nearby residents.
Candidate: James William Macon III | U.S. Senator
Issue 4
Level of agreement: 3 out of 5
I support reasonable oversight of data centers, particularly when they affect electricity, water, infrastructure, and surrounding communities.
Candidate: Yoshi D. Matthews | U.S. Senator
Issue 4
Level of agreement: 4 out of 5
I agree. The federal government should establish reasonable standards for data centers, particularly around energy use, water consumption, environmental impact, and community safety, while allowing local communities a meaningful voice in development decisions.
Candidate: David Sutman Jr. | U.S. Senator
Issue 4
Level of agreement: 3 out of 5
I believe that we humans are to always be in charge of AI. I also believe that we must be careful regarding building excessive huge data centers without reviewing the impact to the environment and health and safety of communities where such centers are located.
Candidate: Catherine Barcel Whitson | U.S. Senator
The government should direct more funding towards the expansion of healthcare services and hospitals in rural areas.
Issue 5
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Bill Hagerty | U.S. Senator
Issue 5
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
Every Tennessean deserves accessible, affordable healthcare, regardless of ZIP code. Increased funding for rural hospitals and clinics would help prevent closures, reduce travel times, expand emergency and maternal care, and create good local jobs. Rural communities should receive the resources necessary to thrive.
Candidate: Marquita Bradshaw | U.S. Senator
Issue 5
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Tharon Chandler | U.S. Senator
Issue 5
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
No debate, no contest. Full support, make it so.
Candidate: Andrew Gerena | U.S. Senator
Issue 5
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Jeremy Dean Hearn | U.S. Senator
Issue 5
Level of agreement: 4 out of 5
Rural Americans should have meaningful access to healthcare regardless of where they live. Expanding and preserving rural healthcare infrastructure should be part of a broader effort to make healthcare universally accessible, with greater emphasis on preventive care and efficient delivery. Additional funding can be part of that solution, but it should be directed toward sustainable systems that improve access and outcomes rather than simply increasing spending.
Candidate: Robert Jones | U.S. Senator
Issue 5
Level of agreement: 4 out of 5
I support expanding access to healthcare in rural Tennessee, but we should look beyond simply building more facilities and instead invest in public-private partnerships, telehealth, and stronger connections between rural communities, university medical centers, and research hospitals. By expanding medical education, residency programs, and specialty care networks while strengthening rural hospitals, we can improve outcomes, lower costs, create opportunities for Tennessee students, and ensure families have access to high-quality care closer to home.
Candidate: James William Macon III | U.S. Senator
Issue 5
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
Rural Tennesseans deserve access to quality healthcare close to home.
Candidate: Yoshi D. Matthews | U.S. Senator
Issue 5
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
I strongly agree. Rural communities deserve reliable access to quality healthcare close to home. Federal funding should help expand rural hospitals, clinics, emergency services, and healthcare workforce opportunities so families aren't forced to travel long distances for basic or emergency care.
Candidate: David Sutman Jr. | U.S. Senator
Issue 5
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
We must take care of our humans whereever they are located. For the health and welfare of small communities we need to ensure the same level of care of those located in larger cities and communities.
Candidate: Catherine Barcel Whitson | U.S. Senator
The best way to ensure constituents have access to affordable healthcare is by supporting policies that expand federally funded programs.
Issue 6
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Bill Hagerty | U.S. Senator
Issue 6
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
Federally funded programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and community health centers are essential to making quality healthcare affordable and accessible. Marquita Bradshaw supports expanding these programs, lowering prescription-drug costs, and ensuring that every Tennessean can receive care regardless of income or ZIP code. Healthcare is a human right, not a privilege.
Candidate: Marquita Bradshaw | U.S. Senator
Issue 6
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Tharon Chandler | U.S. Senator
Issue 6
Level of agreement: 3 out of 5
I support converting the entire healthcare system to a non-for profit model. All surplus should be redirected to keeping cost down, advancing medical research, wages, equipment, facilities, and accessibility. Including all U.S. Territories that are often forgotten.
Candidate: Andrew Gerena | U.S. Senator
Issue 6
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Jeremy Dean Hearn | U.S. Senator
Issue 6
Level of agreement: 3 out of 5
I do not believe we should assume that any single mechanism is automatically the best solution. The federal government has an important role in ensuring access to affordable healthcare, but federally funded programs are one tool rather than an end in themselves. We should examine every viable approach and measure success by access, affordability, preventive care, health outcomes, and efficient use of public resources.
Candidate: Robert Jones | U.S. Senator
Issue 6
Level of agreement: 3 out of 5
I believe affordable healthcare requires more than expanding federal programs; it requires fixing the way healthcare is delivered and paid for. We should reduce prescription drug costs, simplify and standardize medical billing, increase price transparency, eliminate unnecessary middlemen and broker fees that drive up costs, and reward innovation and competition that make high-quality care more affordable for every Tennessee family.
Candidate: James William Macon III | U.S. Senator
Issue 6
Level of agreement: 4 out of 5
I support expanding federally funded healthcare programs when they improve access and affordability.
Candidate: Yoshi D. Matthews | U.S. Senator
Issue 6
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
I strongly agree. Expanding federally funded healthcare programs can help make care more affordable and accessible, particularly for working families and rural communities. Everyone should have access to quality healthcare without being forced to choose between getting care and paying their bills.
Candidate: David Sutman Jr. | U.S. Senator
Issue 6
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
Medicare works and we as taxpayers should be able to provide healthcare for all. be able to support all humans and provide great healthcar
Candidate: Catherine Barcel Whitson | U.S. Senator
The US should prioritize domestic concerns like inflation and cost of living, over international affairs.
Issue 7
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Bill Hagerty | U.S. Senator
Issue 7
Level of agreement: 4 out of 5
The federal government must prioritize lowering costs, creating good-paying jobs, expanding affordable housing and healthcare, and helping working families. However, domestic and international issues are interconnected. Responsible global engagement can protect national security, supply chains, and economic stability. We must address challenges abroad without neglecting Tennesseans here at home.
Candidate: Marquita Bradshaw | U.S. Senator
Issue 7
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Tharon Chandler | U.S. Senator
Issue 7
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
All Americans pay taxes, we are the ones that enable the government to wield such financial power. We the people should and always be the primary beneficiaries of any tax dollar spent. We should hold the full focus of representation, Not the Military industrial complex. Not Israel.
Candidate: Andrew Gerena | U.S. Senator
Issue 7
Level of agreement: 0 out of 5
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Jeremy Dean Hearn | U.S. Senator
Issue 7
Level of agreement: 3 out of 5
Domestic and international concerns cannot always be separated. Inflation, energy prices, trade, supply chains, national security, and international conflicts can directly affect the cost of living for American families. The United States must address affordability and economic stability at home while remaining responsibly engaged internationally. Good policy requires balancing both concerns and recognizing where they intersect.
Candidate: Robert Jones | U.S. Senator
Issue 7
Level of agreement: 4 out of 5
I believe Americans should never have to choose between a strong nation and a strong quality of life at home; we can invest in better education, healthcare, infrastructure, and affordability while maintaining a smart, disciplined foreign policy that protects our security and economic interests. We should focus taxpayer dollars on strengthening our own communities, avoid unnecessary wars, and ensure that any international engagement serves clear American interests rather than subsidizing wealthy nations, authoritarian governments, or systems that undermine human rights and democracy.
Candidate: James William Macon III | U.S. Senator
Issue 7
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
The federal government needs to focus heavily on issues affecting Americans every day, especially inflation and the cost of living.
Candidate: Yoshi D. Matthews | U.S. Senator
Issue 7
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
I strongly agree. The federal government’s first responsibility is to address the concerns Americans face every day, including inflation, rising costs, and the cost of living. We can remain engaged internationally while making sure we are taking care of people here at home.
Candidate: David Sutman Jr. | U.S. Senator
Issue 7
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
Absolutely we should put Tennesseans and Americans first. We need wise diplomats to create strong solutions to the Iran problem Mr Trump created. We must put our Economy and, Environment first. We must stop letting wealthy men who have no concern for every day Americans rule our world. Let's get rid of the wasters of our hard earned tax dollars out of leadership and put service minded individuals in the places of these irresponsible bullies
Candidate: Catherine Barcel Whitson | U.S. Senator
Local police and law enforcement should be required to work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Issue 8
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Bill Hagerty | U.S. Senator
Issue 8
Level of agreement: 0 out of 5
Local law enforcement should focus on protecting communities, not acting as federal immigration agents. Mandatory cooperation with ICE can erode public trust and discourage immigrants from reporting crimes or assisting investigations. Cooperation should occur only when legally required, with due process, judicial oversight, and constitutional protections.
Candidate: Marquita Bradshaw | U.S. Senator
Issue 8
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Tharon Chandler | U.S. Senator
Issue 8
Level of agreement: 1 out of 5
Almost entirely NO. We have already bore witness to the gross abuse of power at the hands of an infiltrated and corrupted federal law enforcement agency. There must be investigations and swift justice in defense of Liberty. We are the United States not the Conscripted States.
Candidate: Andrew Gerena | U.S. Senator
Issue 8
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Jeremy Dean Hearn | U.S. Senator
Issue 8
Level of agreement: 2 out of 5
Local law enforcement agencies should primarily remain accountable to the communities they serve. Federal agencies should be available as partners when local authorities need federal assistance, particularly when public safety or federal jurisdiction is involved, but I do not support a blanket requirement that turns local law enforcement into an extension of federal immigration enforcement. Cooperation should be clearly defined, lawful, and structured in a way that preserves local trust and public safety.
Candidate: Robert Jones | U.S. Senator
Issue 8
Level of agreement: 2 out of 5
I believe local law enforcement and federal agencies should cooperate when it comes to apprehending dangerous criminals, stopping criminal activity, and keeping our communities safe, while ensuring that every action respects constitutional rights and due process. At the same time, no one is above the law, and local law enforcement must hold all public officials accountable, including ICE personnel, if they violate the law or abuse their authority.
Candidate: James William Macon III | U.S. Senator
Issue 8
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
I support cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE when appropriate and within the law.
Candidate: Yoshi D. Matthews | U.S. Senator
Issue 8
Level of agreement: 3 out of 5
I agree that local law enforcement should cooperate with federal immigration authorities when appropriate and within the law. However, those partnerships should have clear guidelines that protect due process, respect local responsibilities, and keep our communities safe. Local officers should be focused on protecting their communities while federal agencies handle federal immigration enforcement.
Candidate: David Sutman Jr. | U.S. Senator
Issue 8
Level of agreement: 0 out of 5
I am disgusted with the hateful use of ice to harm good workers who are contributing to our farms and factories and corporations. There should be no fear for folks who are here trying to better their lives and ours. Our local law enforcement should be enabled to do what they try to do with integrity. I want to see wise removal of the current masked invaders of our communities and a return to wise law enforcement that each community works hard to maintain.
Candidate: Catherine Barcel Whitson | U.S. Senator
U.S. House of Representatives — District 2
Tim Burchett
U.S. House of Representatives
District: 2
Party: Republican
Status: Incumbent
Michaela Barnett
U.S. House of Representatives
District: 2
Party: Democrat
Bruce Fine
U.S. House of Representatives
District: 2
Party: Independent
Adam Heimerman
U.S. House of Representatives
District: 2
Party: Independent
WUOT asked each candidate to rate their level of agreement with eight statements, on a scale of 0 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Here are the statements; click the arrow to see the responses we received.
I believe the election process is fair and secure.
Issue 1
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Tim Burchett | U.S. House of Representatives
Issue 1
Level of agreement: 4 out of 5
While partisan gerrymandering and voter suppression are rampant and restrict legal voters from casting their ballots, I have faith in our election system and our election officials.
Candidate: Michaela Barnett | U.S. House of Representatives
Issue 1
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
Candidate: Bruce Fine | U.S. House of Representatives
Issue 1
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
Candidate: Adam Heimerman | U.S. House of Representatives
Election/voter fraud is currently a serious problem in the United States.
Issue 2
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Tim Burchett | U.S. House of Representatives
Issue 2
Level of agreement: 1 out of 5
Election and voter fraud are serious, and all bad actors must be held accountable, but numerous studies from across the country show that election/voter fraud is extremely rare.
Candidate: Michaela Barnett | U.S. House of Representatives
Issue 2
Level of agreement: 0 out of 5
Candidate: Bruce Fine | U.S. House of Representatives
Issue 2
Level of agreement: 0 out of 5
Candidate: Adam Heimerman | U.S. House of Representatives
The government should prioritize policies that protect the environment and address climate change, even when they cost more money.
Issue 3
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Tim Burchett | U.S. House of Representatives
Issue 3
Level of agreement: 3 out of 5
Cost effectiveness is key for government programs, and we must incorporate long-term environmental damages into ‘total cost’ calculations.
Candidate: Michaela Barnett | U.S. House of Representatives
Issue 3
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
Ecosystems around the our planet earth are being destroyed at a faster pace than ever before in history. We must preserve our natural environment for future generations if the human race is to survive and thrive for many more generations into the future.
Candidate: Bruce Fine | U.S. House of Representatives
Issue 3
Level of agreement: 4 out of 5
Candidate: Adam Heimerman | U.S. House of Representatives
The federal government should regulate the development and operation of data centers.
Issue 4
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Tim Burchett | U.S. House of Representatives
Issue 4
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
We need strict federal regulations protecting us from the worst damages from AI and data centers to our economy and environment. Beyond those basic regulations, I believe that communities should have the right to restrict and ban data centers and AI use as they see fit.
Candidate: Michaela Barnett | U.S. House of Representatives
Issue 4
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
I stand for a moratorium on data centers until strong legislation with real teeth, enforceable corporate consequences, is put in place to protect local communities, our power supplies, our aging and fragile grid, water resources and environment.
Candidate: Bruce Fine | U.S. House of Representatives
Issue 4
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
Candidate: Adam Heimerman | U.S. House of Representatives
The government should direct more funding towards the expansion of healthcare services and hospitals in rural areas.
Issue 5
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Tim Burchett | U.S. House of Representatives
Issue 5
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
Our state is leading the country in rural hospital closures because they can’t afford to stay open, and patients in need are driving 90+ minutes to receive life-saving care. We need to do better.
Candidate: Michaela Barnett | U.S. House of Representatives
Issue 5
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
The healh care systems we currently have in the United States is a complicated mess. Our nation is the only high-income developed nation that lacks a system ensuring universal health coverage for all of its citizens. The United States spends roughly twice as much per person on healthcare as other wealthy, developed nations. In the The U.S. spends about $14,885 per person on healthcare. Comparable wealthy countries (like peer OECD nations) average around $7,371 per person.
Candidate: Bruce Fine | U.S. House of Representatives
Issue 5
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
Candidate: Adam Heimerman | U.S. House of Representatives
The best way to ensure constituents have access to affordable healthcare is by supporting policies that expand federally funded programs.
Issue 6
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Tim Burchett | U.S. House of Representatives
Issue 6
Level of agreement: 4 out of 5
I am open to market-based solutions, but the current system has allowed insurance companies to deny valid claims and raise prices for the care patients need to survive. Federal programs increase negotiating power to reduce prices.
Candidate: Michaela Barnett | U.S. House of Representatives
Issue 6
Level of agreement: 3 out of 5
Candidate: Bruce Fine | U.S. House of Representatives
Issue 6
Level of agreement: 3 out of 5
Candidate: Adam Heimerman | U.S. House of Representatives
The US should prioritize domestic concerns like inflation and cost of living, over international affairs.
Issue 7
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Tim Burchett | U.S. House of Representatives
Issue 7
Level of agreement: 4 out of 5
We need to prioritize making life more affordable for East Tennesseans, but foreign blunders like the unpopular war in Iran create problems here at home.
Candidate: Michaela Barnett | U.S. House of Representatives
Issue 7
Level of agreement: 3 out of 5
Inflation and cost of living needs to be addressed as the cost of living has risen much faster than wages. International affairs have become a key element in the rising costs for all of us. This insane ill-conceived war with Iran has had a direct result in skyrocketing fuel costs which in turn is raising the cost of everything each one of us requires in our daily lives. Experienced professional diplomacy is desperately needed to bring this conflict to a sensible conclusion while at the same time eliminates the possibility for Iran to have nuclear weapons. An end to tariffs that are not used for a specific stategic goal would immediately reduce costs of goods all of us require that are imported.
Candidate: Bruce Fine | U.S. House of Representatives
Issue 7
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
Candidate: Adam Heimerman | U.S. House of Representatives
Local police and law enforcement should be required to work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Issue 8
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Tim Burchett | U.S. House of Representatives
Issue 8
Level of agreement: 1 out of 5
Violent criminals need to be caught, but I am against forcing local law enforcement from working with ICE.
Candidate: Michaela Barnett | U.S. House of Representatives
Issue 8
Level of agreement: 2 out of 5
ICE was given $75 BILLION in 2025 and an additional $70 BILLION was added to DHS in June 2026. With that much money they should have all they need to get the job done. Local police should help out when needed in certain situations or when cases cross over to local law enforcement scope of duties.
Candidate: Bruce Fine | U.S. House of Representatives
Issue 8
Level of agreement: 2 out of 5
Candidate: Adam Heimerman | U.S. House of Representatives
Tennessee Senate
District 5
Jimmy Matlock
Tennessee State Senate
District: 5
Party: Republican
David Miller
Tennessee State Senate
District: 5
Party: Democrat
WUOT asked each candidate to rate their level of agreement with six statements, on a scale of 0 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Here are the statements; click the arrow to see the responses we received.
I believe the election process is fair and secure.
Issue 1
Candidate: Jimmy Matlock | Tennessee State Senate
Issue 1
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
Local control over elections makes this a reality!
Candidate: David Miller | Tennessee State Senate
Election/voter fraud is currently a serious problem in the United States.
Issue 2
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Jimmy Matlock | Tennessee State Senate
Issue 2
Level of agreement: 0 out of 5
This has been clearly demonstrated.
Candidate: David Miller | Tennessee State Senate
State lawmakers should pass legislation to regulate the development and operation of data centers.
Issue 3
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Jimmy Matlock | Tennessee State Senate
Issue 3
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
No tax breaks for data centers.
Candidate: David Miller | Tennessee State Senate
The best way to ensure constituents have access to affordable healthcare is by supporting policies that expand state-funded programs, rather than relying on the federal government.
Issue 4
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Jimmy Matlock | Tennessee State Senate
Issue 4
Level of agreement: 0 out of 5
We need to expand Medicaid like 40 other states.
Candidate: David Miller | Tennessee State Senate
State lawmakers should direct more funding towards the expansion of healthcare services and hospitals in rural areas.
Issue 5
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Jimmy Matlock | Tennessee State Senate
Issue 5
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
Candidate: David Miller | Tennessee State Senate
Local police and law enforcement should be required to work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Issue 6
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Jimmy Matlock | Tennessee State Senate
Issue 6
Level of agreement: 0 out of 5
Local police should work on local issues.
Candidate: David Miller | Tennessee State Senate
District 7
Richard Briggs
Tennessee State Senate
District: 7
Party: Republican
Status: Incumbent
Bryan Langan
Tennessee State Senate
District: 7
Party: Democrat
WUOT asked each candidate to rate their level of agreement with six statements, on a scale of 0 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Here are the statements; click the arrow to see the responses we received.
I believe the election process is fair and secure.
Issue 1
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
The Heritage Foundation considers and scores fifteen parameters for election integrity. Tennessee rates #! In the country by a clear margin.
Candidate: Richard Briggs | Tennessee State Senate
Issue 1
Level of agreement: 4 out of 5
I believe that our elections are secure, but we need to end partisan gerrymandering to ensure they are truly fair.
Candidate: Bryan Langan | Tennessee State Senate
Election/voter fraud is currently a serious problem in the United States.
Issue 2
Level of agreement: 1 out of 5
No evidence exists of widespread election fraud in the United States.
Candidate: Richard Briggs | Tennessee State Senate
Issue 2
Level of agreement: 0 out of 5
It is not a serious problem.
Candidate: Bryan Langan | Tennessee State Senate
State lawmakers should pass legislation to regulate the development and operation of data centers.
Issue 3
Level of agreement: 4 out of 5
Data centers and Artificial Intelligence rapidly evolved into a major. Regulation is required but the nature and scope are to be determined.
Candidate: Richard Briggs | Tennessee State Senate
Issue 3
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
I don't believe we should build data centers in Tennessee, so I would support passing a moratorium on the construction of them in our state.
Candidate: Bryan Langan | Tennessee State Senate
The best way to ensure constituents have access to affordable healthcare is by supporting policies that expand state-funded programs, rather than relying on the federal government.
Issue 4
Level of agreement: 3 out of 5
Tennessee did not expand Medicaid with the Affordable Care Act. Private insurance and private pay for health insurance are too expensive for many citizens. If the state does not participate in federal programs, state assistance has to be expanded.
Candidate: Richard Briggs | Tennessee State Senate
Issue 4
Level of agreement: 3 out of 5
We should implement policies at the state level that fund and help ensure access to affordable healthcare, but we must also do things like expand Medicaid, participate in federal programs and access federal dollars to bolster and supplement those initiatives. I believe it must be a multi-layered approach to cover as many Tennesseans as possible.
Candidate: Bryan Langan | Tennessee State Senate
State lawmakers should direct more funding towards the expansion of healthcare services and hospitals in rural areas.
Issue 5
Level of agreement: 4 out of 5
The state has with legislation in 2026 in partnership with federal Rural Health Initiative.
Candidate: Richard Briggs | Tennessee State Senate
Issue 5
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
Absolutely. It is imperative that we work to take care of all Tennesseans. No one should have to drive hours to get access to healthcare. Also, by retaining and re-opening hospitals in rural areas we reduce the strain that is being placed on our remaining healthcare infrastructure. One big step towards achieving that goal would be accepting Medicaid funds from the federal government.
Candidate: Bryan Langan | Tennessee State Senate
Local police and law enforcement should be required to work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Issue 6
Level of agreement: 3 out of 5
Yes in removing dangerous illegal aliens and those breaking the law. Less so and with a lower priority with undocumented workers obeying the law and filling workforce needs.
Candidate: Richard Briggs | Tennessee State Senate
Issue 6
Level of agreement: 3 out of 5
Immigration and customs still functioned effectively under previous administrations without terrorizing communities and skipping due process. In its current form, with its lack of proper vetting or training of its officers, and their continued infringement upon the rights of the public, I would not require local law enforcement cooperate with ICE.
Candidate: Bryan Langan | Tennessee State Senate
Tennessee House
District 14
Jason Zachary
Tennessee State House
District: 14
Party: Republican
Status: Incumbent
Lindsay Young Honaker
Tennessee State House
District: 14
Party: Democrat
WUOT asked each candidate to rate their level of agreement with six statements, on a scale of 0 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Here are the statements; click the arrow to see the responses we received.
I believe the election process is fair and secure.
Issue 1
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
Tennessee has been ranked number 1 in the nation for election integrity 4 years in a row. We have the best run elections in the country.
Candidate: Jason Zachary | Tennessee State House
Issue 1
Level of agreement: 4 out of 5
I believe our elections are secure. My concern is ballot design. When confusing amendment language and top-of-ticket races come first, voters can run out of steam before reaching the local offices that affect them most. Clearer wording and better ordering would help every voter finish their ballot.
Candidate: Lindsay Young Honaker | Tennessee State House
Election/voter fraud is currently a serious problem in the United States.
Issue 2
Level of agreement: 4 out of 5
Roughly 14 states do not have voter ID laws. 12 of these states have democrat Governors and 2 have Democrat controlled Legislatures. When you do not prioritize voter ID, counting the votes the day of the election or allow votes to come in days or even weeks after the vote has been taken, it confirms people’s concerns about the integrity of the election results.
Candidate: Jason Zachary | Tennessee State House
Issue 2
Level of agreement: 0 out of 5
Documented fraud is rare and isolated, and it is prosecuted when it happens. I'm more concerned with making sure every eligible voter can cast a ballot and understand it.
Candidate: Lindsay Young Honaker | Tennessee State House
State lawmakers should pass legislation to regulate the development and operation of data centers.
Issue 3
Level of agreement: 4 out of 5
The Legislature did pass legislation in 2026 requiring data centers to provide their own power. We must ensure rate payers are protected and not forced to pay higher prices if a data center is placed in their community.
Candidate: Jason Zachary | Tennessee State House
Issue 3
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
Tennessee needs clear rules for data centers, including public disclosure of energy and water use, protection for ratepayers from new costs, and strong air and water standards, because these facilities use enormous amounts of power and water and Tennesseans shouldn't foot the bill..
Candidate: Lindsay Young Honaker | Tennessee State House
The best way to ensure constituents have access to affordable healthcare is by supporting policies that expand state-funded programs, rather than relying on the federal government.
Issue 4
Level of agreement: 3 out of 5
The best way to provide affordable healthcare options is promoting healthier life choices. We must do a better job at educating in order to prevent reactionary treatment for poor health outcomes. Additionally, we need to promote competition, incentives and options for those needing healthcare.
Candidate: Jason Zachary | Tennessee State House
Issue 4
Level of agreement: 2 out of 5
State and federal programs go hand in hand. Strong state programs depend on federal partnership, and Tennessee should use every resource available to keep care affordable for families.
Candidate: Lindsay Young Honaker | Tennessee State House
State lawmakers should direct more funding towards the expansion of healthcare services and hospitals in rural areas.
Issue 5
Level of agreement: 3 out of 5
The federal government is working to address the issue of rural healthcare, by offering $200 billion a year to TN for the next 5 years through the Rural Health Funding initiative. We need to measure the success these dollars to see how and if this influx of billions of dollars moved the need in providing better health outcomes.
Candidate: Jason Zachary | Tennessee State House
Issue 5
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
Rural families shouldn't lose care close to home, like the labor and delivery unit Sweetwater Hospital just closed, because healthcare shouldn't depend on your zip code.
Candidate: Lindsay Young Honaker | Tennessee State House
Local police and law enforcement should be required to work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Issue 6
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
We passed legislation this year requiring local agencies to participate in 287g. This provides better coordination with local and federal agencies.
Candidate: Jason Zachary | Tennessee State House
Issue 6
Level of agreement: 0 out of 5
Our local police should focus on the neighborhoods they serve. They can and should work with federal authorities on serious crimes, but requiring them to act as immigration enforcement pulls them away from local priorities. Real immigration reform happens in Washington, and that is where Congress needs to act.
Candidate: Lindsay Young Honaker | Tennessee State House
District 16
Michele Carringer
Tennessee State House
District: 16
Party: Republican
Status: Incumbent
Eliza Boles
Tennessee State House
District: 16
Party: Democrat
WUOT asked each candidate to rate their level of agreement with six statements, on a scale of 0 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Here are the statements; click the arrow to see the responses we received.
I believe the election process is fair and secure.
Issue 1
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Michele Carringer | Tennessee State House
Issue 1
Level of agreement: 4 out of 5
If I had been asked this question several years ago, I would have said I strongly agree. However, I believe our fair and secure elections are under attack and, despite the failing of the disastrous SAVE Act, the most vulnerable Americans are more at risk of disenfranchisement with every passing cycle.
Candidate: Eliza Boles | Tennessee State House
Election/voter fraud is currently a serious problem in the United States.
Issue 2
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Michele Carringer | Tennessee State House
Issue 2
Level of agreement: 0 out of 5
Research has shown again and again that voter fraud is incredibly rare. It's mere existence should not be the justification for making our voting system more complicated or difficult to engage in.
Candidate: Eliza Boles | Tennessee State House
State lawmakers should pass legislation to regulate the development and operation of data centers.
Issue 3
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Michele Carringer | Tennessee State House
Issue 3
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
If a corporation wants to build a data center in Tennessee, they should be responsible for mitigating the risks of environmental harm. Absent regulation, corporations have little to no incentive to maintain the environmental integrity of our communities.
Candidate: Eliza Boles | Tennessee State House
The best way to ensure constituents have access to affordable healthcare is by supporting policies that expand state-funded programs, rather than relying on the federal government.
Issue 4
Level of agreement: 0 out of 5
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Michele Carringer | Tennessee State House
Issue 4
Level of agreement: 3 out of 5
This is a difficult question because I believe that federally funded Universal Healthcare is truly the best way to ensure access to affordable healthcare. However, as this goal seems unlikely to come to fruition in the near future, states should take responsibility for their citizens and the public health and expand access programs.
Candidate: Eliza Boles | Tennessee State House
State lawmakers should direct more funding towards the expansion of healthcare services and hospitals in rural areas.
Issue 5
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Michele Carringer | Tennessee State House
Issue 5
Level of agreement: 4 out of 5
The closing of rural hospitals, in part due to TN's refusal to expaind Medicaid, should sound alarm bells for all Tennesseeans. Regardless of the affordability issue, people will die without access to Emergency Rooms. I grew up in rural Mosheim, TN and, anecdotally, if I lived in my childhood home in 2014, my youngest daughter would have been born in my car. Frankly, I find it mind-boggling that anyone would accept the fact that many Tennesseeans now have to drive over an hour to be seen by a doctor in an emergency setting. As long as the state allows rural hospitals to flounder without funding, our citizens will die.
Candidate: Eliza Boles | Tennessee State House
Local police and law enforcement should be required to work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Issue 6
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Michele Carringer | Tennessee State House
Issue 6
Level of agreement: 0 out of 5
I truly believe that the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement will be the great humiliation of my generation. We are denying U.S. residents Due Process on a regular basis and sending even our youngest and most vulnerable citizens to facilities that are, seemingly purposefully, unequipped to handle them. No one should be forced to cooperate with a system so morally bankrupt.
Candidate: Eliza Boles | Tennessee State House
District 18
Elaine Davis
Tennessee State House
District: 18
Party: Republican
Status: Incumbent
Bryan Goldberg
Tennessee State House
District: 18
Party: Democrat
WUOT asked each candidate to rate their level of agreement with six statements, on a scale of 0 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Here are the statements; click the arrow to see the responses we received.
I believe the election process is fair and secure.
Issue 1
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Elaine Davis | Tennessee State House
Issue 1
Level of agreement: 4 out of 5
I rated this statement a 4 out of 5 because I have confidence in the security and integrity of Tennessee’s elections. I believe our election officials work hard to administer elections accurately and securely. Where I have concerns is with the word “fair.” Tennessee has laws requiring voters participating in a party primary to be a “bona fide” member of that party or declare their allegiance and intent to affiliate with that party. While protecting the integrity of a party’s primary is a legitimate goal, I am concerned that the way these requirements are communicated and enforced can have an intimidating effect on otherwise eligible voters. Election security and voter access should not be competing principles. We should be able to protect the integrity of our elections while also making sure eligible Tennesseans can exercise their right to vote without unnecessary confusion or intimidation.
Candidate: Bryan Goldberg | Tennessee State House
Election/voter fraud is currently a serious problem in the United States.
Issue 2
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Elaine Davis | Tennessee State House
Issue 2
Level of agreement: 0 out of 5
I do not believe the available evidence supports the claim that widespread voter fraud is a serious problem in the United States. Individual cases of fraud do occur and should be investigated and prosecuted, but extensive audits, investigations and academic research have consistently found such cases to be rare and have not demonstrated widespread fraud occurring at a scale that routinely affects election outcomes. I support strong election security and appropriate safeguards. But election policy should be based on documented problems and evidence, not public fears that are disproportionate to the demonstrated incidence of fraud.
Candidate: Bryan Goldberg | Tennessee State House
State lawmakers should pass legislation to regulate the development and operation of data centers.
Issue 3
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Elaine Davis | Tennessee State House
Issue 3
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
I agree that Tennessee should regulate the development and operation of large data centers. These facilities can bring investment and economic opportunity, but that growth should not come at the expense of Tennessee families, our communities, or our natural resources. I also support an 18-month moratorium on the approval of new large-scale data centers to give the Tennessee General Assembly time to fully study their impact and put appropriate safeguards in place. We should not allow development to outpace our laws and infrastructure and then ask Tennessee families to deal with the consequences after the fact. State law should ensure that the significant electricity and infrastructure demands created by data centers are paid for by the facilities creating those demands—not shifted onto residential customers through higher utility bills. Tennessee families should not see their electric bills increase because the state failed to adequately plan for the extraordinary energy demands of a new industry. We should also establish reasonable siting requirements and adequate buffers between large-scale data centers and residential neighborhoods to address noise, traffic, property impacts, and quality of life. Finally, Tennessee must protect its water resources. Large data centers should be required to disclose projected water consumption, demonstrate that their operations will not jeopardize residential, agricultural, or public water supplies, and implement appropriate conservation, reuse, and drought-response plans. I support economic development, but responsible development requires us to plan before we build. An 18-month moratorium would give Tennessee the opportunity to establish clear rules so that data centers pay their own way, communities are protected, and our electricity and water resources remain reliable and affordable for Tennessee families.
Candidate: Bryan Goldberg | Tennessee State House
The best way to ensure constituents have access to affordable healthcare is by supporting policies that expand state-funded programs, rather than relying on the federal government.
Issue 4
Level of agreement: 0 out of 5
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Elaine Davis | Tennessee State House
Issue 4
Level of agreement: 1 out of 5
I strongly disagree with this statement. Providing affordable healthcare should not be an either-or choice between state and federal resources. Medicaid has always been a partnership between the states and the federal government, and Tennessee should take advantage of every available resource to improve access to healthcare for our citizens. For more than a decade, Tennessee has declined to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, leaving billions of federal healthcare dollars on the table. Under Medicaid expansion, the federal government pays 90% of the cost of covering the expansion population, while the state pays 10%. Tennessee has also forgone additional federal incentives that were made available to states choosing to expand. These are federal tax dollars that Tennesseans already help pay. I do not believe it makes sense to send those dollars to Washington and then refuse to bring them back home to provide healthcare, support our hospitals, and strengthen communities across our state. Tennessee should absolutely invest its own resources in healthcare, but responsible state leadership also means maximizing available federal funding rather than asking Tennessee taxpayers to shoulder costs that could be shared through an existing federal-state partnership
Candidate: Bryan Goldberg | Tennessee State House
State lawmakers should direct more funding towards the expansion of healthcare services and hospitals in rural areas.
Issue 5
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Elaine Davis | Tennessee State House
Issue 5
Candidate didn't respond to this question.
Candidate: Bryan Goldberg | Tennessee State House
Local police and law enforcement should be required to work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Issue 6
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Elaine Davis | Tennessee State House
Issue 6
Level of agreement: 0 out of 5
I strongly disagree with requiring local police and law enforcement agencies to serve as an extension of federal immigration enforcement. Our local law enforcement officers already have substantial responsibilities—responding to emergencies, investigating crime, addressing violent offenders, protecting our neighborhoods, and building relationships with the communities they serve. Their time and limited resources should remain focused on those local public-safety responsibilities. Immigration enforcement is fundamentally a federal responsibility. ICE and other federal agencies exist specifically to enforce federal immigration law, and Tennessee should not require local departments to divert officers, personnel, jail capacity, or taxpayer dollars away from local priorities to perform federal functions. I am also concerned that expanding local immigration enforcement can increase the risk of racial or ethnic profiling and discourage people from cooperating with police. Effective community policing depends on residents being willing to report crimes, serve as witnesses, and communicate with law enforcement without fear that an interaction unrelated to immigration will become an immigration investigation. Tennessee is not an international border state, and we face plenty of pressing public-safety and community needs of our own. I would rather see Tennessee taxpayer dollars invested in addressing violent crime, drug trafficking, emergency response, officer staffing and retention, and other issues directly affecting our communities. Federal immigration laws should be enforced by the federal government. Tennessee law enforcement should remain focused on keeping Tennesseans safe.
Candidate: Bryan Goldberg | Tennessee State House
District 19
Dave Wright
Tennessee State House
District: 19
Party: Republican
Status: Incumbent
Jenny Fowler
Tennessee State House
District: 19
Party: Democrat
WUOT asked each candidate to rate their level of agreement with six statements, on a scale of 0 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Here are the statements; click the arrow to see the responses we received.
I believe the election process is fair and secure.
Issue 1
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Dave Wright | Tennessee State House
Issue 1
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
Candidate: Jenny Fowler | Tennessee State House
Election/voter fraud is currently a serious problem in the United States.
Issue 2
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Dave Wright | Tennessee State House
Issue 2
Level of agreement: 0 out of 5
Voter fraud is virtually nonexistant. Most irregular issues are simply mistakes by voters or administrators and do not affect election results.
Candidate: Jenny Fowler | Tennessee State House
State lawmakers should pass legislation to regulate the development and operation of data centers.
Issue 3
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Dave Wright | Tennessee State House
Issue 3
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
Extremely large AI Data Centers must be regulated to ensure that they serve the people and are supported by those who live in the surrounding area.
Candidate: Jenny Fowler | Tennessee State House
The best way to ensure constituents have access to affordable healthcare is by supporting policies that expand state-funded programs, rather than relying on the federal government.
Issue 4
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Dave Wright | Tennessee State House
Issue 4
Level of agreement: 0 out of 5
Tennessee leaves a gap: childless adults are ineligible for TennCare at any income, parent eligibility is limited to very low incomes, and ACA marketplace subsidies start at 100% of the federal poverty level. Tens of thousands of Tennessee adults fall between those lines.
Candidate: Jenny Fowler | Tennessee State House
State lawmakers should direct more funding towards the expansion of healthcare services and hospitals in rural areas.
Issue 5
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Dave Wright | Tennessee State House
Issue 5
Level of agreement: 5 out of 5
If we expanded Medicaid, the federal government would cover 90% of the costs. But if we don't, we will have to increase funding to keep our rural hospitals and labor and delivery clinics open, and to relieve pressure on the hospitals in our cities that are currently overburdened.
Candidate: Jenny Fowler | Tennessee State House
Local police and law enforcement should be required to work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Issue 6
Candidate did not respond.
Candidate: Dave Wright | Tennessee State House
Issue 6
Level of agreement: 0 out of 5
It is not the function of local police and law enforcement to enforce federal immigration policy.
Candidate: Jenny Fowler | Tennessee State House
District 89
Justin Lafferty
Tennessee State House
District: 89
Party: Republican
Status: Incumbent
Randy DeBord
Tennessee State House
District: 89
Party: Democrat
Neither candidate responded to WUOT's survey.
