Federal primary election

The primary election was on Aug. 1, when voters chose either a Republican or Democratic ballot and selected the candidate they wanted to represent their party in the general election. The winners from each party will compete in a general election on Nov. 5.

You can find complete election results through the Hamilton County Election Commission.

Chattamatters sent the same three questions to every candidate, but some candidates did not submit a response.

Scroll down to learn more about each candidate who appeared on the Aug. 1 primary ballot. Primary winners are marked with a yellow check mark.

United States Senate

  • One of two United States Senate representatives for the State of Tennessee. Drafts and votes on laws affecting the entire U.S. and votes on the confirmation of presidential appointees, such as U.S. Supreme Court justices. Six-year term.

Republican candidates

Marsha Blackburn

Did not respond to questionnaire

Tres Wittum

  • I’m running for the U.S. Senate because it's time for new leadership. For over two decades, our nation has grappled with growing challenges: soaring national debt, unchecked inflation, and policies that have compromised our freedoms—from the Patriot Act to recent vaccine mandates. These issues have burdened everyday Americans while those in power, like Senator Marsha Blackburn, have done little to change the course. Despite her long tenure since 2003, meaningful legislative impacts have been minimal.     

    Now more than ever, we need leaders who understand the realities of today’s Tennessee, where the median age is 38—leaders who are equipped to address our changing needs with fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. At 37, I stand with my fellow Tennesseans, ready to tackle these challenges head-on with honesty, integrity, and unwavering commitment.     

    Our country is at a pivotal moment, strained by debt and disillusioned with longstanding political leadership. My campaign is rooted in the values of service and accountability. I am here to guide us through these turbulent times, championing legislation that prepares us for a prosperous future. Join me in creating a government that truly serves its people and builds a thriving nation for all.

  • The most pressing issues to deal with as soon as I am elected is:

    Tres on the National Debt. Since my opponent began her Washington tenure in 2003, the national debt has soared from $6.8 trillion to $34.86 trillion. This unchecked spending highlights a failure to control the budget. The Congressional Budget Office now projects that by 2031, our national debt could reach $42.5 trillion. As a representative of the next generation, I am committed to implementing real, effective solutions to curb this runaway spending and address our nation's fiscal challenges responsibly. It's time to bring fiscal discipline back to Washington and ensure a stable economic future.  

    Tres on Immigration and Law Enforcement: "Illegal immigration strains our resources and impacts every aspect of American life, from law enforcement to healthcare and education. It's time for policies that secure our borders and prioritize the needs of hard-working Tennesseans. I'll Work towards comprehensive border security measures and immigration reforms that protect our national security and economic stability. This includes leveraging technology to create a digitally secured economy that prevents illegal access to financial systems. 

    Through comprehensive border security measures and updated immigration policies, we will have strengthened our national security and economic stability. By creating a digitally secured economy, we will make it difficult for illegal immigrants to access financial systems, ensuring that only legal residents benefit from our economic resources. This approach will protect our borders, economy, and national identity. 

    What has the incumbent done on this since 2003?"   

    Protecting Life and Women's Rights: "I staunchly support life, and believe deeply in policies that reflect our respect for it. In my opinion, Tennessee has it right on LIFE. However, discussions about women's reproductive rights should be led by women who understand these issues firsthand. It's time we listen and let them lead the conversation."    

  • I plan to make government more accessible by leveraging technology to host virtual town halls and I advocate for the creation of more mobile apps for real-time constituent feedback. I believe in the power of community engagement and I will implement open-door policies in my office, ensuring that all voices are heard. By simplifying how Tennesseans may interact with their senator, I commit to a transparent and inclusive legislative process.    

    While my faith guides my values and principles, I recognize that I am elected to serve all Tennesseans, regardless of their beliefs or backgrounds. I strive to find common ground and work collaboratively to address the needs and concerns of my constituents. 

    This means engaging in open dialogue, being willing to compromise when necessary, and always putting the best interests of the people first. My goal is to be a unifying figure who can bring people together to solve problems, advance our common good, and lead America with Tennessee values. 

Democratic candidates

Marquita Bradshaw

  • I am the best choice for my constituents because I bring a proven track record of advocating for environmental justice, healthcare for all, and inclusive economic policies. My dedication to listening to and fighting for the needs of our community ensures that every voice is heard and valued.

  • My top priority if elected would be to address climate change through sustainable initiatives that also create good-paying jobs for our community. By focusing on green infrastructure, we can protect our environment while boosting our local economy.

  • I would make it easier for my constituents to participate in government by enhancing transparency, improving access to information, and fostering open lines of communication through regular town halls and digital platforms. Ensuring that all community members have the opportunity to engage and provide input is vital to a healthy democracy.

Lola Denise Brown

  • 1. My dedication to advocating for low-income housing, infrastructure improvement in underserved communities, and racial equality demonstrates my strong values and commitment to social justice.

    2. My focus on addressing systemic issues such as discrimination based on skin color or mental disability shows my commitment to promoting a fair and inclusive society for all Tennesseans.

    3. Specific policy proposals, such as advocating for better teacher training and pay, enhancing social security benefits, and supporting women's health rights, reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing key issues that impact the lives of my constituents.

    4. My willingness to challenge the status quo and be a voice for change in Washington D.C. indicates my readiness to fight for the interests of the people and push for meaningful reforms.

    5. I promise to stand up for the vulnerable and marginalized members of society, and to prioritize the well-being and safety of all Tennesseans, further underscores my suitability as a candidate who will truly represent and serve the constituents.

  • My top priority is advocating for low-income housing, improving infrastructure in underserved communities, and promoting racial equality and social justice. I am also committed to addressing systemic issues such as discrimination and promoting fair and inclusive policies for all Tennesseans.

  • To make it easier for my constituents to participate in government, I would consider implementing the following approaches:

    1. Increase Transparency: Provide clear and accessible information about government processes, decisions, and programs. This can help constituents understand how to engage with their government and make informed decisions.

    2. Offer Multiple Communication Channels: Utilize various platforms such as town hall meetings, social media, email newsletters, and community forums to reach a wider audience and gather input from diverse voices.

    3. Simplify Participation Processes: Streamline the methods for constituents to provide feedback, attend meetings, and contact their representatives. Consider implementing online forms, surveys, and virtual town halls to accommodate varying schedules and preferences.

    4. Promote Civic Education: Offer educational resources and workshops to help constituents understand their rights, the legislative process, and how they can influence decision-making. Empowering individuals with knowledge can encourage greater engagement.

    5. Listen and Respond: Actively listen to constituents' concerns, feedback, and suggestions, and take actionable steps to address their needs. Demonstrating that their input is valued and can lead to real change can encourage continued participation.

    By implementing these strategies, I can make it easier for constituents to engage with the government, participate in decision-making processes, and have their voices heard in shaping policies that impact their lives.

Gloria Johnson

  • I have always stood tall for Tennesseans who feel left out, left behind, and ignored by our current representatives at home, and in Washington. I know the struggles of everyday working men and women in our state, and, as a public school educator for 27 years, I know what it’s like to have to make ends meet. That’s why I have spent my entire career in public service fighting for working families — not special interests and corporate donors. As Senator, I’m going to continue that fight to ensure every American has access to quality healthcare, and fair wages to rebuild the middle class across every corner of the state. I am one of a handful of legislators who has continually flipped red seats to blue and have eight years experience in the TN legislature. 

  • My top priority is ensuring that every Tennessean has access to affordable and equitable healthcare. That includes lowering drug prices so that families don’t have to decide between life saving medication and keeping a roof over their heads, expanding Medicaid, providing critical funding for rural hospitals to prevent healthcare deserts in our state, as well as restoring a woman’s reproductive rights here in Tennessee by passing laws to ensure women have the reproductive care they need, including access to abortion care, IVF and contraceptives. 

  • We need to protect and expand access to voting, while removing barriers to the ballot box for eligible voters, and put an end to partisan gerrymandering that robs our citizens of true representation in favor of single-party control. Just as importantly, it’s about showing up. As a candidate, I’ve  emphasized the importance of traveling to all 95 counties in the state-to talk to regular folks in public places, not just behind closed doors with county officials. As Senator, I will continue to be present and accessible to Tennesseans in every corner of the state. I’ll hold town halls, I’ll put the needs of our people ahead of special interests. These are the things I am committed to doing to ensure everyone has a voice and a choice when it comes to deciding the future of our state, and our nation. 

Civil Miller-Watkins

  • I feel like my lived experiences create a better connection with the everyday voter which will allow me to better represent them and their kitchen table issues around the decision-making tables in Washington. I am a wife of 35 years, mother of 8, Nana of 11, an 8th grade math teacher, a past School Board member with a child and grandchildren attending public school, two college students, and caring for an 86 year old mother in law. We talk about the price of eggs and gas, being able to afford healthcare, the price of college and trade school, being concerned about our teachers and our Public schools, clean water and air, feeling safe at school and in our community, and the state of our politics in America.

  • Passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Act to protect voting rights because those rights are foundational as we continue to address women's rights, climate change, common sense gun laws, public school education, caring for our veterans and elders, and making certain America continues to be a beacon of democracy for the world. Each vote matters. We all have a say in how our democracy will look moving forward. Your Voice. Your Vote.

  • a. Promote same day or automatic registration, and expand early voting.

    b. Develop user friendly websites, offer translation services, use plain language in documents.

    c. Promote civic education into schools, host public workshops.

    d. Regular townhalls to encourage community conversations, increase transparency.

    There is more work to do in order to make certain that each American feels heard and that their concerns are being addressed. Vote.

United States House of Representatives, District 3

  • Represents all of Hamilton County in the 435-member lower chamber of the United States Congress. Drafts and votes on laws affecting the entire United States. Two-year term.

Republican candidate

Chuck Fleischmann

Did not respond to questionnaire

Democratic candidate

Jack Allen

  • As a person who spent the majority of my life in the rural parts of the 3rd District as a small town community banker, I understand the challenges and opportunities of our folks.   I have time, energy, experience and a history of working with all sides to find solutions to improve the lives of folks.

  • Focusing on women’s healthcare, rural healthcare and lowering health care cost.  Efficient and available healthcare affects budget deficients, productivity, mental health and quality of life.

  • I always say “you can pretend to care but you can’t pretend to be there”.  I have traveled over 20,000 miles in this campaign visiting and listening in every county in the 3rd District.  I am a high energy person who loves to go.  Visiting  constituents in town meeting and informal gatherings is something I look forward to.


So … when will the winners be determined?

The general election for the federal offices listed here will take place on Nov. 5 — national Election Day — between the primary winners of each party. Then you’ll get to vote again for the actual office holder!

Fun fact: Citizens will also cast their votes for president on Nov. 5.