What I’m Hearing Across Tennessee’s 6th Congressional District

Early last year, I made the decision to run for Congress as the next step in a life of public service. I’ve served in the military. I’ve worked in law enforcement. I’ve spent my career trying to give back to my community.

Running for office wasn’t about ambition. It was about responsibility.

Several things pushed that decision into action.

Why I Decided to Run

First, I watched careers in the federal government get wiped out almost overnight through the so-called “DOGE” project. Hundreds of thousands of people lost important jobs. I was one of them. These weren’t faceless bureaucrats — they were public servants doing real work for real people.

That kind of destruction doesn’t make government more efficient. It just makes it weaker.

At the same time, the Trump Administration pursued policies that cut safety-net programs, reduced support for students with disabilities, and passed tax changes that favored the wealthy while working families were left paying the price. I saw firsthand who benefited — and who didn’t.

Second, I believe a member of Congress should work for their constituents first, not a national party or political machine. Too often, we see Tennessee’s leadership fall in line with party talking points instead of standing up for the people they represent. That includes our two U.S. Senators and our current representative in TN-6, John Rose.

I believe we deserve better.

Listening First, Always

Since launching this campaign, I’ve been building a strong volunteer team and spending my time where it matters most: in our communities. At town halls, local meetings, and county party events, I’ve made listening my priority.

My campaign is built around three values: affordability, accountability, and accessibility. But those words only matter if they’re backed up by real conversations and real action.

Good representation doesn’t happen from behind a desk in Washington. It happens face to face — listening and learning.

And here’s what I’m hearing.

Health Care: The Top Concern

Health care is the number one concern across the district. People are worried about coverage, costs, and access. They’re worried about rural hospitals closing. They’re worried about Medicaid cuts. They’re worried about what happens when they get sick and the system isn’t there for them.

These are not abstract fears. They’re lived realities for families across Tennessee’s 6th District.

Education and Support for Students

Education is another major issue. Families and educators are deeply concerned about the loss of federal support for public schools, especially programs that help students with disabilities.

While school vouchers aren’t a federal issue, people here see public funding being drained away while private options remain limited — or nonexistent — in much of our district. That doesn’t feel like choice.

It feels like neglect.

Protecting Critical Safety-Net Programs

I also hear constant concern about cuts to programs like SNAP, CHIP, and Medicaid. These aren’t “handouts.” They are lifelines.

When they’re weakened, entire communities feel it. And when rural hospitals lose funding, the consequences can be deadly.

Immigration and the Rule of Law

Immigration enforcement is another issue people are talking about, especially after recent events in Minneapolis and elsewhere. Many folks are concerned that ICE has moved far beyond its original mission.

Due process matters. The Constitution matters. Enforcing immigration law should never come at the expense of basic human rights.

A Platform That Listens and Evolves

These are just some of the issues I’m hearing. There are many more.

My positions are laid out on this website and in previous blog posts, but I want to be clear: my platform is not written in stone. It grows and evolves based on the voices of the people who live and work in this district.

That’s how it should be.

Looking Ahead

Right now, our country is facing serious challenges — political division, misinformation, social unrest, and too many leaders who avoid accountability. It can feel overwhelming.

Some people might say, “This is too much.”

I’m not one of them.

I’m committed to doing the work. I will keep showing up. I will keep listening. I will keep communicating with you through the primary in August, through the general election in November, and beyond.

And if you give me the honor of serving you in Congress, I will carry that commitment with me into January 2027 — and every day after.

This campaign isn’t about politics as usual.

It’s about people.

And I’m in this for the long haul.