Each cell paraphrases what the candidate says they will do, from their own campaign materials, questionnaires, or interviews. Rows are shared issue categories; only categories at least one candidate addressed are shown.
Keep schools strong; sponsored a 2025 law adding instruction on the state's Safe Haven Law for newborns to the high school family life curriculum.[1][2][3]
Fund public schools so they can pay educators well, and use public funds only for public schools, not vouchers.[4]
Health care
No stated position
Expand Medicaid to cover the uninsured, reduce rural hospital closures, and provide mental health and substance abuse care.[4]
Public safety & justice
Back law enforcement and hold criminals accountable; sponsored a law generally requiring consecutive sentences for offenses against more than one minor victim.[1][5]
No stated position
Immigration
Deny sanctuary for people in the country illegally.[1]
State representative for District 20 since November 2024, when he defeated Karen Gertz with 74.8% of the vote.[7][8]
Vice chair of the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee; also serves on the Judiciary Committee and the Agriculture & Natural Resources and Civil Justice subcommittees.[6][8]
Retired career and technical education teacher (37 years) in Maryville City Schools, where he also coached football and track.[1][8][9]
B.S. in industrial education from East Tennessee State University (1979), master's from the University of Tennessee (1982), and education specialist degree from Lincoln Memorial University (1986).[8]
Why they're running
No stated reason found (checked October 13, 2026).
Keep schools strong; sponsored a 2025 law adding instruction on the state's Safe Haven Law for newborns to the high school family life curriculum.[1][2][3]
Public safety & justice
Back law enforcement and hold criminals accountable; sponsored a law generally requiring consecutive sentences for offenses against more than one minor victim.[1][5]
Immigration
Deny sanctuary for people in the country illegally.[1]
Support Tennessee's farmers and protect the state's land, natural resources and agricultural heritage.[6]
Arguments
Arguments for
A longtime teacher and coach, he worked as a county commissioner to improve infrastructure, create jobs, increase public safety and strengthen public education.[1]
Arguments against
No published arguments found (checked October 13, 2026).
Bachelor's degree in biology from Maryville College (2000).[4][9][10]
Has worked in technical writing, quality assurance and auditing in the science industry.[4][9][10]
Ran for this seat in 2024 and lost to Tom Stinnett, receiving 25.2% of the vote.[10]
Why they're running
She says she is running to provide a voice for everyone in her community, arguing that the legislature's majority does not represent its citizens' needs and is passing laws that diminish Tennesseans' rights, freedoms and safety. She wants residents to know they have a representative who listens and puts their needs first.[4]
Platform
Education
Fund public schools so they can pay educators well, and use public funds only for public schools, not vouchers.[4]
Health care
Expand Medicaid to cover the uninsured, reduce rural hospital closures, and provide mental health and substance abuse care.[4]
Firearms
Pass gun safety laws such as a red flag law and expanded background checks.[4]
Abortion
Guarantee in state law the right to abortion, IVF and birth control.[4]
Arguments
Arguments for
No published arguments found (checked October 13, 2026).
Arguments against
No published arguments found (checked October 13, 2026).
Jeff "Cog" CogginIndependent
Maryville
Why they're running
No stated reason found (checked October 13, 2026).
Platform
No published platform found (checked October 13, 2026).
Arguments
Arguments for
No published arguments found (checked October 13, 2026).
Arguments against
No published arguments found (checked October 13, 2026).
Sources (10)
Listed in numeric order. Numbers match the markers in the text above.