A Clear Vision for Tennessee

The Equity Alliance Fund, the affiliate 501(c)4 advocacy organization of The Equity Alliance, encourages Black voters to support policies and candidates who will invest in overlooked and underserved communities of color.

From Nashville to Washington, D.C., Tennessee needs leaders who will advocate for Black Americans and other communities of color to have a fair and just opportunity at realizing the American dream.

This year, we are proud to announce our 2024 Tennessee candidate endorsements.

These progressive leaders have a clear vision for a better future for Tennesseans. Under their leadership, constituents will have a chance to earn a good living, send their kids to well-resourced schools and get access to quality healthcare that they need to be well and stay well. These candidates are champions for Black lives and will stand up to greed-fueled special interests and defend us against radical laws that seek to control our communities, suppress our votes, and perpetuate decades of racial injustice.

MEET THE CANDIDATES

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

KAMALA HARRIS

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

Just as she’s done all her life, Kamala Harris is running for president to fight for the people and build an economy that delivers stability, security, and opportunity to all Americans — for today, and for the next generation.

FEDERAL ENDORSEMENTS

GLORIA JOHNSON

UNITED STATES SENATOR

Tennesseans are fed up with corrupt, “do nothing” politicians,  and Tennessee women deserve a Senator who trusts them to make their own medical decisions. Gloria is running for U.S. Senate because she knows it is time to shift power back where it belongs: with working and middle class families. She will be a Senator who puts Tennesseans first!

MARYAM ABOLFAZLI

TN - DISTRICT 5

Maryam, a proud Tennessean, refuses to stand idly by while our state's values are under attack. Now, she's determined to stop extremist politicians from dismantling our fundamental freedoms.

As a mother and woman in Tennessee, Maryam understands the importance of fighting for policies that protect women and families.

She fights for us by defending abortion rights and IVF access for all Tennesseans, ensuring that every individual has the right to make their own healthcare decisions.

Maryam amplifies the voices of marginalized communities, advocating for inclusive policies that benefit all residents.

MEGAN BARRY

TN - DISTRICT 7

As a mother, wife, businessperson, community leader, and former elected official, and now candidate for Congress, Megan Barry has spent her effort and energy into making life better for the people around her. Megan is committed to defending reproductive freedom, building safer communities and creating an economy that works for everyone.

TENNESSEE STATE SENATE AND HOUSE OF

REPRESENTATIVES ENDORSEMENTS

NOAH NORDSTROM

HOUSE DISTRICT 83

Noah Nordstrom's vision extends far beyond the classroom; it envisions a future where every child has access to quality education, regardless of circumstance. As a candidate, he stands at the forefront of a movement for transformative change, fueled by boundless determination and a belief in the power of community.

JESSE HUSETH

HOUSE DISTRICT 97

Jesse is dedicated to providing real solutions to real problems for Tennesseans. Too often our politicians look for ways to divide us, instead of focusing on the real issues that we face, and the real solutions we should implement—many of which we actually agree on. Jesse’s years spent working for Shelby County Schools taught him what all of our students need and what all of their parents want for them—to grow up with the opportunities for success and happiness that we all deserve. If we want Tennessee to thrive, we must make sure everyone is thriving.

HEIDI CAMPBELL

STATE SENATE DISTRICT 20

Her tenure in the Tennessee Senate has been marked by a profound commitment to understanding and addressing the complex relationship between Nashville and state government. As a leader and a mother, she possesses a keen ability to navigate and resolve conflict, advocating tirelessly for the needs and aspirations of her constituents. Running for reelection, Heidi is determined to continue her work, building on the progress achieved and the positive momentum generated during her time in office.

BO MITCHELL

HOUSE DISTRICT 50

Bo Mitchell represents the people of District 50 in the Tennessee House of Representatives. e is a leading voice for strong public school, affordable healthcare, gun safety, and the protecting the democratic process. Prior to his election , Bo established a lengthy record of deep involvement in the community. He also owns a small business that assists other businesses in providing benefits to their employees.

AFTYN BEHN

HOUSE DISTRICT 51

Aftyn, a Knoxville native, is a dedicated advocate with a background in social work and public policy. She has worked tirelessly in Tennessee, campaigning for affordable healthcare and against sexual assault. Currently serving as Rep for HD51, Aftyn's commitment to equity extends to her involvement in organizations like the Southern Connected Communities Project and Healthy and Free TN. With her diverse experiences, she is poised to serve effectively in the Tennessee State House, working towards a brighter future for all.

SHAUNDELLE BROOKS

HOUSE DISTRICT 60

Shaundelle Brooks became a relentless advocate for gun violence prevention after losing her son, Akilah DaSilva, in the Nashville Waffle House mass shooting. Driven by that loss, she’s traveled the country, meeting with policymakers and connecting with other families harmed by gun violence. She has attended countless state legislative hearings to learn how Tennessee works, and she wants to make a change to Tennessee’s approach to gun violence to honor Akilah’s memory. Raised by two police officers in Brooklyn, New York, Shaundelle developed a strong sense of justice and a commitment to making a positive impact on society from a young age. She became a parole officer and moved to Nashville two decades ago. In that role, she has worked with hardened criminals and helped them successfully reenter society after completing their sentences. That experience means she can keep law enforcement focused on the most violent offenses while addressing the root causes of crime as a state lawmaker.

RONNIE GLYNN

HOUSE DISTRICT 67

A life-long Tennessean, Ronnie has dedicated his life to his family, country, and his community. In his first year as a State Legislator, Ronnie was able to pass a bill to help deal with Tennessee’s shortage of teachers.

ALLIE PHILLIPS

HOUSE DISTRICT 75

Allie Phillips grew up in Ashland City, TN. From her parents she learned about working hard, the importance of family, and real Tennessee values -- meaning that when you see something that’s wrong, you do something to fix it. In November of 2022, Allie and her husband got great news - Allie was pregnant! At nineteen weeks, they were told their daughter, Miley Rose, was not compatible with life. Because of Tennessee’s misguided laws, Allie had to fly to New York, a city she'd never visited before – alone – to end the pregnancy or risk her own life. By the time she made it there, Miley Rose’s heart had stopped beating. Making this tragedy harder for Allie and her family was inhumane. So, Allie did what she was raised to do - she stood up and she fought back. Allie is running for Tennessee State House because forcing a woman to fly out of state to get medically needed health care does not represent Tennessee values.

LUIS MATA

HOUSE DISTRICT 49

I’m a community organizer, an immigrant from Guadalajara, Mexico, and a proud Tennessean. I’m running for the Tennessee State House of Representatives in District 49 where I plan to continue my decade-long fight for progress. I would become the first-ever Latino immigrant state legislator in Tennessee history - but I’m not running to make history, I’m running to make change.

I was raised by a single, immigrant mother who taught me that when you want change, you don't wait for it, you fight for it. I’ve been a proven leader for change across the state and I am ready to carry my decade-long fight for justice to our State Capitol to continue fighting for a Tennessee where we can all belong and thrive.

Clarksville City Council

DWIGHT JEMISON

CLARKSVILLE CITY COUNCIL - WARD 8

Dwight Jemison is an Army Veteran and a strong supporter of the Black Veteran and Veteran community. Dwight has conducted countless voter restoration clinics in the Clarksville community, and frequently hosts community events throughout the year.

We know that Dwight will continue to advocate for a more just and equitable Tennessee.

ZOYIE JACKSON

CLARKSVILLE CITY COUNCIL - WARD 12

Zoyie Jackson was the city and county's first DEI Training Officer after a 20+ year career in the military. She now does consultation and advisory work for individuals and companies with discrimination issues. She is well versed in county and city protocols and procedures, especially in the fields of HRC, City boards, and hiring process.

Zoyie’s career experience and passion for equity and justice align with

Nashville Transit Referendum

The Equity Alliance Fund is proud to support the Choose How You Move Transit Improvement Plan.

Black communities in Nashville lack access to affordable and reliable transportation options. Choose How You Move is our chance to change that—offering better, faster, safer, and more affordable ways to get around Nashville by:

  • Installing “smart” traffic signals that sync up to reduce congestion and give you more green lights on your commute.

  • Improving transit service with more frequent routes, and direct neighborhood connections.

  • Building nearly 90 miles of new sidewalks, and enhancing pedestrian safety by redesigning our most dangerous intersections.

A vote FOR the transit referendum is a vote for a stronger and more accessible Nashville.

Let’s support the Transit Improvement Plan and ensure our communities thrive.
Learn more
here!

Tennessee Voter Guides

For information about all of the candidates running for office in Memphis, Clarksville, Nashville and Murfreesboro, check out the Tennessee Voter Guides a free, nonpartisan, public resource brought to you by The Equity Alliance to help you make an informed decision in the voting booth on Election Day.

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Contact Us

P.O. Box 280214
Nashville, Tennessee 37228

endorsements@theequityalliancefund.org

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