Editor's note: The Tennessean Editorial Board invited candidates for the 2024 congressional elections to fill out our questionnaire. They include biographical information and answers to 11 questions on variety of topics from key policy issues to their recommendation for visitors on what to see or do in their congressional districts.
Election Guide: Learn about candidates running in Aug. 1 Tennessee primary election for U.S. Congress
Key dates:
- July 12-27: Early voting
- July 25: Deadline to request absentee ballot
- Aug. 1: Primary election
- Nov. 5: General election
Biographical Information
- Name: Bennett H Lapides
- Which office are you seeking? U.S. House District 1. One of two Democrats in the primary election.
- Age at the time of election: 28
- What city/town in Tennessee do you live in? Gatlinburg, TN
- Education: Graduated from Gatlinburg-Pittman High School 2014 Graduated from Warren Wilson College 2020
- Job history: IT Technician - Warren Wilson College - 2017-2020 Uber Driver - 2020-2022 Technology Director - Boys and Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains - 2022-Present
- Family: Not married, no children
11 questions for the candidates
Why are you running for this office?
After running for the State House in 2020, I really didn't imagine running for office again in my 20s, but working at the Boys and Girls Club changed that. Working there has given me a front row seat to so many of the issues facing our community, and working with our club kids has reminded me why we can't stop working to make our world a better place. East Tennessee needs real representatives who actually want to solve problems instead of someone who's just a rubber stamp for their party.
What makes you qualified to hold this office and better qualified than your opponent(s)?
My work at the Boys and Girls Club has shown me first-hand the challenges facing our public education systems and our communities. Working in technology gives me a much more robust knowledge of many of the issues regarding the privacy and control of our personal information and a better understanding of how social media and other technologies that are part of our daily lives.
If you are elected (or re-elected), what are your top 2 to 3 priorities for your new (or next) term in office?
The climate crisis must be addressed as soon as possible, as our planet continues to suffer the consequences of our inaction. Our public education systems are under assault, and we need to protect our students and teachers from these privatization schemes. Our healthcare systems are broken, we need to put people over profit and ensure that all of us have access to affordable care.
What are you hearing most from voters about what they want you to accomplish, if elected?
Voters are fed up with a system that lifts up the loudest and most extreme voices, and they want representatives that actually listen to them and care about our communities. They're tired of all of the lies and violence that have infected our political system, and they want legislators to work together towards real solutions to fix problems like our healthcare systems, the lack of affordable housing, or building a better economy for all Tennesseans.
Are you satisfied with the direction of the country? Explain why.
I'm very worried about the future of our country when so many in our media and political landscapes want to outright deny reality. More needs to be done to combat disinformation in our media and politics. Facts matter, and those who actively are trying to discredit reality should be questioned more directly by many in our media.
What is your assessment of the performance of the President Joe Biden over the last four years?
While I certainly have my frustrations with the administration on a variety of issues, there is no denying that Joe Biden has probably been the most effective president of my lifetime, accomplishing significant achievements like the CHIPS Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with an incredibly divided Congress.
How should the U.S. approach foreign policy goals as it pertains to regions, nations and conflicts such as China, Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war?
The United States needs to stand with its allies, and continue to help lead the free world. We must stand with our allies in Ukraine. The Israel-Hamas war is yet another unfortunate chapter in a thousand year history of war. I support an immediate release of all remaining hostages, and a ceasefire to help bring an end to this war that has already gone on far too long.
Americans in recent polling say immigration is one of the top issues, if not the most important issue, facing the U.S. What should Congress do to address the immigration and border security?
We need comprehensive immigration reform to address an incredibly broken immigration system. America is a nation of immigrants, and Immigrants are what make American great. We need to provide realistic pathways to citizenship, and protect DACA.
What else do you want voters to know about you that will help them make an informed decision on Election Day?
In Congress, I’ll tackle the pressing challenges we face today and work towards solutions that benefit all of us. I am committed to supporting policies that will combat climate change, protect public education, and ensure access to affordable healthcare. I promise to work tirelessly to help bring more affordable housing to our district, to support our teachers and students, to fight for our democratic rights, and to build a 21st-century economy that works for all Tennesseans
A "fun" question: When visitors ask you, "What should I do in Tennessee or your specific community?" what are the top 2 or 3 things or places you recommend?
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Dollywood, and eat at local restaurants instead of national chains!
Will you commit to being civil in how you present yourself and the way you interact with opponents and others? (Our definition of civility is being a good, active, honest and respectable citizen)
Yes
Call Opinion and Engagement Director David Plazas at (615) 259-8063, email him at dplazas@tennessean.com or find him on X at @davidplazas.
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