2024 Tennessee General Assembly primary candidates

Blount Countians who vote in the Aug. 1 election will make changes that shape the course of city, county, state and federal government for years. Races include primaries for seats on municipal boards of education and in the U.S. Senate, as well as general elections to some city and county offices and statewide political party positions.

The Daily Times has attempted to contact all qualified candidates to answer common sets of questions. The responses provided below come from candidates running in primary races for election to the Tennessee General Assembly in November. Candidates are listed by office sought, in alphabetical order, and are categorized by party.

Answers were edited when candidates exceeded length limits.

The Daily Times will publish responses from candidates for federal, political, county and city offices Monday, July 15.

State Senate District 2

Republican candidates

Name: Tom Hatcher

Age: 66

Political affiliation: Republican

Occupation: Blount County Clerk of Courts

Office sought: State Senate, District 2

Biographical info: I was raised on the family farm where I learned the value of hard work at an early age. I tended cattle and worked the tobacco and hay fields. For over a decade, I served as a deputy at the Blount County Sheriff’s office. In 1994, I was elected Circuit Court Clerk. Today, I serve as Clerk of Courts where I oversee circuit, juvenile, and general sessions courts.

Donna and I have been married over 45 years. We have a son, daughter-in-law, and three beautiful granddaughters. I enjoy serving the community and have dedicated my life to public service.

Why are you running for this position? Our community needs someone in the Senate who will never back down from protecting our conservative values. In the Senate, I’ll back responsible fiscal policies that reduce inflation. I support President Trump’s plans to end illegal immigration, and I’ll always defend our Second Amendment rights. Tennesseans can count on me to never back down from protecting our conservative values.

If elected, what would your top two priorities be? My top priorities are fighting inflation and stopping illegal immigration. The best way to fight inflation in Tennessee is to keep spending under control. I’ll keep our state a great place for families, retirees, and small businesses. I’ll support conservative fiscal policies that reduce inflation and help us maintain a health Rainy Day Fund and Tennessee’s AAA bond rating.

We’re doing a lot of great things to discourage illegal immigration. Tennessee statutes require law enforcement to report suspected illegal aliens to federal authorities. We’ve banned sanctuary cities and deployed our National Guard to the Texas border. I’ll continue these policies.

What relevant experience do you have? I’ve served 30 years as Clerk of Courts for Blount County. I’ve held key leadership positions that afforded me the opportunity to work closely with state legislators. I worked to pass laws that improve our judicial system. I served as Chair of the State Circuit Court Clerks Committee and Chair of the County Officials Legislative Committee. These experiences prepared me to serve in the State Senate.

I served as a deputy sheriff for a decade. I was Director of the Narcotics Unit that worked to arrest drug dealers and keep dangerous drugs out of the hands of young people.

Why should voters elect you? I’m focused on the issues that matter to folks in our community. I’ll work to keep Tennessee moving in the right direction by supporting conservative fiscal policies that reduce inflation. I support President Trump’s plans to end illegal immigration. I support our great local schools. I back our brave law enforcement officers and will always defend our Second Amendment rights. Tennesseans can count on me to never back down from protecting our conservative values.

What makes you different from the other candidates for office? My 40-year record of public service separates me from the others. I protected our community as a Blount County deputy sheriff before my election as Clerk of Courts. I demand accountability in my office and will require the same of state government if I’m elected.

Voters mention these issues:

• Support conservative fiscal policies to reduce inflation

• Back our brave law enforcement officers

• Stop illegal immigration

• Defend our Second Amendment rights

• Keep Tennessee moving in the right direction

These issues are important to me. Count on me to never back down from protecting our conservative values.

Name: John G. Pullias

Age: 67

Political affiliation: Republican

Occupation: Retired Manufacturing Executive, Owner-Gray Mountain Properties

Office sought: State Senate

Biographical info: John and his wife, Carolyn, were born and raised in middle Tennessee. They moved to Maryville in 1993. Their son, Thomas, was raised here, and went to school in Maryville/Blount County Public Schools. They are the former owners of the Chilhowee Inn in Walland, and currently own a rental property business. John spent most of his career in manufacturing, from hourly shop-floor worker to global operations executive with General Motors. John is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University. John & Carolyn are members of the Maryville Church of Christ.

Why are you running for this position? We live in a time where protecting the powerful, the elite, the special interests seems to be the priority in Washington and Nashville. We need someone in Nashville who will protect our rights, as individuals, as families, as business owners. This is my number one priority I will be taking to Nashville.

If elected, what would your top two priorities be? 1.To de-emphasize the well-funded special interests.

2. Help bring good governance back for the people of Tennessee.

What relevant experience do you have? Having been an executive running a large organization, and being a small business owner, I know how to solve problems and lead people. My business experience has taught me how to set priorities, build consensus, and get things done.

Why should voters elect you? I am not taking a personal agenda or personal vendetta to Nashville. I am taking my core values, beliefs, and my business experience to represent your interests. I will work in Nashville to de-emphasize the well-funded special interests and focus on good governance for the people of Tennessee. For you, for your families, and for your livelihood.

What makes you different from the other candidates for office? I am not a politician, but a small business owner. I will bring to the office of State Senator my practical business experience and my core Christian values, to help bring good governance for the people, back to the State of Tennessee.

Name: Bryan Richey (note: did not participate)

Political affiliation: Republican

Office sought: State Senate District 2

Democratic candidate

Name: Patti Young

Age: 68

Political affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: After 34 years of teaching for Maryville City Schools, I retired to continue operating our small equestrian facility called Young Mountain Farm. I teach riding lessons and offer horse-centered day camps.

Office sought: TN State Senate District 2

Biographical info: I was born in Pennsylvania and lived in Minnesota. Our family moved to TN when I was in 3rd grade. My hobbies are bike riding, painting, camping, horses, and taking my Australian Shepherd to dog agility and rally classes.

Why are you running for this position? If we do not elect more women and Democrats to office, we stand to lose not only reproductive health care and IVF, but the use of contraceptives. I offer a choice for people who want to see America remain a democracy. We must treat people of all colors and religions as equals.

If elected, what would your top two priorities be? Women’s reproductive rights and protecting our public schools from demise because of the voucher scam.

What relevant experience do you have? I have been working in politics since 2016 with both Indivisible and area Democratic Parties. I have 34 plus years working with students, adults, and school administrations. I run my own small business.

Why should voters elect you? Voters should vote for me because I am honest, energetic, smart and I care about all people not just Democrats, Republicans, or one particular church. I am the candidate that cares for the well being of all.

What makes you different from the other candidates for office? Unlike my opponent, I am a woman. I believe that people have the right to worship in whatever church they choose, or not to worship at all. I believe a person’s sexual identity is their own business and should not be governed by politicians. I believe that women should have choices regarding their own bodies and that medical decisions should be made by the woman, her doctor and her family, not politicians. I am firmly against school vouchers. Tennessee is a melting pot of people from all backgrounds and Tennesseans need sensible gun reform.

State House of Representatives District 8 Republican candidate

Name: Jerome Moon (note: did not participate; unopposed in primary)

Political affiliation: Republican

Office sought: State House District 8

Democratic candidates

Name: Sue DuBois

Age: 70

Political affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: Retired Senior Systems Analyst and Zoologist.

Education: BS, Biology, MS, Wildlife Science, MBA

Office sought: TN House of Representatives District 8

Biographical info: I’ve lived in Walland for 10 years. I’ve also lived in 7 other states so I’m familiar with regional differences. I had a rewarding 30 plus year career in zoos working with animals, curating collections, and working on conservation programs. I retired after 11 years on the management team of Walt Disney World’s Animal Programs. I served 6 years on my community’s Property Owner’s Association board in Walland. I’ve served on the Blount County Democratic Party Executive Committee since 2018 and currently serve as the Chair.

Why are you running for this position? We need more compassion, common sense, and diversity in the Tennessee General Assembly. We need to return to bi-partisan activities that facilitate collaboration. Policies should be made based on facts not ideology. We need better representation in State government and that starts with having a choice on the ballot in November. The current super-majority in the General Assembly is not listening to constituents. Women have lost the right to basic healthcare. Guns have better representation in our legislature than children. I am concerned about the current attacks on our democracy.

If elected, what would your top two priorities be? Restoring human rights which means restoring access to reproductive healthcare, expanding Medicaid, stopping the attack on the LGBTQ+ community, and addressing the number one killer of children: guns. Another top priority is protecting public education by stopping the expansion of the voucher program which will undermine our public schools. Public tax dollars should not go to private schools.

What relevant experience do you have? I know how to collaborate in order to get from needs to solutions. As a project manager on a global information system, I worked with an international team of scientists, IT specialists, managers and front-line workers. I’ve led growth of the Blount County Democratic Party as Chair and as an Executive Committee member. I co-facilitate a local environment advocacy group. I’ve delivered meals for Meals on Wheels and worked with local animal rescue groups. I’ve also managed budgets for non-profits and for-profit organizations, and I started and ran a multimedia lab.

Why should voters elect you? I’ll fight to protect the rights of all constituents and defend democracy. I oppose vouchers. I’ll fight for teachers and fully-funding public education. I’ll fight to protect a person’s right to bodily autonomy. I’ll fight to stop the harassment of the LGBTQ+ community. I think the erosion of human rights, the loss of reproductive rights, criminalizing healthcare providers by the supermajority in the GA is really bad for Tennessee. The majority of Tennesseans support a woman’s right to abortion. The majority of Tennesseans want us to address gun violence.

What makes you different from the other candidates for office? The TN General Assembly is only 14% women. That’s underrepresentation where policies are being made that affect women, children, and families. I’ve been working for years in our community to achieve better government and increase voter engagement. I’m a scientist and believe climate change is real. We need to address the issues that come with population growth in our County and State, such as the lack of affordable housing, urban sprawl, failing infrastructure, loss of farmland, impacts on air, water quality, and other natural resources. Policies should be made based on facts instead of the lobbying power of special interests and corporations.

Name: Mac Pickle

Age: 69

Political affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: Special Education Teacher

Office sought: State Representative District 8

Biographical info: I am a resident of Louisville where I live with my wife Judy (a retired nurse) and my daughter Kathryn (a social worker). My son Kyle (a business owner)and his family live in Maryville.

I grew up in Knoxville and graduated High School at Holston. I have a BA from UTK and a MS from Tennessee Tech. I ran track at UT and was a part of the 1974 NCAA Champions. This experience helped me to be a longtime coach as well as teacher. I am a Sunday School teacher and member and Deacon of First Baptist Church Knoxville.

Why are you running for this position? To support our public schools in a meaningful way. To be a voice for all of Blount County’s residents and serve their interests.

If elected, what would your top two priorities be?

A. Defeating wasteful spending on school vouchers!

B. Enacting legislation that would protect our beautiful county while supporting a sustainable local economy.

What relevant experience do you have? I have served as a teacher in several Tennessee communities for 46 years. I worked in our county as a teacher in the Maryville City Schools for 14 of those years. My children went through Maryville City as well. I understand the jobs and the challenges facing teachers. I recognize the problems and many of the possibilities that all parents and students are facing.

Why should voters elect you? I would serve all the community better than at present. I would listen to the needs of all my constituents. I would choose them over special interests, being the county’s voice in Nashville.

What makes you different from the other candidates for office? As a teacher I have served in public service for 46 plus years. Many people understand that a great deal of teachers work 2 jobs, I was one of them. I know how to do excellent customer service in the business world and I applied that to my interactions with parents and students- because they deserve that!

I will serve with my constituents first in mind. And…I plan on introducing a term limit bill as soon as I can.

State House District 20

Republican candidates

Name: Nick Bright

Age: 45

Political affiliation: Conservative/Republican

Occupation: Cattle farmer/Business Man

Office sought: Tennessee State House, District 20

Biographical info: I was born in 1979 at Blount Memorial Hospital. I attended Mary Blount and William Blount, and I have been a resident of Blount County my entire life. I am a farmer and businessman, supplying many Blount County families with beef through Nick Bright Farms. I was first elected to the Blount County Commission in 2018, and since being re-elected have become Vice Chair of the Commission and Chair of the Commission’s Agenda Committee. My voting record as a Commissioner demonstrates a history of principled conservatism and siding with the majority views and interests of the people who elected me.

Why are you running for this position? Government has let us down. That is why I decided to run. I got into politics because I couldn’t sit on the sidelines anymore and watch outside agendas weaken and erode this place we call home. I get asked all the time what my agenda is, and my answer is always the same. I don’t have one. I’ll do what I’ve always done as a County Commissioner and be the voice of people who elected me.

If elected, what would your top two priorities be? My top two priorities will be the top two priorities of the people who elected me. As a principled conservative, like the majority of the people who live in District 20, I am inherently skeptical of any legislation or initiatives that increase the power of government, decrease individual liberty, and/or use taxpayer dollars in irresponsible ways.

What relevant experience do you have? As a second term county commissioner who has written, introduced, and passed county-level resolutions, I have documented experience legislating on behalf of the people who elected me. As Vice Chair of the County Commission and Chair of the Commission’s Agenda Committee, I have legislative leadership experience that will serve the people of District 20 well should I be selected as our voice in Nashville.

Why should voters elect you? I am one of the voters of District 20. The voters of District 20 are my friends, family, associates, and neighbors. My only desire is to ensure we have a voice in Nashville that aligns with our majority views and which isn’t influenced or bought by special interests.

What makes you different from the other candidates for office? Unlike my two opponents, I have no ties to unions, special interest groups, and/or political action committees (PACs). I have neither taken money from nor had help from any entities or individuals outside of Blount County. I have not sought or accepted endorsements from politicians outside Blount County, as I feel strongly District 20’s House seat should be beholden to no one who doesn’t live in the district. Jason Emert has never held an elected office and has no voting record. Tom Stinnett’s voting record on Commission is against the Second Amendment, Blount Memorial Hospital, and for government-mandated vaccinations.

Name: Jason Emert

Age: 39

Political affiliation: Republican

Occupation: Attorney; military officer

Office sought: State Representative, District 20

Biographical info: Jason is an eighth generation Blount Countian who grew up in the Maryville City Schools. Jason is the son of Joe and Cindy Emert and the grandson of Dr. Jim and Clariece Emert. He is a national security lawyer and a captain in the Tennessee Air National Guard. He has been active in local, state and national Republican politics since high school and in 2017, Jason was chosen to be chairman of the Young Republican National Federation during the Trump Administration, earning the Young Republican of the Year Award. He lives in Maryville with his wife and two children.

Why are you running for this position? Blount County deserves true conservative Republican representation in our State House. We deserve a state representative who will fight for lower taxes and less government intrusion into our lives, school choice, and our shared conservative values, like fighting illegal immigration and government overreach. I will stand with our conservative majority and Governor Bill Lee to accomplish those things for all Tennesseans.

If elected, what would your top two priorities be? My first priority will be ensuring every child in the state of Tennessee has access to a great education, and one that is right for them. I am the only candidate that supports President Trump’s Republican Party Platform policy of Universal School Choice. My second priority will be to put more money back in taxpayers’ pockets, by cutting taxes and fighting for a property tax cap so Blount Countians don’t face endless tax hikes by rogue local governments and county commissioners.

What relevant experience do you have? I’ve been active in local, state, and national Republican politics since high school. I am the only candidate to serve in our nation’s Armed Forces, and I’ve held positions on local government entities: I’m currently serving as the Chairman of the Public Building Authority, having been nominated by the County Mayor and unanimously approved by the County Commission. I know how government works. I have written and passed legislation as a private citizen and I will work tirelessly to represent Blount Countians conservative values in the legislature.

Why should voters elect you? As I said before, Blount County deserves as a true conservative who fights for our values, like protecting the unborn, standing up for our 2nd Amendment rights, putting students over the special interests of teachers unions, fighting illegal immigration, and keeping our taxes low. I have the experience and resolve to get these things done for the people of Blount County to protect our way of life.

What makes you different from the other candidates for office? I’m the only candidate who has been endorsed by conservative champions like Governor Bill Lee, Tennessee Right to Life, Americans for Tax Reform, Tennessee Federation for Children, and Americans for Prosperity. I’m the only candidate who supports: parents’ and students’ rights for school choice; capping property tax increases; and who has worked with President Trump to elect conservatives in Tennessee and around the nation. Lastly, I am the only candidate who has served in the military. I will stand up for what is best for Blount County and will stand on principle to fight for conservative values we hold dear.

Name: Tommy L. Stinnett

Age: 68

Political affiliation: Republican

Occupation: After earning degrees from East Tennessee State University, The University of Tennessee, and Lincoln Memorial University, I was blessed to return home and educate the leaders of tomorrow for 37 years in the Maryville City School System. During that time, I worked as a Career and Technical Education teacher, driving instructor, math teacher, and successful coach of the football, track, and golf teams. Since retiring from teaching, I have been serving as the Blount County Commissioner for District 7a.

Office sought: State Representative — District 20

Biographical info: I have dedicated my life to serving our community and being a positive example for the next generation, protecting our conservative values through my work as a teacher, coach, mentor, and office holder. For the last nine years, I have served on the Blount County Commission, championing efforts to improve infrastructure, creating jobs, increasing public safety, and enhancing public education. My wife, Patricia, and I have been married for 42 years and have a daughter, Alyson Flynn (Zach), son, Major Taylor Stinnett (Rachel), and two grandchildren.

Why are you running for this position? Blount County is a special place, where neighbors still care about each other. I have raised my family here, worshipped here, and worked hard to improve the lives of those in our community. There is no higher honor than to be an ambassador charged with protecting our values in the Tennessee state house. Blount County has an incredible history of true statesmen, and I would consider myself fortunate to follow in their footsteps. I believe to make our community better, we must be willing to help others. It is what so many of us call small town values. I am signing up for service.

If elected, what would your top two priorities be? It is hard to narrow down two priorities. I would cut unnecessary taxes and regulations that hurt families and hinder business growth. We need to crack down on illegal immigration and make it harder for illegal immigrants to settle here. We must give law enforcement the tools needed to protect our community. We have the best law and order team in Tennessee, let them do their job. We must continue evaluating our infrastructure problems and find solutions before we face serious issues. Finally, I will do everything I can to protect life, the 2nd Amendment, and our Blount County values.

What relevant experience do you have? My broad range of experience uniquely qualifies me to serve in the state legislature. I have served on 23 committees over the last 30 years, ranging from County Commission appointments, public service groups, church leadership positions, banking oversight roles, and athletic management. I am currently chairing the Blount County Community Action committee, which is widely known for its Meals on Wheels and Office of Aging projects.

Why should voters elect you? Blount County citizens describe Tom Stinnett as honest and understanding of a hard day’s work. I am a workhorse, not a show horse. I believe we should never compromise our values. It is an honor to run as a Republican, and I have voted in every major election since I was eighteen, selecting strong Republican candidates, such as Bush, Reagan, and Trump. I truly believe in the values of the Republican party and urge voters to check the voting history of all candidates in this race.

What makes you different from the other candidates for office? Folks in Blount County must decide which candidate is best prepared to serve as our next state representative, and I hope that person is Tom Stinnett. If voters want an individual they know will cut taxes, create jobs, back the blue, stop illegal immigration from ravaging our county, defend the constitution, and protect Blount County values, then I’m your man. I respectfully ask for your vote, and I will never embarrass you or the office I will serve. Always Blount County First.

Democratic candidate

Name: Karen Gertz

Age: 46

Political affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: Technical Writer

Office sought: Tennessee House District 20

Biographical info: I’ve lived all over the United States, from the Northeast, to Florida, to Tennessee, to California. As a Navy kid, I got used to the moves, and learned to embrace living in diverse environments and communities. I attended Maryville College and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology before commencing my career in technical writing, quality assurance, and auditing within the science industry. I returned to Maryville about 10 years ago because, out of all the places I’ve lived, it feels the most like home to me.

Why are you running for this position? I’m running for Tennessee House District 20 to provide a voice for everyone in my community. The supermajority in Nashville does not represent the needs of its citizens, and is increasingly enacting regressive legislation that diminishes the rights, freedoms, and safety of Tennesseans. We must move forward in a way that is inclusive, progressive, and representative of all Tennesseans.

If elected, what would your top two priorities be? My first priority would be the protection of equal rights, including women’s rights and LGBTQIA+ rights. Bodily autonomy is a fundamental human right, including the right to abortion, IVF, and birth control. Equal treatment under the law is a fundamental right, and the rights of Tennesseans should not be restricted based on orientation or who a person chooses to love. My next priority would be the education and safety of Tennessee children. Public schools need to be fully funded; public funds should not be diverted to any voucher program. We need common sense gun safety legislation to protect our children.

What relevant experience do you have? I am an ordinary person with no previous political experience, but during the course of my work in the science industry, I learned to collaborate with various groups of people, from medical doctors, to pharmacists, to scientists, to engineers, to laboratory personnel, to external clients. This has provided me with a deep appreciation for the expertise of others, and the ability to achieve goals in ways that are mutually agreeable to all affected parties. I believe this ability would be invaluable in working with other legislators and relevant organizations if I am elected.

Why should voters elect you? From childhood onward, I have been an advocate for those who did not have a voice, those who were vulnerable, and those who were treated differently for not conforming to the status quo. I have never been afraid to stand up for what is right, and I have always believed that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, no matter what they believe, who they are, or who they love. I want to bring these values to the Tennessee House so that everyone has a voice, knowing they have a representative in their corner.

What makes you different from the other candidates for office? Although it is hardly on the scale of other marginalized communities, I can say that I know what it feels like to grow up as a girl, then into a woman, who has been repeatedly ignored, dismissed, patronized, and discouraged from being true to myself starting in childhood and, in some instances, in my professional career. In these ways, I know what it feels like to have your voice strangled, and it results in a slow deterioration of a person’s spirit over time. This is why I am so passionate about standing up for others.