The primary election has come and gone here in Tennessee. For many local candidates, that was it. Their final countdown is over and results are in. For state and federal races, the work continues.
Beth West, me and Dr. Laura Andreson at a rally against the Memphis gerrymandering
In Tennessee, we had many wins for Democrats that night. We flipped seats on school boards and county commissions in several counties. We flipped control of the school board in Knox county (the same school board that voted to ban Alex Haley’s masterpiece and one of Tennessee’s state books, Roots) to Democratic for the first time since 2022. For the run down on all the local election results, I highly recommend TN state senator Charlane Oliver’s piece.
It wasn’t all great though. Unfortunately Marsha Blackburn is now the official Republican nominee for Tennessee governor. Several of my friends lost their primaries. But the beat goes on. We must get behind the Democrats who won their primaries, even if they weren’t our top choice. In order to make change in Tennessee, we need to stick together! I love this editorial by Rev. Fisher. He says in his piece:
“There is still time to choose a different path before November.
Candidates can repair relationships. Elected officials can unite rather than divide. Organizations can collaborate instead of competing. Pastors can educate, organize and mobilize. Citizens can reject cynicism and recommit themselves to the long work of democracy.
Most importantly, we can stop looking for political saviors.
There are none.
There never have been.
Democracy does not require perfect candidates. It requires mature citizens willing to place the common good above personal preference and political strategy above political ego.
The question before us is whether we are finally ready to become those people.”
Laura’s husband Kent, Laura and me at a meet and greet in Nolensville
For me, the work continues and will only get harder from here. Throughout the primary I served two campaigns: Beth West as her treasurer and Dr. Laura Andreson as her deputy campaign manager and field director. Now that the primary is over, I am officially taking the reins as Laura’s campaign director. This is another huge step outside my comfort zone, just like when I served as treasurer for Rep Shaundelle Brooks during her primary in 2024. I am incredibly honored and excited to work beside Laura over the next 85 days (eeeek!!!)! She is an incredible advocate for healthcare, education, affordability, gun safety, public health, and more!
If you live in Tennessee, please share Laura’s campaign video and sign up to volunteer! We need all hands on deck to write postcards, phone bank, knock doors and deliver yard signs. Even an hour a week helps us get the word out to voters in TN House District 63. And whether you live in or outside TN, please chip in to help us flip this seat! Every donation helps Laura deliver change for Tennessee!
“The gains will feel small and the losses too large
Keep marching, keep marching
You'll rarely agree with whoever's in charge
Keep marching, keep marching
'Cause your ancestors are all the proof you need
That progress is possible, not guaranteed
It will only be made if we keep marching, keep marching on” - From SUFFS the musical
Me and Laura Andreson with our merch after watching SUFFS the musical at TPAC
Dr. Katrina Green, MD FAAEM, FAMWA is a board certified emergency physician, and public safety and health advocate in Nashville, TN.
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