Bennett Lapides

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Bennett Lapides

Democratic Party

Elections and appointments

Last election

August 1, 2024

Education

High school

Gatlinburg-Pittman High School, 2014

Bachelor's

Warren Wilson College, 2020

Personal

Birthplace

Gatlinburg, Tenn.

Profession

IT specialist

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Twitter

Campaign Instagram

Campaign YouTube

Personal Facebook

Personal Instagram

Bennett Lapides (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Tennessee's 1st Congressional District. He lost in the Democratic primary on August 1, 2024.

Lapides completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Bennett Lapides was born in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. He obtained a bachelor's degree from Warren Wilson College in 2020. His professional experience includes working in information technology support and repair. Lapides is a Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout.

Elections

2024

See also: Tennessee's 1st Congressional District election, 2024

Tennessee's 1st Congressional District election, 2024 (August 1 Democratic primary)

Tennessee's 1st Congressional District election, 2024 (August 1 Republican primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Tennessee District 1

Incumbent Diana Harshbarger defeated Kevin Jenkins, Richard Baker, and Levi Brake in the general election for U.S. House Tennessee District 1 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Diana Harshbarger (R)	78.1	257,825
		Kevin Jenkins (D)	19.4	64,021
	Submit photo	Richard Baker (Independent)	1.7	5,714
		Levi Brake (Independent)	0.8	2,639

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 330,199
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Wisdom Zerit Teklay (Wisdom People Party)
• Marissa King (Independent)
• Joshua Ray Ashburn (Independent)

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 1

Kevin Jenkins defeated Bennett Lapides in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 1 on August 1, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Kevin Jenkins	67.8	5,179
		Bennett Lapides	32.2	2,460

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 7,639
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Zachary Stamper (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 1

Incumbent Diana Harshbarger advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 1 on August 1, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Diana Harshbarger	100.0	52,190

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 52,190
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Lapides in this election.

2020

See also: Tennessee House of Representatives elections, 2020

General election

General election for Tennessee House of Representatives District 12

Incumbent Dale Carr defeated Bennett Lapides in the general election for Tennessee House of Representatives District 12 on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Dale Carr (R)	81.3	23,858
		Bennett Lapides (D)	18.7	5,502

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 29,360
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Tennessee House of Representatives District 12

Bennett Lapides advanced from the Democratic primary for Tennessee House of Representatives District 12 on August 6, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Bennett Lapides	100.0	930

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 930
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Tennessee House of Representatives District 12

Incumbent Dale Carr advanced from the Republican primary for Tennessee House of Representatives District 12 on August 6, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Dale Carr	100.0	6,675

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 6,675
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Campaign themes

2024

Video for Ballotpedia

Video submitted to Ballotpedia Released May 13, 2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Bennett Lapides completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Lapides' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Growing up near the Great Smoky Mountains, I've always cherished East Tennessee's natural beauty and close-knit communities. For over sixty years, my family has run small businesses here, giving me a firsthand understanding of entrepreneurship's challenges and rewards.

In 2013, I represented my high school at Tennessee American Legion Boys State and attended an International Relations Academy at Georgetown University. I graduated from Gatlinburg-Pittman High School in 2014 and earned my Eagle Scout Award, building a weather sensor station for my elementary school. In 2020, I graduated from Warren Wilson College with a degree in History and Political Science. My time there reinforced my commitment to making a positive impact and equipped me with valuable skills.

I began my political journey in 2017, joining the Sevier County Democratic Party's Executive Committee. From 2017 to 2023, I served as the District Representative for Gatlinburg and was unanimously elected Vice Chair in 2023. In 2020, I was the Democratic Party's Nominee for TN State House District 12.

Currently, I work as the Technology Director for the Boys and Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains Sevierville Club. Working with our club kids, and wanting to do everything that I can to ensure they get to continue to grow up in a free country is what made me decide to run for office again this cycle.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• As an Eagle Scout who grew up next to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, I am deeply committed to combating the climate crisis to ensure a clean and healthy environment for all. I support strong legislation to invest in renewable energy technologies and phase out fossil fuels, emphasizing low-carbon solutions like nuclear power. Additionally, I advocate for an expanded American Climate Corps to create jobs and tackle critical environmental projects. Protecting our planet is not just an option but a necessity for our generation and those to come.
• Investing in education is investing in our future. I support increased funding for public schools to ensure all students have access to quality education, modern technology, and well-paid, dedicated teachers. I oppose voucher programs that divert funds from public schools and advocate for affordable higher education and ongoing student debt reform. Early childhood education is vital, and I will push for policies that expand access to it. By strengthening our education system, we can empower the next generation to thrive and succeed.
• Healthcare is a human right, and I am committed to ensuring everyone has access to affordable, quality care. I support capping the costs of lifesaving medicines and believe the government should negotiate directly with pharmaceutical companies to control rising costs. Expanding access to mental healthcare is crucial, as is ensuring transparency in public health initiatives to maintain trust. By advocating for comprehensive healthcare reforms, we can create a system that works for all Americans, not just the wealthy.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about several key areas of public policy. Firstly, the environment and the climate crisis are top priorities. Growing up next to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has instilled a deep commitment to conservation and renewable energy solutions. Secondly, education is vital. I advocate for increased funding for public schools, affordable higher education, and expanded access to early childhood education. Lastly, healthcare is a fundamental right. I support affordable, quality healthcare for all, including capping drug costs and expanding mental health services. Together, we can build a better future.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Futurama - A Taste of Freedom

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty, a willingness to listen, and a willingness to admit when you're wrong.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I remember being in kindergarten when 9/11 happened. None of us knew what was happening but one by one our parents were picking us up from school early and taking us home. Later on they gave us all this cartoon-style book that explained the America had been attacked, and I remember watching the subsequent wars begin to play out on TV.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I worked at the Rhythm Section, a record shop in Gatlinburg, in high-school. I think it was about 2 years?

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. 42.

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

The Climate Crisis is the greatest threat faced not only by the United States, but by the entire world. We must help lead the way to a more sustainable future.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Term limits are a great idea, but something that must be implemented alongside other electoral reforms, such as banning partisan gerrymandering.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes, compromise is essential for us to have a functional democracy.

What committees interest you?

Small Business, Natural Resources, and Science, Space, and Technology

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign website

Lapides’s campaign website stated the following:

“	Environment & Energy Protect our Planet The climate crisis is an undeniable issue, and the most urgent one that our world faces today. As your representative in Congress, I am committed to supporting legislation that aggressively addresses this global threat. Future generations deserve to inherit a world that is cleaner and healthier than our world is today. Invest in Renewable Energy Our climate and our nation's energy security depends on our ability to innovate. I strongly support increased investment in renewable energy technologies like solar, wind, or geothermal power. These technologies help combat climate change and the development of this infrastructure will create jobs, stimulating more economic growth in our communities. Transition Away from Fossil Fuels The science is clear: we must quickly phase out fossil fuels. To ensure a smooth transition, we must work to meet America's ever increasing power demands, and we must increase our nuclear power output to ensure we have the time to sustainably transition to other cleaner energy solutions, like solar, wind or hydroelectric power. As your representative, I will work to ensure this transition is conducted fairly, leaving no community behind. Conservation is a Core Value Growing up as a Boy Scout in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, next to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, I was taught a respect for our environment from a young age. Conserving our national parks and forests, such as the Great Smoky Mountains or the Cherokee National Forest, is an essential part of our national and regional heritage. I will work tirelessly to support legislation that ensures the protection of natural habitats, protects endangered species, and maintains the natural beauty of our nation for all of us to enjoy. Education for a Brighter Future Commitment to Public Schools I'm a proud product of public schools and come from a family tree filled with teachers who've taught at all levels of the education system. I am a staunch advocate of our public school systems. I believe that public funds should be used for public schools. We need to increase teacher's pay and benefits. Teachers shouldn't have to pay for classroom supplies out of their own pockets. I oppose voucher programs that divert resources from public education, as they do not serve our schools or our community's best interests. Investing in public education means paying our teachers what they deserve and ensuring our schools are well-equipped to provide a top-tier educational experience for our children. Technology in the Classroom In today's rapidly advancing world, access to modern technology is essential for student success. My experiences working in the IT Department at Warren Wilson College and as the Technology Director for the Sevierville Boys' and Girls' Club have shown me the transformative impact access to technology can have. I am committed to working to ensure that every student has access to the tools and resources they need to thrive in the 21st century. Affordable Higher Education The cost of higher education has been a barrier for far too many young Americans. I support robust reforms and relief measures to make higher education more accessible and affordable so that our students can get the world class education they need, wether they choose to go to colleges or trade schools. My time in the Work Program at Warren Wilson College taught me skills that help me in my work to this day, and I believe that more colleges, universities, and trade schools should look towards the model provided by our work colleges, and join the Work Colleges Consortium. Our students should be empowered to pursue their dreams and make the world a better place without the burden of insurmountable debt. Expanding Early Childhood Education Numerous studies have shown that access to early childhood education is a critical foundation for lifelong learning and success. I support expanding access to quality early education programs to ensure that every child, regardless of their family's economic status, can be successful. Building a Stronger, Fairer Economy Championing Small Business As someone who comes from a family of entrepreneurs who have had businesses in East Tennessee for over sixty years, I understand the challenges and risks faced by those running small businesses. Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy and I am committed to supporting policies that help them thrive, like reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens and making it easier for small businesses to grow and hire employees. Reviving American Jobs Through Manufacturing I strongly support the revival of American manufacturing. Legislation like the CHIPS Act will help America keep its competitive edge by bringing jobs back from overseas and investing in high-tech industries, such as computer chip manufacturing and electric vehicles. We can ensure a prosperous future for American workers by bringing manufacturing back to America and supporting unions. A Modern Civilian Climate Corps Inspired by the great success of the New Deal's Civilian Conservation Corps, which helped build the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, I advocate for a robust expansion of the American Climate Corps. This initiative will help provide jobs that not only help our environment in a critical time, but also offer new skills and training in green technologies to our young workers, preparing them for the jobs of the future. Expand the Child Tax Credit President Biden's expansion of the Child Tax Credit in his American Rescue Plan helped ensure families had access to the full benefit and provided monthly payments that helped cut childhood poverty in half, bringing it to record lows. No child deserves to grow up in poverty, if elected to Congress, I will work to reinstate the expansions of Child Tax Credit. Healthcare: A Right, Not a Privilege Universal Healthcare Access I believe that healthcare, including dental and vision, is a fundamental human right. In the wealthiest nation in the world, it is unacceptable for any individual to be without access to affordable, quality healthcare. My commitment is to policies that ensure no one is left behind, focusing on expanding healthcare access to all Americans, regardless of their economic status. Tackling Rising Healthcare Costs The soaring costs of healthcare and prescription drugs are unsustainable and put a tremendous strain on American families. I will fight for legislation that caps costs for lifesaving medicines and allows the government to continue to negotiate directly with pharmaceutical companies. Expanding Mental Health Services Mental health is as important as physical health, and I will advocate for comprehensive reforms to expand access to mental health services. Ensuring that mental healthcare is available and affordable for everyone is a priority, as it is crucial for the overall well-being of our community. Transparent and Effective Public Health Policies The government must play a key role in public health, especially in response to health crises. I am committed to making public health related decisions transparently to build and maintain trust within the community, and ensuring that our public health system does the same. Foreign Policy Global Leadership and Alliances As the leader of the free world, the United States has a pivotal role to play on the global stage. I am committed to maintaining strong alliances with our NATO partners and supporting nations like Ukraine in their fight for freedom. Our leadership is crucial for upholding democratic values and human rights worldwide. End the Cuban Embargo It is time to end the outdated and ineffective Cuban embargo. Just as we normalized trade relations with China decades ago, we must approach our relationships in the Western Hemisphere with a perspective suited to the 21st century, fostering trade and diplomatic relations that benefit all. Comprehensive Immigration Reform Immigrants enrich our nation and are vital to our economy. I support reforming our broken immigration system to create fair and humane policies that recognize the dignity and contributions of immigrants in our society. National & Social Issues: Promoting Justice and Equality Championing Civil Rights Our civil rights are foundational to our democracy, yet they are under constant threat from extremists. I am committed to protecting and enhancing these rights by supporting the passage of things like the Equal Rights Amendment and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. I will fight tirelessly to ensure that all people, regardless of race, gender, or background, are treated with equality and respect under the law. Supporting Our Veterans Our veterans have sacrificed immensely for our freedoms, and we owe them unwavering support. I advocate for expanded and modernized veteran services to ensure that all veterans receive the care, respect, and opportunities they deserve after serving our country. Supporting the LGBTQA+ Community I stand with the LGBTQA+ community and will advocate for legislation that safeguards their rights and freedoms. America is a free society. It is crucial that we work together to build a society where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can live openly and safely. Common Sense Gun Reform I support common sense gun reforms that align with the views of the vast majority of Americans. This includes universal background checks and closing loopholes that jeopardize our safety. We can implement measures that protect our communities while respecting the rights of responsible gun owners. Criminal Justice Reform Our criminal justice system must be reformed to ensure fairness and justice for all. I oppose for-profit prisons and will work to end the incarceration of individuals for profit. Additionally, I support the decriminalization of marijuana, treating drug use as a health issue, and commuting sentences for non-violent drug offenders. Restoring Roe v. Wade Reproductive rights are under attack. I am committed to protecting and restoring a woman's right to choose. I believe we should return to the way things were under Roe v. Wade. I will support legislation that ensures women across America have the right to make decisions about their own bodies in consultation with the doctors that they choose, without unnecessary government interference. Building for Tomorrow Modernizing Transportation In the 21st century, our transportation infrastructure must evolve to meet the demands of modern America. I am committed to expanding access to public transportation like high-speed rail, increasing the availability of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and investing in innovative transportation solutions that reduce congestion and pollution. Universal Internet Access Internet access is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity. I will advocate for policies that treat the internet as a public utility, ensuring that all residents of East Tennessee, and particularly those in rural areas, have access to affordable and reliable high-speed internet, access that is crucial for education, business, and personal growth. Upgrading Utilities Our water and electrical systems are the lifelines of our communities. I support increased public investment in modernizing these critical infrastructures, ensuring they are safe and efficient. This is especially important in rural areas, where outdated systems pose a risk to public health and safety. Investing in Our Future To safeguard the well-being of our communities and ensure economic growth, we must revitalize and future-proof our infrastructure. I support increased federal funding and the exploration of public-private partnerships to finance these essential infrastructure projects. Investing in our infrastructure is investing in the future of our country. Technology & Innovation: Pioneering a Future-Ready America Fostering Technological Advancements I am committed to supporting the development and integration of cutting-edge technologies in our district. By fostering an environment that encourages innovation, we can attract high-tech industries and investments, ensuring that our economy remains competitive and dynamic. Protecting Privacy and Data Rights I believe that the right to privacy is fundamental. I will advocate for stringent protections around personal data, ensuring that Americans are fully informed and fairly compensated for the use of their data by corporations. This includes enforcing transparency and sharing the profits derived from personal data with the individuals to whom it belongs. Regulating Social Media To protect our children and the integrity of our public discourse, I support the regulation of large social media platforms. This includes prohibiting children under the age of 12 from using social media and requiring parental consent for teenagers aged 13 to 18. We must address the proven harms social media can cause to our youth and ensure these platforms operate with greater responsibility. Enhancing Government Through Technology I advocate for the modernization of government operations through technology to increase efficiency and transparency. By implementing the latest tech solutions, we can make governmental processes more accessible and responsive to the needs of our citizens. We also must enhance our government's cybersecurity practices to ensure our nation's security in the 21st century and beyond.	”
—Bennett Lapides’s campaign website (2024)

2020

Bennett Lapides completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Lapides' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised in Sevier County, and have a strong desire to serve my community as a way of giving back to it. Growing up as a Boy Scout next to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park instilled a deep respect for nature, and showed me that we must take the necessary steps to protect the environment for future generations. For the last three years, I've been splitting my time between my hometown of Gatlinburg and Asheville, NC, where I was attending Warren Wilson College. This past May I finished my degree and have been able to return to Sevier County full time. With the things I have learned over the past few years, I hope to help to build a better future for all Tennesseans.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Protect and Preseve the Environment
• Legalize and tax both Medical and Recreational Cannabis.
• Expand Rural Broadband

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I'm passionate about a variety of policy areas, but like many of my generation, the looming Climate Crisis is easily my top priority. The entire tourist economy of my hometown of Gatlinburg is based on our connection to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, and I believe we must take action to continue to preserve it in the face of climate change. Aside from the environment, I'm also passionate about helping to end the failed 'War on Drugs', bring better infrastructure like rural broadband to more parts of the state, and the continued improvement upon our educational and healthcare systems.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign finance summary

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Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

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Bennett Lapides campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	U.S. House Tennessee District 1	Lost primary	$0	N/A**
2020	Tennessee House of Representatives District 12	Lost general	$1,590	N/A**
Grand total			$1,590	N/A**
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

See also

2024 Elections

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U.S. House Tennessee District 1

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Footnotes

[show]

Tennessee's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Marsha Blackburn (R)

Bill Hagerty (R)

Representatives

District 1

Diana Harshbarger (R)

District 2

Tim Burchett (R)

District 3

Charles Fleischmann (R)

District 4

Scott DesJarlais (R)

District 5

Andy Ogles (R)

District 6

John Rose (R)

District 7

Vacant

District 8

David Kustoff (R)

District 9

Steve Cohen (D)

Republican Party (9)

Democratic Party (1)

Vacancies (1)