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Clyde Benson
Clyde Benson (independent) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Tennessee's 4th Congressional District. He lost in the general election on November 8, 2022.
Benson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Clyde Benson was born in Winchester, Tennessee. He served in the U.S. Army from 2009 to 2021. His career experience includes working in EMS. Benson has been affiliated with the Convention of States, LibertyGuard, VFW, and NRA.[1]
Elections
2022
See also: Tennessee's 4th Congressional District election, 2022
General election
General election for U.S. House Tennessee District 4
The following candidates ran in the general election for U.S. House Tennessee District 4 on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Scott DesJarlais (R) | 70.6 | 122,401 |
 | Wayne Steele (D)  | 25.7 | 44,648 | |
 | Mike Winton (Independent) | 1.6 | 2,834 | |
 | Clyde Benson (Independent) | 1.0 | 1,806 | |
| David Leighton Jones (Independent) | 0.4 | 708 | ||
 | Tharon Chandler (Independent) | 0.3 | 585 | |
| Joseph Magyer (Independent) | 0.3 | 455 | ||
| Total votes: 173,437 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 4
Wayne Steele defeated Arnold White in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 4 on August 4, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Wayne Steele | 65.1 | 11,168 |
| Arnold White | 34.9 | 5,994 | ||
| Total votes: 17,162 | |||
| = 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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Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 4
Incumbent Scott DesJarlais advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 4 on August 4, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Scott DesJarlais | 100.0 | 60,699 |
| Total votes: 60,699 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Gerald Hood (R)
- Doug Meyer (R)
- Charles Dean Smith (R)
2020
See also: United States Senate election in Tennessee, 2020
United States Senate election in Tennessee, 2020 (August 6 Democratic primary)
United States Senate election in Tennessee, 2020 (August 6 Republican primary)
General election
General election for U.S. Senate Tennessee
The following candidates ran in the general election for U.S. Senate Tennessee on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Bill Hagerty (R) | 62.2 | 1,840,926 |
 | Marquita Bradshaw (D) | 35.2 | 1,040,691 | |
 | Elizabeth McLeod (Independent) | 0.6 | 16,652 | |
 | Yomi Faparusi (Independent) | 0.4 | 10,727 | |
| Steven Hooper (Independent) | 0.3 | 9,609 | ||
 | Kacey Morgan (Independent) (Unofficially withdrew) | 0.3 | 9,598 | |
 | Ronnie Henley (Independent) | 0.3 | 8,478 | |
 | Aaron James (Independent) | 0.2 | 7,203 | |
 | Eric William Stansberry (Independent) | 0.2 | 6,781 | |
 | Dean Hill (Independent) | 0.2 | 4,872 | |
 | Jeffrey Grunau (Independent) | 0.1 | 4,160 | |
 | John Gentry (Independent) (Write-in) | 0.0 | 64 | |
| Total votes: 2,959,761 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Watch the Candidate Conversation for this race!
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Tom Kovach (Independent)
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Tennessee
Marquita Bradshaw defeated Robin Kimbrough Hayes, James Mackler, Gary Davis, and Mark Pickrell in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Tennessee on August 6, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Marquita Bradshaw | 35.5 | 117,962 |
 | Robin Kimbrough Hayes | 26.6 | 88,492 | |
 | James Mackler | 23.8 | 78,966 | |
 | Gary Davis | 9.3 | 30,758 | |
 | Mark Pickrell | 4.8 | 16,045 | |
| Total votes: 332,223 | |||
| = 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
- Diana Onyejiaka (D)
- Tharon Chandler (D)
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. Senate Tennessee
The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate Tennessee on August 6, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Bill Hagerty | 50.8 | 331,267 |
 | Manny Sethi | 39.4 | 257,223 | |
 | George Flinn Jr. | 3.4 | 22,454 | |
 | Jon Henry | 1.2 | 8,104 | |
 | Natisha Brooks | 1.2 | 8,072 | |
 | Byron Bush | 0.8 | 5,420 | |
| Clifford Adkins | 0.8 | 5,316 | ||
 | Terry Dicus | 0.3 | 2,279 | |
 | Tom Emerson Jr. | 0.3 | 2,252 | |
 | David Schuster | 0.3 | 2,045 | |
| John Osborne | 0.3 | 1,877 | ||
 | Roy Cope | 0.3 | 1,791 | |
 | Kent Morrell | 0.3 | 1,769 | |
 | Aaron Pettigrew | 0.2 | 1,622 | |
| Glen Neal | 0.2 | 1,233 | ||
| Total votes: 652,724 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Garrett Nichols (R)
- Johnny Presley (R)
- Larry Crim (R)
- Jim Elkins (R)
- Josh Gapp (R)
- Clyde Benson (R)
- Geoffrey Stokes Nielson (R)
2016
Elections for the Tennessee House of Representatives took place in 2016. The primary election was held on August 4, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was April 7, 2016.
Incumbent David Alexander defeated Nancy Silvertooth in the Tennessee House of Representatives District 39 general election.[2][3]
| Tennessee House of Representatives, District 39 General Election, 2016 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Republican |  David Alexander Incumbent |
67.91% | 15,920 | |
| Democratic | Nancy Silvertooth | 32.09% | 7,522 | |
| Total Votes | 23,442 | |||
| Source: Tennessee Secretary of State | ||||
Nancy Silvertooth defeated Kathleen Swift-Lawson and Tony Peoples in the Tennessee House of Representatives District 39 Democratic primary.[4][5]
| Tennessee House of Representatives, District 39 Democratic Primary, 2016 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Democratic | Nancy Silvertooth |
76.24% | 1,335 | |
| Democratic | Kathleen Swift-Lawson | 11.99% | 210 | |
| Democratic | Tony Peoples | 11.76% | 206 | |
| Total Votes | 1,751 | |||
Incumbent David Alexander defeated Clyde Benson in the Tennessee House of Representatives District 39 Republican primary.[4][5]
| Tennessee House of Representatives, District 39 Republican Primary, 2016 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Republican | David Alexander Incumbent |
86.82% | 3,912 | |
| Republican | Clyde Benson | 13.18% | 594 | |
| Total Votes | 4,506 | |||
Campaign themes
2022
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Clyde Benson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Benson's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
| Collapse all
I am a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves and served from 2009-2021 with one deployment to Afghanistan in 2011. Primarily, I have done mostly blue collar work and currently work in healthcare in a non-healthcare role. On March 19, 2022, I married the woman I have loved for over 36 years, since we were kids.
- I am a veteran who will continue to fight for this country.
- I am not a politician, but believe in the AMERICA FIRST initiative.
- Pro-Life, Pro-2A, Pro-Constitution and Pro-MAGA. I’M
Our national debt is out of control. Currently, Congress’ answer is to raise the debt ceiling and continue to bankrupt our country. I want my grandchildren to grow up in a prosperous nation and will work to make that a reality.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szK50XxnU4s
[Verse 1]
Adrenaline, in my soul
Every thought out of control
Do it all to get them off their feet
Crowd is here, about to blow
Waitin' for me to start the show
Out the curtain, lights go up I'm home
(Whoa!)
[Pre-Chorus]
And my father said, when I was younger
Hard times breed better men (better men!)
[Chorus]
You took it all away, I give it all away
Can't take my freedom
Here to change the game, a banner made of pain
I built my kingdom
Now you bow to me
You took my dreams but not my name
You'll follow me until the end
I am my kingdom
[Verse 2]
Lights go down, I'm ready now
Tear this roof off for the town
Gonna give 'em what they came to see
Hear the crowd, on their toes
Ready for me to start the show
Out the curtain, lights go up I'm home
(Whoa!)
[Pre-Chorus]
And my father said, when I was younger
Hard times breed better men (better men!)
[Chorus]
You took it all away, I give it all away
Can't take my freedom
Here to change the game, a banner made of pain
I built my kingdom
Now you bow to me
You took my dreams but not my name
You'll follow me until the end
I am my kingdom
[Bridge]
You tried to tell me what to do
I saw the door and kicked it down
I stepped right over and right through
And you can never stop me now
(Bow!) (Now!)
I am the king and you're the crown
Now watch me as I take my throne
And rule my kingdom
[Chorus]
You took it all away, I give it all away
Can't take my freedom
Here to change the game, a banner made of pain
I built my kingdom
Now you bow to me
You took my dreams but not my name
You'll follow me until the end
I am my kingdom
You took it all away, I give it all away
Can't take my freedom
Here to change the game, a banner made of pain
I built my kingdom
Now you bow to me
You took my dreams but not my name
You'll follow me until the end
I am my kingdom
[Outro]
I don't have a sob story, but I have just made some bad financial choices in life. I hope that I am able to fix my situation and help others not make the same mistakes that I have. One of my favorite quotes is, "Learn from the mistakes of others, you won't live long enough to make them all yourself."
I would also love to serve on the committees of Homeland Security, Education & Labor and Science, Space & Technology committees.
Furthermore, I believe that once you announce your candidacy for another office, whether it be higher or lower, you automatically vacate your current seat and are unable to run again until the next voting cycle.
Leading up to the 2020 election, we had several members of Congress who were running for President who were voting on President Trump’s impeachment. This was a direct conflict of interest and should never happen again.
With that being said, I will say this particular story is about the failure of our current incumbent. I received an email from a disabled veteran who has said he has reached out to Scott DesJarlais on many occasions and has gotten nowhere. As a veteran, taking care of my fellow veterans is a first priority. I plan to develop relationships with the VA whether I get on the VA committee or not. Our veterans deserve our utmost respect and should receive all the help they are entitled to and should not have to wait for months to get an appointment to have issues taken care of, whether it's issues from combat or not. Lifetime healthcare is a must have for veterans.
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.
2020
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Clyde Benson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Benson's responses.
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
Funding the wall, healthcare reform (coming up with a better plan that would help all Americans) and strengthening our military more than ever.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Immigration and welfare reform are my 2 biggest concerns. I believe you should follow the proper channels to come to our country and I believe that if you can work, you should. Too many people take advantage of the system.
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
Presidents Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump are two of my biggest political heroes. Both came into office as outsiders and completely changed the game. Outside of politics, another I look up to is Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Many don’t know his story about what he went through before he found success in pro wrestling and eventually Hollywood. His life was filled with hardship that he fought through and overcame.
Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?
On my website, http://www.clydebenson.com, there is a 5 minute video called A Visitor From the Past on the homepage. It perfectly explains my views on our current problems that we need to fight for.
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
I have always valued my work ethic. That is perhaps the single most important. Aside from that, I plan to bring the 7 Army Values that have been a part of my life and have only been strengthened by 10 years in the Army Reserves...Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honesty, Integrity and Personal Courage. The acronym spells LDRSHIP.
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
The values I mentioned above including my work ethic. All seem to be lost in today’s Congress. On top of the Army values, my Christian values and my intent to uphold the Constitution will make me the best candidate and I will fight to uphold every single one of those things.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
To serve in the best interest of the American people above all else. To uphold the Constitution and to fight for our country.
What legacy would you like to leave?
I would like to be remembered as someone who fought for this country both outside and inside of government.
What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?
I was in second grade when the space shuttle Challenger explosion happened. It was the first time I can remember our country mourning in unison.
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
My first job was a cart pusher at Walmart. I worked there for about 3 months before taking a cook job at Sonic where I worked for several months before moving to a factory job.
What happened on your most awkward date?
Perhaps the most awkward was my first...my senior prom. I never dated in high school, but had a crush on this one girl for a couple of years. She was a couple of years behind me and I really don’t think she liked me too much. But when I had told my best friend that I wasn’t going to our prom, he told her. She was his cousin. So a week before prom, she asked me if I would take her. I still look at it as a pity date which is what made it awkward, but it’s still a somewhat fond memory. We didn’t hold hands and I really don’t even remember dancing. But it was still nice to have gotten the chance to go out with her. We still see each other on occasion and we can talk about everything under the sun, but prom never comes up.
What is your favorite holiday? Why?
Thanksgiving. It is a time to celebrate our nation as well as remember what we are thankful for in our lives.
What is your favorite book? Why?
I love self help books, especially financial ones. So of course, one of my favorites is Financial Peace by Dave Ramsey. Another of course is The Art of the Deal by Donald Trump long before he became president. And I must also include the Bible. For every hurdle in life, you can find a passage to get you through it.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?
Superman...the ability to take over the world, but the self control not to and the willingness to serve and protect others.
What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?
My cat. Her love is unconditional.
What was the last song that got stuck in your head?
The Oompa Loompa songs from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. I really have no idea why, but I found myself singing them the other day.
What is something that has been a struggle in your life?
Over the last several years, I have struggled financially. I have worked hard to better manage my money and will continue to do so.
What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?
Our biggest problem now is all of the in-fighting within our country. We need to come together and fight in the best interest of our country.
What qualities does the U.S. Senate possess that makes it unique as an institution?
The Senate has the ability and the power to serve in the best interest of our country and our people.
Do you believe that it’s beneficial for senators to have previous experience in government or politics?
Several years ago, I would have said yes to this question. But now more than ever, I believe we need more “common” people to take on the challenge. We, the middle class, are the backbone of this country.
What do you think of the filibuster?
It can be effective, but I believe it’s been used more as a weapon nowadays to prevent our country from moving forward. Sadly, this has been used through President Trump’s first term by those who oppose him. Not for any other reason other than that fact. They are trying to sabotage his presidency.
What criteria would you apply when deciding whether to confirm presidential appointees?
I have said on numerous occasions that all of my decisions would be based on 3 things: 1) Will it be supported by my Christian belief? 2) Is it in the best interest of the country and the American people? 3) Will it uphold and strengthen the Constitution? These 3 things will also be used to confirm appointees.
Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other senators?
Absolutely. We need unity within government.
If you are not a current senator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?
I would love to serve on both foreign affairs and military committees. On top of building relationships within our own government, we must also strive to build relationships with other governments around the world. And as a veteran, I would love the opportunity to better serve my brothers and sisters and ensure they get all of the help and support they need from government.
If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the U.S. Senate, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?
At some point, yes. But right now, it’s not on my radar.
Is there a particular senator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?
Despite his involvement with the conspiracy against President Trump, I looked up to Senator John McCain. His status as a Vietnam vet and former POW make his life and his rise to the senate very admirable.
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.
See also
2022 Elections
External links
|
Candidate U.S. House Tennessee District 4 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on April 19, 2022
- ↑ The New York Times, "Election 2016," accessed November 11, 2016
- ↑ Tennessee Secretary of State, "2016 general election results - Tennessee House of Representatives," accessed January 19, 2017
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Tennessee Secretary of State, "Candidate Petitions Filed as of April 8, 2016 Noon Qualifying Deadline," accessed April 11, 2016
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Tennessee Secretary of State, "August 4, 2016 Unofficial Election Results," accessed August 4, 2016
