Sarah Freeman (Tennessee)

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

Sarah Freeman

Democratic Party

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 5, 2024

Education

High school

West High School, Davenport, Iowa

Bachelor's

University of Iowa, 1981

Ph.D

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, 1996

Personal

Birthplace

Bedford, Va.

Religion

Jewish

Profession

Professor

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Instagram

Personal Facebook

Sarah Freeman (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Tennessee's 8th Congressional District. She lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.

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

Biography

Sarah Freeman was born in Bedford, Virginia. She earned a high school diploma from the West High School, Davenport, Iowa. She also earned a Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 1996, and a bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa in 1981. Her career experience includes working as a professor.

Elections

2024

See also: Tennessee's 8th Congressional District election, 2024

Tennessee's 8th Congressional District election, 2024 (August 1 Democratic primary)

Tennessee's 8th Congressional District election, 2024 (August 1 Republican primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Tennessee District 8

Incumbent David Kustoff defeated Sarah Freeman and James Hart in the general election for U.S. House Tennessee District 8 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		David Kustoff (R)	72.3	240,411
		Sarah Freeman (D)	25.6	85,043
		James Hart (Independent)	2.1	6,861

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 332,315
= 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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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 8

Sarah Freeman defeated Brenda Woods, Lynnette Williams, Leonard Perkins, and Lawrence Pivnick in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 8 on August 1, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Sarah Freeman	33.7	5,552
	Submit photo	Brenda Woods	27.8	4,580
	Submit photo	Lynnette Williams	17.5	2,887
		Leonard Perkins	13.1	2,160
		Lawrence Pivnick	7.8	1,279

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 16,458
= 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 U.S. House Tennessee District 8

Incumbent David Kustoff advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 8 on August 1, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		David Kustoff	100.0	55,809

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 55,809
= 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

• George Flinn Jr. (R)

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Freeman in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Sarah Freeman completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Freeman's 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.

I am a college history professor and lived in the same neighborhood in Germantown, TN since 1998. I specialize in U.S. southern, women's, and political history. Like many historians, I see the on-going attacks on our democratic institutions and principles and appeals to racism as dangerous and absolutely un-American.

As a native southerner, born in Virginia, I cannot stand by and simply watch as people in the places I love are used as dupes to vote against their own best interests. There are real needs in West TN that can be addressed using the powers and the purse of the federal government. Many of the public schools are in very bad condition and their funding is threatened by the Republican super-majority in the state legislature. These Republicans are bound and determined to shift public funds away from public schools and into private schools. The federal government built public schools, libraries, hospitals, etc. across the South during the Great Depression of the 1930s--not to mention the Tennessee Valley Authority that continues to provide power today. When state governments are hijacked by MAGAites, only federal and local governments are left to serve the true interests of the people.

If elected, I will fight to improve our public schools, make quality healthcare affordable and accessible, codify Roe, support our military, veterans, and allies, institute common sense gun laws, raise the minimum wage, protect workers', voting, LGBTQ+ rights and Social Security.

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?

• Roe must be codified. The passage of the Equal Rights Amendment is long overdue. We have seen over the last two years what the horrific consequences are for women and their families when women are denied critical reproductive healthcare. Congress has the authority and responsibility to censure and impeach U.S. Supreme Court justices. Alito and Thomas, in my opinion, are corrupt and unfit to serve. The peoples' faith in SCOTUS needs to be restored and women's rights to bodily autonomy need to be restored. Many of our basic human rights are on the ballot in 2024. The current incumbent has embraced Trump and MAGA and has no interest in protecting reproductive and contraceptive rights of Americans. These issues are inextricably linked.
• Common sense gun laws must be instated. My family lived through the Westside Middle school shootings of March 1998. I became vocal about the problems of bullying in schools and gun control. Do we love our guns more than we love our children? That question was not appreciated by members of the school board. We moved to TN that summer when it was clear that my activism would make it difficult for my family, especially my kids. We need to ban assault weapons, pass stricter background check laws and get rid of gun sale loopholes. We DO NOT need laws that allow teachers to carry guns in schools. That law in TN is a clear example of why the federal government, Congress, needs to get smart, tough, and reasonable about gun rights/safety.
• I deeply respect and will protect human rights. People of all races, creeds, sexual identity/orientation, ethnicity, class, sex, and gender should be treated equally under the law. And many have earned rights, protections, and benefits through their service to our country. My brother, Pfc. David Hunter Wilkerson, was killed in Vietnam at the age of nineteen. The rights of young people, military and veterans are very close to my heart. Social Security shall be protected. The current incumbent is on one House committee, Ways and Means. He has stated for years that SS is too expensive and should be done away with. He is doing nothing to protect our SS trust funds. I will sunset the Trump tax give away and use the funds to protect SS.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Reproductive rights, human rights, public education and healthcare, the rights of our military, veterans, workers, common sense gun laws, voting rights, equal treatment under the law, the rule of law, and the preservation of democracy. My passions are those of a liberal feminist Democrat that has watched the consistent demise of the Republican Party into a dark, cold, angry, cynical, and un-American place. I will support NATO and our allies, but no one gets a blank check and unconditional support anymore than we would expect that kind of support from our allies.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Susan B. Anthony and Rosa Parks both had the courage of their convictions and pursued freedom and justice with dignity.

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

Heather Cox Richardson's letters, essays, and podcasts are very much along the lines of my own thinking as we are both U.S. historians and trained to see how various forces are intertwined and how important the checks and balances of our system of government are to the everyday lives of citizens. Rachel Maddow's work also recognizes the history of political factions and movements that are important to understanding the weaknesses in our government and national psyche--the divisions that exist to be exploited by those who do not believe in or care to continue our democratic system of self-government. The work of Mark Twain and Zora Neale Hurston have long been favorites of mine. Upton Sinclair's The Jungle and Oil!, that the film "There Will Be Blood" was based on, are pretty amazing exposes of certain economic and political forces that are ingrained in American life. Harriet Jacobs' Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl is a classic that requires readers to try to understand what enslaved women experienced. Angelina Grimke's Appeal to Christian Women of the South (1836) sums up the hypocrisy that continues to exist today as the religious right is still a bastion of intolerance and maintains an immoral disregard of the rights of those who seek to be free--to exercise their basic human rights to exist and hold beliefs that differ from theirs. Much of this intolerance and anger is rooted in the racism and history of human slavery. Grimke, a pioneer abolitionist and feminist, exposed the monstrous criminality of human slavery and called upon women of conscience to stand up to powerful men, their husbands, fathers, and sons, and influence them to see the wrong in their desire to own and control enslaved women. The men she wanted to change are not-so-distant cousins of the angry white men of today who resent the freedoms of those they once dominated.

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

Intelligence, compassion, courage, and honesty. Elected officials must believe, first and foremost, that they are public servants and in office to represent and serve the needs of their constituents and the nation. They must know their region/district and their constituents and respect and appreciate the diversity of backgrounds, cultures, religions, classes, ethnicities, etc. They must be keenly aware of the needs of local communities and have the wherewithal and imagination to find answers to difficult problems using their relationships with their communities and the levers of power afforded to Congress. They must be equipped to work for and achieve a sustainable vision for a strong, prosperous, responsible, and equitable future for the people of their district and the nation. They must be able to work with a variety of people and political colleagues.

They must understand, respect, cherish, and protect democratic institutions. This is a nation of laws to be applied to all without fear or favor. The principles enshrined in the 14th Amendment in particular are essential to achieving a just and reliable legal system based on due process of law. The equal treatment of citizens regardless of race, class, gender, religion, ethnicity should be a core principle. Those in Congress must be diligent in their oversight duties. Elected officials must protect government and the people from forces, foreign and domestic, that seek to undermine U.S. democracy and the rule of law. They must possess an unwavering dedication to the Constitution, the separation of powers, and anti-authoritarianism. They must be selfless and hold themselves and others in office to a high ethical standard. They must be humanitarians and care for those most in need. They must be futurists and recognize that they serve future generations and therefore protect and preserve the environment for all. They must respect our military and veterans who have served and sacrificed so much for their country.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I understand that my job is to represent the people and not to bring glory and financial benefit to myself. Public service is a sacrifice, and I am willing to do what I can, to the best of my ability, to improve the lives of people in West Tennessee no matter their political affiliation, race, class, gender, ethnicity, religion or any other aspect of personal identity. I understand that a great deal of divisiveness is more apparent than real, that most of us want good schools, safe neighborhoods, quality and affordable healthcare, a clean and healthy environment, prosperity, comfort in our old age, and to believe in self-government, the justice system, and democratic institutions. My background as a U.S. history professor, with specialties in southern, women's, and political history, has required me to study government, social movements, legislation, government programs, corruption, the history of racism and the subsequent failures of public policies and programs, especially education. As someone who lost a brother in Vietnam, a war that was badly handled and in which leaders deliberately mislead the people, I know that government decisions that require the use of our military are the most serious of all duties of elected officials. That perspective gives me a characteristic of humility as I acknowledge the depth of sacrifice that others are willing to make for their country. I can generally work with just about anyone, with some exceptions, and do not care for waste.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Each congressperson is elected to represent their constituents at the federal level and to serve the best interests of the nation. Crafting legislation and funding federal programs to provide critical services that local and state governments have a hard time providing is essential to the work of Congress. Protecting the rights and freedoms of citizens, especially when these are nullified and revoked by state and local officials, is a core responsibility. In the case of state revocation of reproductive and contraceptive rights, Congress should attempt to codification these rights through federal legislation and, if overturned by SCOTUS, pursue the passage and ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. Congress has the duty to be fiscally responsible and level the playing field to prevent the rise of a dangerously over-powerful aristocracy of wealth. Congress is to provide for the common defense and the common good of the nation which requires the reining in of corporate abuse. The taxing power (and the power to collect duties, imposts, and excises) is critical to funding our government and military, assisting our allies, paying our debts, and preserving against unhealthy economic entities. Those responsibilities change with every generation, and Congress must be diligent, thoughtful, and ethical in redressing abuses and imbalances that threaten the general welfare. Government oversight is one of Congress' most important duties, but it should not be deployed for political gain or purpose as the abuse of this power undermines democracy and the faith of the American people in its government. Conducting investigations, holding hearings, and possibly censuring or impeaching government officials are duties that Congress must fulfill honestly no matter whose ox is gored. Congress has to work with the Senate and the President to make the federal government work for the people and continue the American experiment of rule by self-governance based on democratic principles.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to be an effective leader who got things done, things that eased the burdens of my constituents and made their lives better. I would like to preserve the rule of law and protect government from fraud and corruption. I would like to have assisted in achieving peace and avoiding war. I would like to be known for fighting bigotry and securing a better future for our children through improvements in public education and healthcare. I would like to be known codifying Roe and passing the Equal Rights Amendment.

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

The assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963 occurred just before my seventh birthday.

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

Babysitting and for a couple of summers.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

"At last, my love has come along . . . ."

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The two-year terms require representatives to constantly be aware of the needs and interests of their constituents. Its oversight, investigative, and financial powers make it an important line of offense and defense in the nation's interests.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes, it is helpful but not imperative as real world experience from members provide perspectives that broaden the range of ideas and solutions that a strictly political body many not consider.

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

Preserving democracy and basic freedoms (including reproductive rights, voting rights, LGBTQ+ rights, workers' rights), overcoming race and gender discrimination, solving the immigration crisis, reducing greenhouse gases and other pollutants, passing common sense gun legislation, assisting young people so they can buy homes and have full and prosperous lives (forgiving student loan debt is a start), supporting NAT0 and our allies, continuing a strong economy, saving Social Security, protecting and supporting our military and veterans

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Yes.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I am beginning to believe that SCOTUS should have age limits, perhaps about seventy. Two terms for the President is enough. The Senate and Congress are a bit difficult to limit as the balance between political parties should be left to the people. If individuals want to limit their own terms in office, they certainly have that right.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Jamie Raskin (!) and Nancy Pelosi.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Stories I hear about the poor state of rural schools in West Tennessee are heartbreaking. Also, the closing of rural hospitals in the district and elsewhere in Tennessee have generated a number of stories about how hard it is for many to access healthcare, driving hours to hospitals and having to stay in hotels and bear other expenses that make it extremely difficult to take care of older relatives in particular.

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

Compromise is both necessary and desirable. Our system is designed to require cooperation and consensus in order to govern amicably and towards common goals, against common enemies, and to solve common problems.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

The Trump tax give away should expire. The trillions this would return to the coffers could be used to save Social Security and fund grants to improve public schools that cannot be supported by local funding mechanisms and support rural hospitals that cannot be sustained through local funding. Infrastructure money to build new, quality, and energy saving public schools and funding for vocational programs are sure investments. When Congress spends money it is also investing in the nation's future. Sunsetting the massive tax cut for the wealthy could also help pay down the national debt.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

Certain U.S. Supreme Court justices need to be investigated for what appears to be influence peddling. Congress may censure and/or impeach such officials.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I am in a primary so many organizations cannot "endorse" me yet. I am supported by Moms Demand Action (for Common Sense Gun Laws) and Shelby County Young Democrats. I am seeking endorsements from education organizations, labor, community organizations, NAACP, and women's groups. Stalwarts in human rights activism in West Tennessee support my campaign.

What committees interest you?

Finance, Ways and Means, Judiciary, Education Instruction, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Foreign Affairs

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I have fought hard at the local level and had some success in getting officials to open meetings to the public (which law requires) and used the state Open Records laws to examine thousands of pages of financial statements, emails, reports, etc. These efforts resulted in some public officials returning funds they should not have received and surrendering whole life policies that were "off," shall we say. All levels of government should be wholly accountable to the people and that is possible only if all business is carried on in the open. Congress has the responsibility of government oversight. Congress must also be accountable by making theft and fraud in government programs and agencies difficult to accomplish.

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

Freeman’s campaign website stated the following:

“	For Our Children All children deserve to dream big. Yet many children don’t have access to the high-quality education needed to turn their dreams into reality, and far too many children’s dreams are cut short due to senseless gun violence. Together, we can create a brighter future, where all our children can grow and thrive. For Our Health Access to healthcare is a fundamental right, and I am committed to ensuring that every Tennessean receives the medical care they deserve. This includes advocating for comprehensive women's healthcare services, from reproductive rights to preventive care. By expanding access to affordable healthcare and protecting women's rights, we can build a healthier, more equitable future for all. For Our Neighbors I am dedicated to preserving Social Security for future generations, ensuring that seniors can retire with dignity and financial stability. Additionally, I will tirelessly support our military personnel and veterans, ensuring they receive the benefits, healthcare, and respect they deserve for their service to our country. By safeguarding these essential programs, we honor our commitments to those who have given so much to our nation.	”
—Sarah Freeman’s campaign website (2024)

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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Sarah Freeman campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	U.S. House Tennessee District 8	Lost general	$37,090	$35,672
Grand total			$37,090	$35,672
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

See also

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Candidate

U.S. House Tennessee District 8

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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)