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Tennessee's 2nd Congressional District election (August 2, 2018 Republican primary)

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Tennessee's 2nd Congressional District
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Democratic primary
Republican primary
General election
Election details
Filing deadline: April 5, 2018
Primary: August 2, 2018
General: November 6, 2018
Pre-election incumbent:
John Duncan, Jr. (Republican)
How to vote
Poll times: Varies by county
Voting in Tennessee
Race ratings
Cook Partisan Voter Index (2018): R+20
Cook Political Report: Solid Republican
Inside Elections: Solid Republican
Sabato's Crystal Ball: Safe Republican
Ballotpedia analysis
U.S. Senate battlegrounds
U.S. House battlegrounds
Federal and state primary competitiveness
Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2018
See also
Tennessee's 2nd Congressional District
U.S. Senate • 1st • 2nd • 3rd • 4th • 5th • 6th • 7th • 8th • 9th
Tennessee elections, 2018
U.S. Congress elections, 2018
U.S. Senate elections, 2018
U.S. House elections, 2018

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett (R) beat out six other Republicans to win the party’s nomination in Tennessee’s safely Republican 2nd Congressional District. The seat was vacated by the retirement of Rep. John Duncan Jr. (R).

State Rep. Jimmy Matlock (R) and Burchett, who led the race in funds raised with $697,000 and $608,000 as of June 30, respectively, traded increasingly heated accusations in the months leading up to the August 2 primary. Burchett's campaign alleged that Matlock illegally promoted his campaign in an advertisement for his business, Matlock Tire Service, claiming he purchased the ad and appeared in it solely to promote his bid for Congress.[3]

Matlock, who was endorsed by Duncan Jr. as well as House Freedom Caucus Chairman Mark Meadows, released a radio ad opposing Burchett, claiming, “When he was a state Senator, he voted to make a Democrat speaker of the Senate. Burchett even supported a sales tax increase,” and asking, “If Tim Burchett is elected to Congress, will he vote for Nancy Pelosi for Speaker?”[4]

Young Republican National Federation Chairman Jason Emert (R) also competed in the race, and was endorsed by Sen. Ted Cruz. Emert received national attention for a TV ad depicting him building a wall by hand, showing support for President Donald Trump’s border wall.[5][6] Matlock called for a one-on-one debate with Burchett, about which Emert said, “it is incredibly harmful to exclude anyone.”[7]

Ashley Nickloes (R) ran with the support of the Republican Main Street Partnership PAC. The PAC had spent $100,000 on TV and digital ads in support of Nickloes as of July 19.[8] At the time of the election, Nickloes served in the Tennessee Air National Guard and the U.S. Air Force with the rank of lt. colonel.[9]

Three former military servicemen - Hank Hamblin (R), Vito Sagliano (R), and C. David Stansberry (R) - also filed to compete in the primary. All candidates in the race expressed support for Trump and called for smaller government and the repeal of the Affordable Care Act.[10]

Duncan Jr. held the seat for 15 terms after winning a special election in 1988 to replace his father, John J. Duncan Sr., who held the seat from 1965 to 1988.[11]



For more on related elections, please see:

Candidates and election results

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Tennessee District 2

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Tim Burchett
Tim Burchett
 
48.2
 
47,875
Image of Jimmy Matlock
Jimmy Matlock
 
36.1
 
35,855
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Ashley Nickloes
 
11.0
 
10,961
Image of Jason Emert
Jason Emert
 
2.3
 
2,305
Image of Hank Hamblin
Hank Hamblin
 
0.9
 
855
Image of Vito Sagliano
Vito Sagliano Candidate Connection
 
0.8
 
844
Image of C. David Stansberry
C. David Stansberry
 
0.7
 
657

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 99,352
Candidate Connection = 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

Top candidates

Tim Burchett

Tim Burchett.jpg

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Burchett earned his bachelor's degree in education from Tennessee University. He served in the state House and the state Senate before being elected Knox County mayor in 2010 and serving two terms.[12]






Jimmy Matlock

Jimmy Matlock.jpg

Campaign website Facebook Twitter
At 23, Matlock took over his father's business, Matlock Tire Service & Auto Repair. He began his political career with the Loudon County Republican Party, eventually serving as chairman, before being elected to the state House, where he chaired the House Insurance & Banking Subcommittee and the House Transportation Committee.[13]





Candidates

See also: Statistics on U.S. Congress candidates, 2018

Republican Party Republican primary candidates


Did not make the ballot:

Candidate Connection = candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey


Republican Party factional conflict

See also: Republican Party factional conflict in U.S. House primaries, 2018

Disputes between potential members of the House Freedom Caucus and other members of the Republican Party occurred in U.S. House primaries in 2018.

In 2015, conservative Republicans formed the Freedom Caucus and began opposing House Republican leaders on fiscal policy, chamber procedures, and caucus leadership, among other things.[14] Members of the Freedom Caucus broke away from the Republican Study Committee, which, along with the Republican Main Street Partnership, was more closely aligned with House Republican leaders.[15]

In this primary, Jimmy Matlock affiliated with the Freedom Caucus.[16][17]

The chart below shows a scorecard for how the Freedom Caucus performed in competitive Republican primaries that featured at least one Freedom Caucus candidate and one Republican opponent not affiliated with the group.

U.S. House Republican factions
Faction Primary victories in 2018 Seats held prior to primaries Performance
Affiliated with the House Freedom Caucus 8 6 +2
Not affiliated with the House Freedom Caucus[18] 10 12 -2

Campaign themes and policy stances

Republican Party Tim Burchett

“

Veterans

Veterans make up one percent of our population, but we owe them 100 percent of our freedoms. Tim is proud to come from a family of veterans and service. His dad was a Marine who served in the Pacific during World War II, and his uncle died fighting the Nazis in France. The most important thing we can do as a nation is to honor our veterans and make sure they get the care they need and deserve.

It's unacceptable that our veterans have to drive three hours to Johnson City to get to the nearest VA hospital, and even there, the care is suspect. After the VA scandal, Congress passed new reforms, but the Veterans Administration still has too much control over our veterans' care, and veterans are still hamstrung by red tape and bureaucracy. Vets should have the choice to get care wherever they choose.

Tim has worked to support veterans throughout his time in office and is committed to continuing his work as congressman. As mayor, he expanded services for veterans and launched an initiative to better serve veterans suffering from combat-related issues, including PTSD. Tim also spearheaded Wreaths Across America, which raises money to honor veterans' cemeteries in Knox County.

Health Care

Health care in this country is a disaster, plain and simple. Congress promised to repeal Obamacare and replace it with a system that actually lowers prices and increases access to care, but the politicians in Washington can't seem to find their tail between their legs. It's time for Congress to follow through and enact commonsense free-market policies. Let's allow folks to buy health insurance from any provider in any state they want. Let's get rid of the mandates and coverage requirements that drive up prices. Let's encourage individual marketplaces so individuals can purchase insurance on their own. And let's get rid of the monopolies. Congress is very good at talking, but there's too much talk, and not enough action.

Energy Independence and National Security

Energy is an economic issue, a jobs issue, and a national security issue. We are blessed with an abundance of natural resources that can provide our own people with cheap energy, create jobs, and protect our country. Instead of sending billions of dollars overseas to our enemies, let's invest in domestic resources like Oak Ridge National Laboratory right here in our backyard. Let's lift the restrictions on off shore drilling so Americans can enjoy the jobs and the energy right here at home.

Life

Tim is proudly pro-life and earned a 100 percent rating with Tennessee Right to Life. In the state legislature, he sponsored legislation to amend the state constitution to protect unborn life. As your next congressman, he will defend life and make sure your taxpayer dollars are not used to support abortions.

Guns

Tim is a gun owner with a handgun carry permit. In the state legislature, he sponsored legislation to expand gun rights, including co-sponsoring legislation eliminating political patronage in the permitting process and protecting lawful carry permit holders' right to carry legally in the state. As a lifetime NRA member, you can count on Tim to protect our Second Amendment Rights.

Immigration

As mayor, Tim has welcomed new immigrants to our country at local naturalization services because he recognizes that we are a country of immigrants. But Tim is also a firm believer in the rule of law and has worked to crack down on illegal immigration throughout his career. In the state legislature, Tim sponsored legislation to impose penalties on people who transport illegal immigrants in Tennessee.

Tim believes it's high time we enforce our laws on our books and build a wall along our southern border. Immigration is both an economic and a national security issues, and we need to know who is coming into and leaving our country.

Taxes and Spending


Our federal government already taxes and spends too much. The last thing we need to do is raise more taxes and spend more of America's hard-earned money. Tim supports a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution that will force the big spenders in Washington to live within their means and make it harder for them to raise taxes. We need to root out the waste and corruption that allows the special-interest to secure wasteful projects and programs on the backs of taxpayers.

Tim has been an anti-tax champion throughout his time in public office. As a state legislator, he earned the "Tax Ax" award for fighting off the state income tax. As mayor of Knox County, Tim refused to budge when special-interests tried to raise our property taxes. He successfully killed the property tax increase and refused to raise taxes throughout his eight-year tenure. Tim also introduced fiscally responsible budgets that built up Knox County's reserves for tough times. He saved taxpayers millions of dollars by introducing efficiencies in government, getting rid of waste even in his own office, and selling and privatizing several government buildings and services.

[19]

”
—Tim Burchett for Congress[20]

Republican Party Jason Emert

“

Making Washington Work For Us Again

Public service was always supposed to be just that –a service, not a career. When our Founding Fathers wrote the United States Constitution, they blessed us with a flawless document, and it was never their intention that career politicians would one day take advantage of their vision.

But today, Washington is rife with selfish, self-interested career politicians who look out for themselves, not the American people. That’s why I believe we need to elect leaders who respect the Constitution and remember that they work for the people —not the special interests.

Tennessee Values

I’m a proud son of Tennessee, and there’s nothing that can make me forget that. In our state, we take care of each other. When I’m in Congress nothing will keep me from putting East Tennesseans’ priorities first.

Too many politicians go to Congress and forget where they came from. They become swamp creatures of Washington, and they forget the people who sent them there in the first place. I never will. I’ll always stand up for our East Tennessee values, and I’ll never forget where I came from or who I’m fighting for: you.

Protecting the Sanctity of Life

I am 100% pro-life, and I’m not ashamed to say it. My Christian faith inspires me to believe that every single life is a precious gift from God, and is imbued with value and meaning, born and unborn alike. I’ll fight to finally put an end to the epidemic of abortion that has senselessly cost the lives of an entire generation, and I’ll work every day to foster a culture that supports life, mothers, and families.

Securing the Border

In times as dangerous as these, the last thing we need is a wide open unprotected border and “sanctuary cities” that give cover to criminal illegal aliens by refusing to report them to the authorities. That’s what the liberals want, and it’s insane. I’ll fight to ban sanctuary cities immediately and withhold all federal funding from any city that violates federal immigration law by giving cover to illegal aliens.

We’ve already heard too many tragic stories of illegal immigrant crime. The time has come to secure the border by building a wall, using our superior technology, and mobilizing more men and women of the border patrol. By prioritizing our border security we will reinforce our nation’s commitment to our citizens and help keep our families and communities safe. While Washington plays politics, American lives are on the line and now is the time to act. If it saves a single American life, it’s more than worth it.

A Healthcare System That Works

I believe in the free market. That means I believe in trusting Tennesseans to make their own decisions with their health care. I am the only candidate who has any experience as an executive in the healthcare industry. I’ve seen first hand the power of insurance companies in healthcare decision making -those decisions should be up to the doctor and their patient.

Obamacare is a train wreck that continues to drag down our economy, trap hardworking people in insurance plans that don’t work for them and strip Tennesseans of their freedoms. It’s harming our state and our national economies, stifling our medical innovation and, most importantly, preventing our citizens from getting the healthcare they deserve. Now is the time to elect leaders who will support President Trump’s healthcare agenda and have the courage to not just talk about its flaws, but to actually do their jobs and fully repeal and replace Obamacare with free market, private sector solutions. Americans deserve a health care system and a Congress that works for them.

Protecting America

It seems that every day there is another terror attack or another war breaking our somewhere overseas. I believe that America is the greatest force for good the world has ever known –but I also believe that it’s finally time to put America first. That means making sure our men and women in uniform have every resource necessary in order to defend our homeland.

Above all else, we must pursue a foreign policy course that keeps our families safe. That means fostering strong relationships with our allies and relentlessly pursuing those who seek to do us harm, standing up to rogue nations like North Korea and Iran, and finally eradicating the scourge that is ISIS from the face of the earth. We will send a clear message that we will respond to terrorism targeting Americans with overwhelming and unstoppable force.

Defending the 2nd Amendment

Let me be crystal clear: I believe that the 2nd Amendment is our first line of defense, and I am not intimidated by the radical, far-left Washington liberals who want to take away our guns. I’m committed to fighting to protect the 2nd Amendment with everything I’ve got, and I won’t back down.

Slashing Waste and Cutting Taxes and Spending

President Trump’s tax reform is a historic accomplishment, and it’s a great first step in the right direction —but we can’t stop there. In Congress, I’ll fight to cut taxes for middle-class families even more and vote to slash needless spending, putting taxpayers first and making sure not a single dollar goes to waste.

The federal government already takes too much out of the paychecks of hardworking Americans, and it’s time we tell the Washington bureaucrats and politicians that enough is enough. By finally passing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution, continuing to roll back senseless, outdated regulations, slashing waste and restoring fiscal sanity, we’ll unleash the power of the free market and give millions of American families a badly-needed and well-deserved raise.

First Freedoms

When our Founding Fathers protected our first freedoms in the U.S. Constitution, they changed history by guaranteeing future generations rights no other people had ever known. They held that our rights to free speech and freedom of religion are endowed by our Creator, and they forbade the federal government from ever trampling them.

But today, the First Amendment is under attack. The radical far left has taken political correctness to a whole new level, and dedicated itself to censoring any speech they deem “offensive.” They target peaceful Christians for expressing their faith and exercising their rights. That is a disgrace, and when I’m in Congress, I will stand up for the rights guaranteed to us by our founders. We can not allow the liberal crusade against our most fundamental freedoms to succeed.

Rebuilding Our Infrastructure for the 21st Century

The roads and bridges that once bound this land together are crumbling, and American citizens and businesses are paying the price. Our country and our people deserve a world-class infrastructure system that stands ready to meet the needs and challenges of the 21st century. President Trump made infrastructure a pillar of his 2016 campaign, and in Congress I will stand shoulder to shoulder with the President to pass an infrastructure plan that creates jobs and rebuilds our country, restoring and protecting America’s competitive edge for generations to come.

Agriculture

Tennessee farmers feed families all over America—they are the lifeblood and pride of our state—and they deserve an ally in Congress. I am committed to protecting our agricultural industry from outdated, unneeded regulations crafted by bureaucrats in Washington at the Environmental Protection Agency—paper-pushers should not tell families that have farmed for generations how to do what they do best. I will stand with Tennessee farmers to make sure they have the resources they need to flourish and create jobs so that they can continue to serve the country. Our lands and the men and women who farm them represent the very best Tennessee has to offer, and I will protect them from the overreaching and invasive arm of the federal government.


[19]

”
—Jason Emert for Congress[21]

Republican Party Hank Hamblin

“

Veterans

Our nation owes so much to so few, and I know this beyond any doubt, not because I am a hero, but because I have had the honor to serve with so many.

Military

Our country is sinking $700 billion in taxpayer dollars into defense. This is the reason why there is so much pressure to keep pushing the mission of the DOD from national defense, to global conflict.

Health Care

The mandates and coverage requirements that have been driving up insurance prices have to be abolished, to allow the type of system our President is fighting for to go into effect.

Energy Independence and Security

East Tennessee is blessed with an abundance of natural resources. Those which can provide the people of this region with low cost energy while creating new jobs and enhancing the quality of life.

Law Enforcement

More laws are in place to defend a criminal, rather than protect our Police Officers. Send me to Washington and expect big changes regarding that flawed system.

2nd Amendment

I understand that guns are part of our American heritage, personal weapons supplement and expound on our ability to protect ourselves, our families and our nation.

Immigration

We as a nation have to have some type of system in place to secure our borders, and it must be enforced. Without that our roads, schools, and entire infrastructure will be placed at risk.

Government Spending and Accountability

Residents of District 2 who are relying on social security, federal, and military pensions in the years ahead are entitled to significantly more fiscally conservative government officials. [19]

”
—Hank Hamblin for Congress[22]

Republican Party Jimmy Matlock

“

ON JOBS, ECONOMY, DEBT & SPENDING

The American Dream is driven by hard working entrepreneurs. They have always been and still are the force behind economic growth and job creation. We don’t need more Washington mandates – we need more freedom, lower taxes, and less regulation to allow individuals and businesses to create jobs and drive the economy. When the government spends irresponsibly, we have less to spend on government’s core responsibilities and we bind future generations to the burden of debt. We must significantly reduce the size and scope of giant federal bureaucracies that often do far more damage than good to our freedom and liberty. If elected, I’ll work to ensure fewer East Tennesseans and more of Washington’s professional politicians and bureaucrats are standing in the unemployment line.

ON STATES RIGHTS

The Constitution says that functions of government not enumerated in the Constitution should be returned to the states for implementation. Individuals and communities best understand the needs of their local community and we should empower them.

ON LIFE, ABORTION, MARRIAGE & RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

As an experienced defender of life, some of my proudest moments have been fighting for those who cannot defend themselves. I am an unwavering believer in the inherent value of all people and a consistent defender of the sanctity of all God-given human life. Of all the endorsements and support I’ve received over the years, the endorsements and support from Tennessee Right to Life have been my most cherished. I’ve introduced legislation to outlaw taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood in Tennessee. I’ll take that same fight to Washington DC, where Planned Parenthood is still receiving your tax-dollars. Every life has value, and every vote counts. I believe that the institution of marriage involves the joining of one man with one woman in a unique way, and I will always fight for the defense of that institution. Our campaign for U.S. Congress has just been endorsed by one of the nation’s leading conservative pro-life, family values, Christian religious liberty groups, the Family Research Council Action PAC. Please SIGN THE PETITION to help me Defund Planned Parenthood!

ON IMMIGRATION REFORM

Build the wall, enforce the law. Putting East Tennessee First means doing everything within our power to put an end to illegal immigration. Illegal immigration is a drain on our economy, state resources, and poses a national security risk. All of these issues can be easily resolved with strong protection of our borders. I’m currently sponsoring legislation that demands Congress support President Donald Trump’s plans for fortifying the southern border wall. First things first, we must secure our borders to protect our nation’s security. Once the border is secure, we can begin discussing how to reform our immigration policies in a way that protects and benefits East Tennessee First, above all else.

ON THE SECOND AMENDMENT

The right to keep and bear arms is a constitutionally protected right, and I will fight to defend it. While Tennessee’s sporting heritage is an important part of our state’s history and culture, I know and understand that the 2nd Amendment wasn’t written for hunting. It was written to protect an innate right to defend ourselves.

ON OBAMACARE VS. HEALTHCARE

Obamacare puts government bureaucracy between doctors and patients. We must allow patients the freedom to shop for insurance that best fits their family rather than requiring them to purchase coverage that fits neither their needs or their budget. Our first priority must be repealing Obamacare and allowing families to shop for insurance nationally, not just in their state.

ON EDUCATION

Parents must be trusted and empowered to decide what is best for their children, because children are different with different education needs. Every child deserves access to quality education. Like so many other things currently over-regulated and controlled by Washington DC, education is best handled at the local level. Whether it’s Common Core or in the cafeteria, I’ll fight to ensure Washington stays out of East Tennessee schools.

ON THE VALUE OF VETERANS

Those who have served and defended our nation must be treated with great honor, respect and dignity, and not just in word, but in deed. I believe that we must honor these brave men and women by providing them with the promised resources that they have earned, often through great personal sacrifice on our behalf. The failure and corruption of institutions like the VA to provide for our veterans is shameful and must be reformed through increased accountability. We must also ensure our veterans have the knowledge, tools, and opportunities to find jobs and receive support when they return home. READ MY “VETERANS PROMISE PLAN” HERE.

ON ENERGY INDEPENDENCE

The best way to eliminate our dependence on other nations is to wisely cultivate and develop our many natural and technological resources. Energy producers and innovators should not be overburdened with regulations, processes for oil exploration should be streamlined, and more regions should be opened up for domestic energy production.

[19]

”
—Jimmy Matlock for Congress[23]

Republican Party Ashley Nickloes

“

The Second Amendment

Our country is founded on our basic right to keep and bear arms. The Bill of Rights was not written to give power to government, but to keep it in the hands of law abiding citizens. Our founders had overthrown an oppressive government that restricted their rights. As a gun owner, military officer and qualified marksman, I will never move away from the fundamental principles of our country and the Constitution or vote to allow government to limit our inalienable rights.

National Security

American freedom depends on a strong and well-trained military. We must continue to build and empower the Armed Forces to deter, and when necessary, defeat threats to the United States. During my time in the Air National Guard, I have witnessed first hand the importance of strong American military. Having seen the actual 30,000 foot view of the American military presence in the world – there is not a doubt in my mind regarding the importance of having a superior fighting force for air, land, sea, cyber, and space. We must be prepared to respond to threats on all fronts.

Immigration

We must build the wall and secure our borders. We also must strictly enforce the current immigration laws on the books, which were ignored by the previous administration. This includes ending sanctuary cities and upholding the rule of law. I support improving and enhancing the system in place to monitor and restrict the flow of people entering the United States.

Veterans

The men and women who serve our country to protect our freedom deserve nothing less than the best support. We must continue to invest in our military so the world’s greatest fighting force is prepared to respond to any threat to our nation. We must constantly strive to improve the health care of our war fighters when they return to the homeland, and we must pursue policies that promote job and business opportunities for our returning service members. I have personally witnessed the neglect our men and women can face when they return home. We are fundamentally obligated to improve our care for those who have served - my fellow brothers and sisters in arms deserve no less.

Job Creation and the Economy

To strengthen the American economy, we must support President Trump’s America First agenda and ensure American companies and American workers have a level playing field in the global marketplace. Stagnant growth under Obama weakened too many communities around the 2nd District. We need to continue to keep taxes low – I will support making the tax cuts permanent so American workers keep more of what they earn. It is also critical we reduce regulations so businesses are not crippled by the federal bureaucracy. A pro-growth, America First strategy will both add new jobs, while ensuring the current jobs do not leave, so our children and grandchildren can work and raise a family right here in east Tennessee.

Healthcare

Obamacare is a failure and must be completely repealed. Government healthcare is never the right answer. The cost of insurance and care both continue to skyrocket while doctors are more and more restricted in their ability to deliver quality care to their patients. We must replace Obamacare with policies that will promote interstate insurance competition, provide meaningful tort reform, and allow doctors to place their patient’s health and care ahead of oppressive, expensive regulations, and redundant paperwork.

National Debt and Federal Budget

Our nation’s $21 trillion in debt is unconscionable. The failure to pass long-term and timely balanced budgets has been irresponsible and continues to threaten the prosperity of future generations. We must end once-and-for-all the unwise spending of taxpayers’ hard earned money. We need to reduce the size and scope of the federal government, while maintaining the necessary funding for our military, and bring spending down to affordable levels just as we all practice at home with our family budgets. I will support President Trump’s efforts to “drain the swamp” and put this generation and those that follow ahead of the special interests that have ballooned our federal government spending to outrageous levels.

Agriculture

Agriculture is over 10% of our state economy. We must support the local farmers of the 2nd District. Even as agriculture continues to modernize, we must not limit their ability to compete in a global economy or allow our farmers to be displaced.

Opioids

The tragedy of addiction to opioids is an overwhelming crisis in our communities across the nation. We must address it and remain vigilant. I will endeavor to address the root of the problem by supporting efforts to put the dealers with stronger sentencing. The solutions to the opioid crisis are not simple. I will work with law enforcement, physicians, communities, and health care providers to holistically find solutions that successfully treats addiction and gets people back on their feet, while bringing light to the complexity of the opioid problem.

Term Limits

I believe the founders established a government by the people and for the people so we would be represented by our neighbors, not a permanent ruling class of politicians. I promise I will not spend decade after decade in Congress. I pledge to go to Washington, serve to the best of my ability, and then return home. One of the most broken pieces of Washington is the culture created by career politicians. Term limits are essential if we want to drain the swamp.

Pro-Life

As a mother of five children, I am unequivocally pro-life.

[19]

”
—Ashley Nickloes for Congress[24]

Republican Party Vito Sagliano

“

Being a voice for the people This may sound almost too simple, because for years we have accustomed to the double talk, lies, jokes, and the stereotypical politician. I am not, nor intend to be that stereotype. I have the personal integrity to bring the level of honesty and respect back to the office. I intend on being that voice regardless of party, or push against what is best for both the people of Tennessee and this great nation.

My core values of honor, courage, and commitment will speak for me as I speak for those without a voice.

- Honor, in knowing I am serving the people, bringing their voice back in their representation on the floors of congress, where and when it is needed.

- Courage, in the face of adversity, and saying what needs to be said regardless if it is unpopular. Sometimes the hardest thing, is to be upfront and honest, but is something we need to happen again.

- Commitment, to the people of my district, but also to all the people of Tennessee, and this nation as a whole. This nation was built on the individual having the power, and voice, not a nation of the corrupt.

All voices will hold value regardless of party, wealth, race, or any factor one may feel is holding them back. We will establish a line of communication by:

- I will retain an open line of communication through my offices for all general questions, comments, and criticism.

- I will maintain scheduled dates and times through my offices for one on one response to individuals to assure I am personally available to the people.

- I will work with local mayors and city officials to established town hall style discussion forums to open the floor to the general public.

- I will maintain scheduled meetings with local figure heads and community leaders, to assure there is reliable feedback from within the community.

- I will to the best of my ability (within law, and security requirements) post links to bills and other actions presented for the peoples feedback in a timely manner to research topics, and to allow proper discussion.

- I will send regular mail outs and social media post to provide as much open access as possible (within law, and security requirements).

Address the out of control budget and spending.

We as everyday citizens are expected to handle our money, being income, bills, and taxes, pretty much everything we have not been seeing out of Washington DC. It seems this reality is not realized by those spending, with their hands in our pockets like it is their own, or expected to be given.

To properly resolve the issue at heart we have to address “Cuts” not getting an increase in not a cut, plain and simple. Then and only then can we open the table to discuss how much we have “in the bank” so we are not just handing out blank checks.

The budget should be address by how much we have brought in via the previous year’s tax revenue, and based on priority spending after establishing a reserve surplus. This would allow agencies the monies needed to operate, and define their priorities with the funding they receive, promoting a positive spending environment with in agencies. With this remove the “use or lose “mentality engrained through agencies and departments, allowing money saved to be kept in special projects funding to be distributed and used by agencies/department discretion.

This rolls directly into spending. Much of the government spending is based on expected increase, and the need to spend to get that increase. By promoting a positive spending environment, it will allow more control at the lower levels on what is priorities, feeding upward. This would allow a defined priority when requesting funds from federal budgets. While caps are important, the ability to be flexible is as important and should be built into the spending plans of the subordinate entities of the agencies and departments, unlike today where operating targets are placed stiffly with little room to improve spending habits or future planning. With a defined tax revenue, budgets should be defined as well, promoting improvements both in fiscal accountability, but also resource accountability. Much of the readiness resources limit extension of life on many levels, making the simple hard, and keeping the right tools out of the hands of the ones directly involved.

Address taxes.

Begin with common sense, and place the people first.

This reflects directly with federal budgeting and spending. Instead it should be established to benefit growth within America, instead of hardship.

There are many options on how to fix the situation, but must begin with honest effort:

- Know what is needed, not wanted. Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) provides an amazing format showing where much or the “Wants” are spent and have little to nothing with the government’s intended role in the people’s lives. This has to stop before any progression can be made towards a legitimate fix.

- Define tax forms, plans, codes, and laws to a standard layman term. Removing the complexity, and layers of code will allow for a more regulated tax plan. This could be defined at the state and federal level allowing proper taxation to fulfill government expenditures, while limiting the hardship on the populace.

- Establish a standard tax rate for income, and sales to include state caps to run either conjoined or as limited by state definition.


Job growth, and motivation for business ownership

Between taxes, regulation after regulation, government fingers in private sector business, programs which forces businesses to move elsewhere we need a change. That change can start here, by encouraging business startups and established business growth through a variety of means to include rewarding local job placement and growth.

- Brining businesses local. Many smaller communities are impacted by large and often monopolized businesses. One of the ways to counter this, and build growth is establishing proactive programs at the city/state level, with solid support from federal labor sources.

- Promote start-up businesses. Establish federal tax benefits for start-up small business ownership and allow them to give their full effort, reducing stressors.

- Promote tax credits for businesses which hire locally, maintain higher levels of full time employees, and bring positive funds into the local communities.

- Increase programs such as “Boots to Business” which has been established by the US Small Business Administration to directly work with exiting service members. Establish a similar program which can be based at the community or city level to promote small businesses to be successful, and providing local resources for success.

Address the failing state of the infrastructure system.

Beginning with roads, bridges, power grids, and other critical systems. Establish a positive system to advance and assure a secure infrastructure. This would not only assure progression in industry markets, assisting job growth, it will assure positive self-reliance during natural and other disasters.

While this would absorb a larger percent of the budget to assure proper construction and repairs, the growth in labor services, and other direct support elements would all find increase in profit balancing the value to cost.

Key elements with priority:

- Roads. Interstate, highways, primary and secondary road all need to not only repaired, but advanced materials with ability to do modular upgrades and repairs. This would extend the life expectancy of the roads themselves, but allows the opportunity to continue with upgrades and extension to life, without having a severe impact of travelers as we see now.

- Bridges. With majority failing structural requirements we need to focus on both replacing in kind with current avenues, and new resources. This would allow growth in the manufacturing, and research areas, and allow new formats to inspection and repair to happen, assuring future repairs are maintaining or upgrading the structures.

- Power grids, and energy sources. One of the key concerns related comes not only from singular risk being natural disaster, man-made, or even an unknown event, the actions would destroy much of the power grids we have currently. We have current ability to build modular systems, with a focused energy point allowing an extended solution with ability to upgrade with technologies as they progress.

- Additional infrastructure. While important, could be addressed with each of these priorities allowing construction to be managed simultaneously reducing cost, and increasing productivity.

Veteran services and benefits.

Ask any veteran how they feel, and unfortunely you will have one of the most common set of answers one should never hear. As a veteran, I know and see the concerns first hand and intend to improve the problems facing our veterans, and returning service members.


Few of the key areas that need to be focused are:

- Veteran Physical Health Care. One of the key concerns is timely and proper access to healthcare, and service connected disabilities.

- Veteran Mental Health Care. Access to mental health specialist is a key factor, especially when a veteran gets into their own head. Proper access to needed medication.

- Service Member Health Record Access. Resolving a core issue of the left and right hand not speaking. This would allow records, test, forms, and other essential items to be used by both the Department of Defense and Veteran Affairs in a smooth manner.

- Accreditation and Credential Program. This would allow current industry, community skills and testing define similar practices and specialties to allow a smoother transition to civilian job placement.

- Transition 360 program. While each service provides a transition program to members exiting the service, often it is a check in the box, and seldom provides full support. The intended program would work with the service member, local communities and local veteran services building a complete transition that is beneficial to both the member, but also to the community.

- Direct Era Programs. With veterans from prior eras their needs are unique on their own. There are health, employment, and other services that need to be tailored to their service era.

- Military to Civil Service Programs. This would work in conjunction with the “Accreditation and Credential Program” and “Transition 360” allowing urgently needed positions to be filled by personnel exiting the service in a smooth transition matching exit, and start dates.

Corruption & Term Limits

I hear folks say we need term limits. While I agree, many who are in, have overstood their stay. My concern is, this does not address the concerns of corruption, failure to perform their elected duties, reduction of national debt, accountability, standards of law, among other core issues. My recommendation is to establish federal law, to be scheduled for review and replaced as a Constitutional Amendment in a set timeline are:

- Performance restriction. Any elected failing to meet 85% in person vote of tabled items for their respective elected office, shall not be eligible for reelection the following cycle. - Applied Equality of Representation. No law shall be made for the citizens of the United States that does not apply equally to the President, Senate, or House of Representatives. - Anticorruption and Questionable Income. No President, Senator, nor member of Congress shall receive any outside source of income other than their direct pay for their elected office while in the duties of their elected position. This includes gifts, or other monetary valued items. No raises shall be authorized without being set by vote, via represented states and territories with majority of votes being for approved amount requested. - National Budget. Any member of Senate, or House of Representatives who does not place a vote for the national budget as introduced shall not be eligible for reelection the following cycle. Any Member of Senate, or House of Representatives who increases spending, without a 10% decrease beyond requested increase shall not be eligible for reelection the following cycle. Any Member of Senate, or House of Representatives who proposes increases in any area of spending, outside temporary funding to national defense, natural disaster emergency, or for preparedness for known incoming event, shall require a waiver from their represented state’s governor to run for reelection the following cycle. - Funded Elections. Spending caps shall be placed for federal elections, along with set placement of media driven advertising. This shall limit profit driven elections, allowing the people equal opportunity to be represented by qualified individuals at the federal level. Caps, shall be proposed, and no increases shall be authorized without being set by vote, via represented states and territories with majority of votes being for approved amount requested, votes shall be set on every fourth even year when increase spending is requested. Media advertising shall be assigned at equal total time per week, per month of election cycle candidates are actively campaigning for. Each state may assign caps to assure over absorption is not affecting local media outlets. - Once enacted into law, review by states to not exceed 12 calender months. Certified vote shall be placed within six months of state review, to not exceed 12 months.


[19]

”
—Vito for Congress[25]

Republican Party C. David Stansberry

“

CHANGING POLITICS

The Issue: Currently, a candidate must be independently wealthy or raise large sums of money to be elected to a national level office. The current political system locks many qualified citizens out and discourages citizen participation in the election process. This needs to change.

I begin changing the political system by financing my Primary campaign differently:

  • I have an account at First Tennessee bank which allows individuals to make campaign donations, with a maximum amount of $10 per person. I don’t know who contributed and who didn’t, so everyone can be assured they will receive the same representation when I am elected.
  • I challenge my Democrat opponent in the General Election to commit to the same finance policy in the General Election. We can campaign together, present our views and ideas and let the voters decide who can best represent them based on issues, not dollars spent.
  • I need voters to commit time to examine my ideas and help me change the current political system by voting for me in the Republican Primary.

DRUGS - OPIOIDS

Opioid addiction has become such a problem that is now being referred to as a “crisis”. Government efforts at both the state and Federal government often seem futile as the problem continues to grow.

Senate Bill S.2680, titled The Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018, sponsored by TN Senator Lamar Alexander, intends for the federal government to, “create an environment so that everyone … can succeed in fighting the crisis.” It allocates a billion dollars for costs and contains over 40 specific proposals to address the opioid crisis.

While S.2680 includes attempting to stop more illegal drugs at the border, there is another action the federal government can take to stop illegal opioid deaths (which outnumbered prescription deaths in 2016). Current penalties for drug trafficking are not severe enough to deter the drug traffickers who are getting rich killing Americans with illegal drugs.

The “War on Drugs” should be the “War on Drug Traffickers.”

Fentanyl, which is 50 times more powerful than heroin, is used to make counterfeit pills that look like prescription medicine. A few grains of fentanyl can kill. It is also added to cocaine and heroin, increasing their potency and overdose death rates.

Two of four individuals, who were arrested with enough fentanyl to kill everyone in New York City and the state of New Jersey (18 million people), with a street value of $2.25 million, plead guilty to drug trafficking. One received a sentence of 6 years and the other 10 years in New Jersey state prison. It is obvious that such light sentences in America’s prison system do not deter drug traffickers.

As a member of the House of Representatives, I will introduce legislation to make this level of drug trafficking a federal crime. The Federal government needs to increase penalties on drug traffickers which will deter their activity and be appropriate to their crime of killing tens-of-thousands of Americans yearly.

GUN RIGHTS

The 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees Americans the right to be armed, not just the right to hunt, or the right to collect antique firearms, but the right to own a modern weapon which is comparable to what will be used by criminals to attack them.

The right of self-defense is both a basic human and Constitutional right. The Democrats are attacking the right of self-defense without any regard for the law-abiding citizens’ right to protect and preserve their life and the lives of their family.

The inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness can only be guaranteed by citizens who have means guaranteed by the Constitution to prevent criminals and despots from taking those rights away by force.

I support the 2nd Amendment Right of gun ownership for all sane, law-abiding citizens 100%.

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION

Individuals who enter our nation illegally have human rights but should not automatically receive Constitutional rights provided citizens of the United States.

The idea that someone who enters the United States illegally has Constitutional rights provided American citizens is ridiculous. Providing Constitutional or citizenship rights to people who illegally enter this nation are as illogical as providing burglars who break into houses “undocumented resident” or “homeowner” rights the moment they step foot on the home owner’s property or break into the residence. 

When I am elected I will provide the leadership to resolve the immigration issue permanently.  My plan to address the illegal immigration problem once and for all is included in the following discussion.

MILITARY VETERANS

My experience as a retired veteran allows me to better understand the problems of veterans in U.S. House of Representatives, 2nd District, and how to address them.

  • October 2013 veterans in the 2nd Congressional District and most of Tennessee, were forced off “Tricare Prime” health insurance, which was an HMO plan that veterans paid a yearly premium to use. They were forced to use Tricare Standard, which would cost them a couple of thousand dollars more per year. Many veterans outside the 2nd Congressional District, in Atlanta, Memphis, New York, and Los Angeles were permitted to remain on Tricare Prime.

When elected I will fight to ensure in 2nd Congressional district veterans have the same level of care and insurance options as other veterans.

  • 2014 brought another “cost-saving” cut to veterans’ services. The military (.mil) email accounts which hundreds of thousands of veterans used to keep in contact with other service members, the units they retired from official military services (such as their “MYPAY” accounts) was discontinued. This move isolated veterans from the support of those who could help them most if they had problems, the soldiers they had served with and the units they went to war with.

When elected I will introduce a bill to restore the .mil email accounts which so many service members relied on for official government business and personal contact with other veterans.

OBAMACARE

The “Affordable Care Act” e.g. “Obamacare” was only affordable for people who had other taxpayers paying their premiums. It was a disaster for everyone else as premiums, deductibles and co-pays skyrocketed to the point where people were paying premiums for insurance they could use only for a yearly physical or a catastrophic illness.

Obamacare has not been repealed. I cringe when I hear the phrase, “Repeal and Replace” because the reason Obamacare failed was its cost. It covered more people who weren’t paying their own premiums and relied on the taxpayers to bail-out insurance companies who were guaranteed to have losses under the plan.

It can be repealed but any replacement that would cover the same number of people, at the same cost to them, would face the same financial loss.

When elected I will work to find ways to undo some of the damage done by the ill-conceived Democrats’ Obamacare insurance program.

TERM LIMITS

I support Congressional 12-year term limits for both members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate. The change to term limits would require a Constitutional Amendment, a process can be initiated either by Congress or 2/3 of the states. When elected I will introduce a bill for a Constitutional Amendment to impose 12-year term limits for both houses of Congress.

  • I would change the term of a Congressman from two to three years, making a total of four, three-year terms (Representatives spend too much time running for office and not enough doing the work they are elected to do).
  • Limit U.S. Senators to two six-year terms

I would also support an Article 5, a state called the Constitutional convention if it appears too many in Congress are unwilling to set limits on themselves.

[19]

”
—Stansberry for Congress[26]

Campaign tactics and strategies

Campaign advertisements

Republican Party Tim Burchett

Support
"East Tennessee Conservative" - Burchett campaign ad, released June 19, 2018
"Tim Burchett takes on tough fights, supports President Trump" - Burchett campaign ad, released July 13, 2018

Republican Party Jason Emert

Support
"Brick by Brick" - Emert campaign ad, released July 4, 2018
"Threatened" - Burchett campaign ad, released May 14, 2018

Republican Party Ashley Nickloes

Support
"Ashley Nickloes: A New Mission" - Defend Main Street ad, released July 19, 2018
"Ashley Nickloes: Mission" - Nickloes campaign ad, released July 12, 2018


Campaign finance

The chart below contains data from financial reports submitted to the Federal Election Commission.

Name Party Receipts* Disbursements** Cash on hand Date
Renee Hoyos Democratic Party $351,595 $347,366 $4,219 As of December 31, 2018
Joseph Schenkenfelder Democratic Party $0 $0 $0 Data not available***
Joshua Williams Democratic Party $0 $0 $0 Data not available***
Tim Burchett Republican Party $1,094,058 $958,168 $135,890 As of December 31, 2018
Jason Emert Republican Party $487,157 $487,157 $0 As of December 31, 2018
Hank Hamblin Republican Party $10,946 $13,569 $-2,622 As of July 13, 2018
Jimmy Matlock Republican Party $793,229 $792,298 $1,131 As of December 31, 2018
Ashley Nickloes Republican Party $243,855 $243,855 $0 As of September 28, 2018
Vito Sagliano Republican Party $12,342 $12,010 $637 As of August 14, 2018
C. David Stansberry Republican Party $0 $0 $0 Data not available***
Jeffrey Grunau Independent $0 $0 $0 Data not available***
Keith LaTorre Independent $0 $0 $0 Data not available***
Greg Samples Independent $950 $391 $558 As of December 31, 2017
Marc Whitmire Independent $4,180 $2,137 $2,044 As of September 30, 2018

Source: Federal Elections Commission, "Campaign finance data," 2018. This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).

* According to the FEC, "Receipts are anything of value (money, goods, services or property) received by a political committee."
** According to the FEC, a disbursement "is a purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit or gift of money or anything of value to influence a federal election," plus other kinds of payments not made to influence a federal election.
*** Candidate either did not report any receipts or disbursements to the FEC, or Ballotpedia did not find an FEC candidate ID.


Endorsements

The table below summarizes the endorsements Ballotpedia identified for Republican candidates in the primary for Tennessee's 2nd Congressional District.

Do you know of an official or organization that endorsed a candidate in this race? Let Ballotpedia know by email at editor@ballotpedia.org.

Republican candidate endorsements
Endorsement Burchett Emert Hamblin Matlock Nickloes Sagliano Stansberry
Public Officials
Sen. Ted Cruz (R) [5] ✔
Rep. John Duncan, Jr. (R) [27] ✔
Organizations
House Freedom Caucus [27] ✔
Knox News Sentinel [28] ✔
Winning with Women [28] ✔
With Honor [28] ✔

Race ratings

See also: Race rating definitions and methods
Race ratings: Tennessee's 2nd Congressional District election, 2018
Race tracker Race ratings
October 30, 2018 October 23, 2018October 16, 2018October 9, 2018
The Cook Political Report Solid Republican Solid RepublicanSolid RepublicanSolid Republican
Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales Solid Republican Solid RepublicanSolid RepublicanSolid Republican
Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball Safe Republican Safe RepublicanSafe RepublicanSafe Republican
Note: Ballotpedia updates external race ratings every two weeks throughout the election season.

District election history

2016

See also: Tennessee's 2nd Congressional District election, 2016

Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as safely Republican. Incumbent John Duncan, Jr. (R) defeated Stuart Starr (D) in the general election on November 8, 2016. Neither candidate faced a primary opponent in August.[29][30][31]

U.S. House, Tennessee District 2 General Election, 2016
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngJohn Duncan, Jr. Incumbent 75.6% 212,455
     Democratic Stuart Starr 24.4% 68,401
Total Votes 280,856
Source: Tennessee Secretary of State

2014

See also: Tennessee's 2nd Congressional District elections, 2014

The 2nd Congressional District of Tennessee held an election for the U.S. House of Representatives on November 4, 2014. Incumbent John J. Duncan, Jr. defeated Bob Scott (D), Norris Dryer (G) and Casey Gouge (I) in the general election.

U.S. House, Tennessee District 2 General Election, 2014
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngJohn J. Duncan, Jr. Incumbent 72.5% 120,853
     Democratic Bob Scott 22.6% 37,599
     Green Norris Dryer 2.4% 4,033
     Independent Casey Gouge 2.5% 4,222
Total Votes 166,707
Source: Tennessee Secretary of State Vote totals above are unofficial and will be updated once official totals are made available.

2012

See also: Tennessee's 2nd Congressional District elections, 2012

The 2nd Congressional District of Tennessee held an election for the U.S. House of Representatives on November 6, 2012. Incumbent John J. Duncan, Jr. won re-election in the district.[32]

U.S. House, Tennessee District 2 General Election, 2012
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Troy Goodale 20.6% 54,522
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngJohn J. Duncan, Jr. Incumbent 74.4% 196,894
     Green Norris Dryer 2.2% 5,733
     Independent Brandon Stewart 1.1% 2,974
     Libertarian Greg Samples 1.7% 4,382
Total Votes 264,505
Source: Tennessee Secretary of State "Official Election Results, 2012 General Election"

2010

On November 2, 2010, John Duncan, Jr. won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Dave Hancock (D) in the general election.[33]

U.S. House, Tennessee District 2 General Election, 2010
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngJohn Duncan, Jr. incumbent 84.8% 141,796
     Democratic Dave Hancock 15.2% 25,400
Total Votes 167,196

2008

On November 4, 2008, John Duncan, Jr. won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Bob Scott (D) in the general election.[34]

U.S. House, Tennessee District 2 General Election, 2008
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngJohn Duncan, Jr. incumbent 78.1% 227,120
     Democratic Bob Scott 21.9% 63,639
Total Votes 290,759

2006

On November 7, 2006, John Duncan, Jr. won re-election to the United States House. He defeated John Green (D) in the general election.[35]

U.S. House, Tennessee District 2 General Election, 2006
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngJohn Duncan, Jr. incumbent 77.7% 157,095
     Democratic John Green 22.3% 45,025
Total Votes 202,120

2004

On November 2, 2004, John Duncan, Jr. won re-election to the United States House. He defeated John Green (D) and Charles E. Howard (I) in the general election.[36]

U.S. House, Tennessee District 2 General Election, 2004
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngJohn Duncan, Jr. incumbent 79.1% 215,795
     Democratic John Green 19.1% 52,155
     Independent Charles E. Howard 1.8% 4,978
Total Votes 272,928

2002

On November 5, 2002, John Duncan, Jr. won re-election to the United States House. He defeated John Green (D), Joshua Williamson (I) and George Njezic (I) in the general election.[37]

U.S. House, Tennessee District 2 General Election, 2002
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngJohn Duncan, Jr. incumbent 79% 146,887
     Democratic John Green 19.9% 37,035
     Independent Joshua Williamson 0.6% 1,110
     Independent George Njezic 0.5% 940
     N/A Write-in 0% 9
Total Votes 185,981

2000

On November 7, 2000, John Duncan, Jr. won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Kevin J. Rowland (L) in the general election.[38]

U.S. House, Tennessee District 2 General Election, 2000
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngJohn Duncan, Jr. incumbent 89.3% 187,154
     Libertarian Kevin J. Rowland 10.6% 22,304
     N/A Write-in 0% 27
Total Votes 209,485

District analysis

See also: The Cook Political Report's Partisan Voter Index
See also: FiveThirtyEight's elasticity scores

The 2017 Cook Partisan Voter Index for this district was R+20, meaning that in the previous two presidential elections, this district's results were 20 percentage points more Republican than the national average. This made Tennessee's 2nd Congressional District the 34th most Republican nationally.[39]

FiveThirtyEight's September 2018 elasticity score for states and congressional districts measured "how sensitive it is to changes in the national political environment." This district's elasticity score was 0.91. This means that for every 1 point the national political mood moved toward a party, the district was expected to move 0.91 points toward that party.[40]

Pivot Counties

See also: Pivot Counties by state

One of 95 Tennessee counties—1 percent—is a Pivot County. Pivot Counties are counties that voted for Barack Obama (D) in 2008 and 2012 and for Donald Trump (R) in 2016. Altogether, the nation had 206 Pivot Counties, with most being concentrated in upper midwestern and northeastern states.

Counties won by Trump in 2016 and Obama in 2012 and 2008
County Trump margin of victory in 2016 Obama margin of victory in 2012 Obama margin of victory in 2008
Hardeman County, Tennessee 7.92% 5.91% 6.18%

In the 2016 presidential election, Donald Trump (R) won Tennessee with 60.7 percent of the vote. Hillary Clinton (D) received 34.7 percent. In presidential elections between 1900 and 2016, Tennessee cast votes for the winning presidential candidate 76.7 percent of the time. In that same time frame, Tennessee supported Democratic candidates for president and Republican candidates equally. The state, however, favored Republicans in every presidential election between 2000 and 2016.

Presidential results by legislative district

The following table details results of the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections by state House districts in Tennessee. Click [show] to expand the table. The "Obama," "Romney," "Clinton," and "Trump" columns show the percent of the vote each presidential candidate received in the district. The "2012 Margin" and "2016 Margin" columns show the margin of victory between the two presidential candidates in those years. The "Party Control" column notes which party held that seat heading into the 2018 general election. Data on the results of the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections broken down by state legislative districts was compiled by Daily Kos.[41][42]

In 2012, Barack Obama (D) won 20 out of 99 state House districts in Tennessee with an average margin of victory of 50.7 points. In 2016, Hillary Clinton (D) won 22 out of 99 state House districts in Tennessee with an average margin of victory of 46.5 points. Clinton won one district controlled by a Republican heading into the 2018 elections.
In 2012, Mitt Romney (R) won 79 out of 99 state House districts in Tennessee with an average margin of victory of 36.8 points. In 2016, Donald Trump (R) won 77 out of 99 state House districts in Tennessee with an average margin of victory of 43.8 points. Trump won four districts controlled by Democrats heading into the 2018 elections.

See also

Footnotes

  1. ↑ In Tennessee, most polling places were open between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. All precincts closed at 8:00 p.m. Eastern and 7:00 p.m. Central.
  2. ↑ In Tennessee, most polling places were open between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. All precincts closed at 8:00 p.m. Eastern and 7:00 p.m. Central.
  3. ↑ WATE ABC6, "July 16, 2018
  4. ↑ TNJ: On The Hill, "Matlock radio ad cites Burchett vote for Democrat as state Senate speaker, asks if he’d vote for Nancy Pelosi as U.S. House speaker," June 26, 2018
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Twitter, "Jason Emert," July 24, 2018
  6. ↑ The Washington Post, "A Republican Candidate for Congress from Tennessee Literally Builds a Wall in his Ad," July 6, 2018
  7. ↑ Knox News, "Victor Ashe: GOP rivals blast Jimmy Matlock’s attendance in Legislature," July 16, 2018
  8. ↑ Pro Publica, "Tennessee’s 2nd District House Race - 2018 cycle," accessed July 19, 2018
  9. ↑ Ashley Nickloes for Congress, "About," accessed July 19, 2018
  10. ↑ Knox News" "New day: 2nd Congressional District candidates looking to replace Duncan dynasty," July 6, 2018
  11. ↑ Knox News, "Rep. John J. Duncan will not seek re-election next year after three decades in office," July 31, 2017
  12. ↑ Burchett for Congress, "About," accessed July 18, 2018
  13. ↑ Matlock for Congress, "Meet Jimmy Matlock," accessed July 18, 2018
  14. ↑ Pew Research Center, "What is the House Freedom Caucus, and who’s in it?" October 20, 2015
  15. ↑ Politico, "Conservatives split off from Republican Study Committee," January 13, 2015
  16. ↑ House Freedom Fund, "Endorsements," accessed May 15, 2018
  17. ↑ Some candidates were not formally endorsed by the caucus but said they would join if elected. See a list of all Freedom Caucus-affiliated candidates here.
  18. ↑ This includes all seats not held by members of the Freedom Caucus prior to the 2018 elections, including those held by Democrats.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 19.4 19.5 19.6 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
  20. ↑ "On the Issues," accessed July 19, 2018
  21. ↑ "Issues," accessed July 19, 2018
  22. ↑ "Issues," accessed July 19, 2018
  23. ↑ "Issues," accessed July 19, 2018
  24. ↑ "Issues," accessed July 19, 2018
  25. ↑ Vito for Congress, "Issues," accessed July 19, 2018
  26. ↑ Stansberry for Congress, "Issues," accessed July 19, 2018
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 The Tennessee Journal, "Matlock endorsed by chairman of U.S. House Freedom Caucus," accessed July 16June 28, 2018
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 Knox News, "News Sentinel endorsement in Democratic primary for 2nd Congressional District," accessed July 23, 2018
  29. ↑ Tennessee Secretary of State, "Candidate Petitions Filed as of April 7, 2016 Noon Qualifying Deadline," accessed April 8, 2016
  30. ↑ Politico, "Tennessee House Primaries Results," August 4, 2016
  31. ↑ CNN, "Election Results," accessed November 8, 2016
  32. ↑ Politico, "2012 Election Map, Tennessee"
  33. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2010," accessed March 28, 2013
  34. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 4, 2008," accessed March 28, 2013
  35. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 7, 2006," accessed March 28, 2013
  36. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2004," accessed March 28, 2013
  37. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 5, 2002," accessed March 28, 2013
  38. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 7, 2000," accessed March 28, 2013
  39. ↑ Cook Political Report, "Introducing the 2017 Cook Political Report Partisan Voter Index," April 7, 2017
  40. ↑ FiveThirtyEight, "Election Update: The Most (And Least) Elastic States And Districts," September 6, 2018
  41. ↑ Daily Kos, "Daily Kos Elections' statewide election results by congressional and legislative districts," July 9, 2013
  42. ↑ Daily Kos, "Daily Kos Elections' 2016 presidential results for congressional and legislative districts," February 6, 2017


Tennessee's current delegation to the United States Congress
Senators
Marsha Blackburn (R)
Bill Hagerty (R)
Representatives
District 1
District 2
District 3
District 4
District 5
District 6
John Rose (R)
District 7
Vacant
District 8
District 9
Republican Party (9)
Democratic Party (1)
Vacancies (1)


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