The Candidates’ Responses to TNVET Questions – Senate
Senate Races
Responses received from candidates that will be on the November Ballot are listed. This is the list of certified senatorial candidates as identified by the Tennessee Secretary of State (district order) and contact efforts made by TNVET. All candidates, that had published email addresses listed on either their campaign website or their campaign FaceBook page were contacted. However, if the email listed on the campaign site or FaceBook page was a state government office email listing (this was the case for some incumbents) TNVET did not send the questionnaire. We will not mix campaign inquiries with official state business addresses. Due to time constraints, priorty contact will be given to senate races with more than one candidate. Their responses to the questions are listed with date received. Only the responses to the questions are published. If the response to a question had multiple paragraphs these were combine into one for space saving. The websites of candidates have been provided if further information about their campaigns is desired (just click on the web link site name).
Question 1: Are you a military veteran? I am not a military veteran, but I am proud to have supported five veterans in our August election in Wilson County. I knocked doors for each of these candidates, and I am especially proud that one of them, Robert Moxley, was elected to the Wilson County Commission representing District 2 in Mt. Juliet. And one, Richie Mercado, was elected to the Tennessee Democratic Party Executive Committee.
Question 2: Property Tax Reimbursement for 100% Disabled Veterans/Surviving Spouses. Yes. I support HB0436/SB0651 and would work to ensure that Tennessee provides the funding necessary to implement this change. I spent my career working in Tennessee public libraries, where I worked with many disabled veterans and helped them navigate government programs and benefits, including this process. I have seen firsthand how complicated it can be to access benefits that veterans have earned through their service. Veterans who have incurred a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability, and eligible surviving spouses, have earned this relief. Tennessee should not undermine the value of that benefit through the way the reimbursement is calculated. If elected, I would support changing the law to base the reimbursement on the county-assessed value rather than the current market-value formula, and I would work during the budget process to identify and provide the funding necessary to make the change sustainable. Supporting veterans should mean more than saying we value their service. It should mean making sure our laws, programs, and state budget reflect that commitment.
Question 3: Veteran Lottery. Yes. I support SJR 0614 and the proposed constitutional amendment to establish a dedicated Tennessee Fund for Veterans’ Assistance. Tennessee should have a reliable, dedicated source of funding for veteran-serving organizations and programs, including mental health services, emergency assistance, outreach, and support through Veteran Service Organizations and County Service Officers. I would support putting this constitutional amendment before Tennessee voters and, if elected, would work to advance it through the legislative process. I also believe the fund should complement—not replace—existing state and federal veterans’ benefits and should be subject to clear standards for transparency and accountability. Our veterans have served Tennessee and our country. We should make sure the state has the resources to serve them in return.
Question 4: Medical Cannabis. Yes. I support establishing a comprehensive, state-regulated medical cannabis program in Tennessee during the 2027 legislative session. Medical cannabis should be treated as a medical issue, not a criminal justice issue. Veterans and other Tennesseans dealing with serious medical conditions should have access to treatments that are recommended by qualified medical professionals and regulated by the state. As a legislator, I would support a program that provides safe, regulated access; establishes appropriate standards for physicians, patients, and providers; and gives veterans and other patients a clear and practical path to obtaining medical cannabis when it is medically appropriate. I would also support reducing unnecessary barriers and red tape while maintaining appropriate safeguards for patients and communities. Tennessee should not continue sending patients across state lines to access medical treatment that their doctors believe may benefit them.