Tennessee
Welcome to the Tennessee state page! Here, Tennessee organizers can access and document ongoing projects, current leadership positions, upcoming races, and other important information. This list is non-exhaustive, and state teams are encouraged to expand and adapt these pages to their organizing needs.
Political Landscape of Tennessee
Partisan Composition of Tennessee
Overall, Tennessee is considered a deep red state, with a Cook PVI of R+14 as of 2022, regularly voting 55-65% Republican in statewide races. Their governor and both US senators are Republican, as are all but one of their house seats since they eliminated Jim Cooper's seat with the redistricting by cutting Nashville in thirds in an egregious, unfair gerrymander. Republicans also have supermajorities in the state house and state senate, giving them a veto-proof trifecta (as of 2/8/24).
Progressive Outlook for Tennessee
The overall progressive strategy for Tennessee is bleak. The goal here should be on harm reduction and blunting the effectiveness of the Republican supermajority, though citizen-led ballot initiatives are not a thing here. Tennessee is an open primary state, so it is recommended to vote for moderate Republicans in their primary so as to further reduce the harm they pose to the state.
Get Involved
Register to Vote in Tennessee
Progressive Organizations in Tennessee
Below is a list of progressive organizations in Tennessee. If you see a state organization that isn't on this list, please add it.
- Tennessee Democrats: As Tennessee is a deep red state, their state's Democratic party is the best way forward for any progressive/liberal organizing. They're worth checking out.
Notable Campaigns in 2024
Below is a list of progressive candidates or ballot measures in the 2024 election cycle for Tennessee. Non-progressive candidates may also be placed here if they are substantially to the left of their district's partisan lean and worth campaigning for. If you see a candidate or ballot measure that should be on this list, please add them.
November 5th General Election
There are currently likely to be no swing races in Tennessee in November and no ballot questions. If you know of any, please add them.
Run for Local Office
An underrated way to impact change is to run for a local position! Please feel free to add information on doing so below.