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State Executive Committeewoman, District 17 Choose 1

Organization of the party begins with the state executive committee of each political party, since it also functions as the state primary board for the party. T.C.A. § 2-13-102. Members of this committee are elected in the regular August primary election immediately prior to the election for governor. One man and one woman from each party are elected from every senatorial district to serve four-year terms beginning on September 15 following their election. They must take the oath of office, filing it with the state coordinator of elections. T.C.A. § 2-13-103.The state executive committee is to meet at least once in even-numbered years to appoint the county primary boards, made up of five people from each county appointed for two year terms. T.C.A. § 2-13-108. The members of this board are chosen from a list of names submitted by county executive committees, although two of the members may be appointed without regard to the lists if the names on them are not fairly divided among the elements of the party. If no list is submitted, the state primary board is to draw up its own list from which to make appointments, or it may designate the county election commission to act as the county primary board. T.C.A. § 2-13-110.

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Melissa Alvarez (Dem)

Biographical Information

Education Master in Social Work
Campaign Phone 6157558694
Campaign Mailing Address Nashville, Tennessee 37214

Please describe your interest in this role.

The reason I decided to run is because the executive committee of the TNDP has never had Hispanic representation before. My experience serving on boards such as Nashville Pride Festival, AWAKE, Fuerza Democrats TN, and YEAH! taught me the importance of having our voices heard. I currently serve on a PAC helping recruit and support Latino candidates. My vision for the TNDP is simple. I want to invest in the infrastructure to help dems be elected by including the needs and voices of historically ignored communities such as mine. By doing so, we help widen the net and ultimately increase voter turn out. People are engaged when they feel heard, seen, and represented.

If selected, what actions will you take to help empower voters?

I will first conduct needs assessments to bring unengaged voters needs to the agenda. I will invest in historically ignored communities. I will also push for county parties to have regulations in place so people don't use county parties to springboard their own political careers - making it about party interest instead of self interest. That way, we can open avenues for your average person to be involved in the democratic process. Whether it's about voter engagement or running for office, we want to make sure that option is available to everyone - not just the people that are currently serving on the party's board or committees.

Have you previously held an elected office? If so, which office?

No

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Terri R. Nicholson (Rep)

Biographical Information

Please describe your interest in this role.

Candidate has not yet responded.

If selected, what actions will you take to help empower voters?

Candidate has not yet responded.

Have you previously held an elected office? If so, which office?

Candidate has not yet responded.

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Brittany Orpurt-Hilton (Dem)

Biographical Information

Education BA in Psychology- Purdue University; ADN in Nursing - Tennessee State University
Campaign Phone 615-583-9425
Campaign Mailing Address 1603 Alsdale Rd
Mt Juliet, TN 37122

Please describe your interest in this role.

If we want to take back our state from the Republicans we need a strong Democratic presence in rural and suburban areas, candidates to run for office in areas that have been written off as "impossible to win", and to support candidates running for County Commission all the way up to Congress.

I've worked with Democratic parties and candidates all across Middle TN. I've supported candidates running at the city, state and federal level in urban, suburban, and rural areas. We have to work together to create the change we want to see in TN.

I would be honored to represent Democrats in District 17, which includes all of Wilson Co and part of Davidson, at the TN Democratic Party as our next State Democratic Executive Committeewoman.

If selected, what actions will you take to help empower voters?

I will serve as a bridge between the TN Democratic Party, our candidates, county parties, and voters. Democrats are doing many great things across the state, we need to communicate those ideas and practices with each other in the party and with voters!

I will also continue to participate in year round political organizing. During election season, I support multiple candidates by engaging in direct voter outreach and organizing opportunities for voters to meet candidates. In the "off years" I work to build a better Democratic community by educating people about policies and legislation while helping them contact their elected officials.

Have you previously held an elected office? If so, which office?

I have not, but I look forward to serving as District 17's next State Democratic Executive Committeewoman!