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Tennessee House of Representatives District 45

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    John Gentry
    (Rep)

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    Chris Hughes
    (Rep)

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    Brian Stewart
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

What are the top two or three issues you would prioritize if elected, and what specific actions would you take to address them at the state level?

How will you ensure transparency in your decision-making and keep constituents informed and engaged throughout your term?

How will you ensure that the voices of all constituents, including those who may disagree with you, are represented in your work?

What changes, if any, would you support to improve public education in Tennessee?

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Campaign Phone (615)405-9180
Campaign Website http://www.chrishughes45.com
Campaign YouTube URL
My priorities are education, infrastructure, and tax reform, focused on real solutions for Tennessee families. I will support increasing teacher pay and retention, including a $5,000 loan-forgiveness incentive for every 5 years of service for Tennessee graduates, while ensuring more funding reaches classrooms rather than bureaucracy. I’ll invest in road improvements and strengthen our power grid to keep up with growth and ensure reliability. Finally, I will advocate for fair, transparent property tax reform that protects homeowners and brings long-term stability to our aging and agricultural communities.
Transparency isn’t a talking point for me, it’s a responsibility. I believe elected officials work for the people, not the other way around. That means my constituents deserve to know not just how I vote, but why I vote the way I do. I will communicate consistently and directly. Decisions that affect your family, you should be able to hear directly from your representative. I will be accessible. Whether it’s in-person meetings, community events, or simply returning calls and emails. I’ve spent over 40 years in this community, and that’s not going to change just because I’m elected. This isn’t about politics. It’s about making sure the people of this district always have a voice and a representative who respects it.
I believe representation means serving all your constituents, not just those who agree with you. Now, I’m a conservative, and I’m not going to apologize for my values or pretend to be something I’m not just to win approval. The people deserve to know exactly where I stand. I will always keep my door open, even to those who disagree with me. Because sometimes the best ideas come from people who see things differently. Even when they don’t change my position, they sharpen it. I also believe respect matters. We’ve gotten too comfortable in politics with dismissing people who don’t share our views. I don’t operate that way. You can disagree with me and still be heard, still be respected, and still know your voice was part of the process.
As a graduate of public schools and a parent with two recent graduates, I know improving public education in Tennessee doesn’t require reinventing the wheel; it means focusing on what works: strong parental involvement, empowered teachers, and less reliance on out-of-touch consultants. If elected, I will support policies that bring decision-making closer to classrooms and families. I will push for greater transparency, better access to curriculum, and stronger communication between schools and families. We must also trust our teachers. Instead of costly consultants, I support investing in teachers through pay, support, and teacher-led input on policy decisions.
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