Today we are continuing our profiles of Progressive candidates who are running to represent their communities at the state and federal levels, and move the country forward, to continue to ensure that all Americans are equally represented in government.

This week we are profiling Heidi Campbell (she/her/hers). Heidi is a musician and former music publisher in the Nashville area. She was previously the mayor for the community of Oak Hill, and is currently a Tennessee State Senator for the 20th District. In the State Senate she has been a vocal proponent for public schools and teachers, women’s and LGBTQ+ rights, and the legalization of marijuana. She is married with two children.

Where are you based?
Nashville, TN.

What is your position/what position are you running for?
Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District.

Why did you choose this seat?
I am sitting a state senator who already represents tens of thousands of voters in this new district. I am also a former mayor from a small town that’s included in this district as well. I know the people and families here well. They’re my neighbors, friends and family. They like leaders who are focused on solving problems and getting results. This past legislative session the Republican supermajority used its power to split Nashville into three congressional districts in an attempt to eliminate one of Tennessee's two Democratic seats in the U.S. House. Somebody needed to step up and fight for our families, and I’m a fighter who wins. So, I decided to do it, and jumped in.

How would you briefly summarize your platform?
Our campaign is about freedom for families first. That means every hardworking person, small business owner and family farmer has the tools they need to build a good life — tools like, affordable healthcare, childcare, education and energy. That means passing responsible budgets that invest in our future and lower costs for hardworking American families and retirees. Freedom for families means women have the right to make private healthcare decisions — without interference from a government mandate. It also means we unleash the power of cannabis to treat addiction and grow our economy.

What inspired you to run?
Concern for the future of our state, country, and planet. Our rights, freedom and democracy itself is on the line. Members of one party want the power to overturn the will of the people when their candidates lose. They want to ban library books, defund our public schools and take away our freedom to make personal healthcare decisions. I’m running for Congress because I’m a mom who is damn well going to fight for our kids’ future and the future of our country. The division politics we’re up against are a race to the bottom. No matter where I go, one thing is always the same: people are fed up with the divisiveness. They want adults in the room finding common sense solutions that put freedom for families first.

What change are you hoping to bring to your district, state, and country?
We have to heal our planet, strengthen our democracy, rebuild the middle class and make sure working families have the tools they need to succeed. We could also use a good dose of respect for one another. Let’s tone down divisive rhetoric and hate.

How long have you been in office? What do you consider to be your major accomplishments so far?
When I first became mayor of Oak Hill, I inherited a budget mess. I went to work tightening our belt and cutting costs. I even eliminated my own salary. By the time I left office, our budget sheets were balanced and our reserves were hitting record levels. In the Tennessee Senate, I’m proud to have worked with colleagues in both parties to investigate wasteful, no-bid contracts and save a hardwood forest enjoyed by hunters and hikers. We’ve won victories for the families of veterans to get the benefits they’re owed and for commuters who want new transportation solutions, like passenger train service. I am the sponsor of legislation to legalize cannabis in Tennessee so we stop wasting tax dollars on jails and start creating jobs for farmers. And I was proud that when I ran for the Tennessee Senate, a lot of my constituents didn’t know which party I was running for. That’s because I stayed focused on solving problems — not party politics.

What do you feel are the most important issues right now, why, and how do you plan to tackle them?
I will work with anyone from any party to fix a problem and make a difference for our families. Right now, there’s a lot that needs attention quickly. We have to get inflation and costs under control for working families and small businesses — costs like healthcare and prescription drugs; gas, utilities and groceries. To do it, we have to take on some power corporate special interests, like big oil and big pharma, but it’s the right thing do. We also have to protect our freedom to make private healthcare decisions — without interference from the government. Since the Supreme Court struck down Roe, Tennesse’s trigger ban on abortion has now kicked in, criminalizing abortion under any circumstance — even in case of rape and incest. We need to build on the climate and clean energy reforms signed into law last month and we need to go further to stop gun violence in our communities. Safe neighborhoods and schools, clean air and clean water, and a livable planet, people from every political party want action on these priorities. Lastly, we have to take action to strengthen our democracy so its voters, not politicians, who decide who wins elections.

America is extremely divided these days. How would you hope to bridge that divide with your constituents to better unite Americans?
Treat people with respect and listen. We all need to get off of social media for a while, turn off the TV, and listen to each other. Since I first ran for office, I’ve believed that we need more leaders who rise above party labels and work together. So I'll stay focused on my values: Find common ground and work across party lines to get things done. This race is not about red teams or blue teams, it’s about fixing problems and delivering results for our families — like strengthening Social Security and Medicare, lowering the cost of healthcare and prescription drugs and restoring our right to private healthcare decisions.

How would you foresee your unique identity and background to be an asset to you in office?
As a mother, I am doing this because I’m concerned about the future for my kids, your kids, and all of us. As someone who was in the music business for years, I am not impressed with all of the bells and whistles that go along with elected positions. I just focus on solving problems. And as a southern legislator, I know how hungry people are for action on the issues they care about, so I’m highly motivated.

What is your motto in life?
Follow the Love!

Where can we find out more about you?
www.voteheidicampbell.com

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2022 - Heidi Campbell, Tennessee's 5th Congressional District