U.S. Congressman Mark Green from Tennessee is on the ballot this November, after initially announcing his retirement earlier this year. Green reversed that decision at the urging of his Republican colleagues.
For the wide swath of counties he represents, it’s likely Green will hold onto his seat, but the fundraising gap between him and his Democratic opponent is the smallest of the state’s contests. Former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry has one of the most well-funded campaigns of any Democrat in the state, having surpassed a record of $1 million in campaign contributions.
“People are really excited,” Barry told WPLN News. “The majority of the donations that we’re getting — like 86% — are $200 or less … The majority of those dollars — 88% — come from Tennessee. They’re not coming from out of state places. And so, you know, nobody’s coming to save Tennessee. We have to save ourselves.”
The spread of fentanyl is top of mind for both candidates, but they have different takes on the issue.
“Fentanyl has flooded into the country. It’s killed hundreds of thousands of people,” said Green, in conversation with the editor-in-chief of Clarksville Now, his hometown newspaper.
Green said immigration and the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border needs to change.
“We need to do merit-based immigration, we do. It’s best for our country,” Green said.
But Green’s opponent, former Nashville mayor Megan Barry wants to address the dangers of fentanyl from a public health perspective.
“Things like the Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act, things like the Mental Health Justice Act, saving America’s rural hospitals, all of these things that could help constituents in Tennessee have a better life.”
Barry has organized around opioid treatment since she lost her son to an overdose.
“I’ve just watched over the last several years that nothing is getting done in Washington and I’ve spent the last six years trying to lend my voice to help make it better,” Barry said.
Her campaign also focuses on abortion access. Tennessee’s abortion ban does not make exceptions for rape, incest, or the life of the mother.
“We don’t have the ability to do a referendum like a lot of states do. So, the only way Tennessee women are going to have the protection they deserve for their bodies is if we pass something at the national level,” Barry said.
Green has a track record of opposing abortion, but did not respond to WPLN’s requests for an interview or for comment on the issue.
You can find more on the candidates on your ballot at WPLN’s candidate guide.
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