Gun reform activist Shaundelle Brooks wins District 60 statehouse race

First-time candidate Shaundelle Brooks has defeated Republican Chad Bobo, keeping Tennessee House District 60 blue. She will replace Democratic Rep. Darren Jernigan, who was elected to the seat in 2012 and who recently became an advisor in the Nashville mayor’s office. 

More: ‘We need each other.’ As Darren Jernigan leaves the state for the city, he looks to mend frayed relationships

Brooks has been a fierce advocate for gun reform since her son, Akilah DaSilva, was killed in the 2018 Waffle House shooting. A fixture at the Capitol, she’s joined forces with Covenant moms spurred to action by last year’s deadly school shooting.  

More: ‘I’m happy to have her.’ How two mothers bonded over gun reform advocacy after the Covenant School shooting

Brooks ran on support for youth development programs, increased pay for teachers, assistance for first-time homebuyers, improving rural healthcare, abortion access, affordable childcare options, support for men’s mental health and LGBTQ rights.  

Her opponent, Chad Bobo, was formerly an aide to House Speaker Cameron Sexton. His platform included supporting vocational training for high schoolers, improving transportation and cutting back on regulations for small businesses.  

Brooks’ campaign attracted several high-profile endorsements, including Planned Parenthood, Davidson County District Attorney Glenn Funk and the trio of progressive lawmakers known as the Tennessee Three.