I decided to run because it’s time for my generation to pick up the torch of leadership and work to improve the system for all of us.

Over a few weeks in early April 2022, the Tennessee Republican Party (TNGOP) removed myself and several other candidates from the TN District 5 primary election ballot. I disagree with their decision, and am disappointed in their process. The current rules eliminate 97% of Tennesseans from being a Republican candidate and are selectively enforced by a small group of insiders. That's a problem.

The Party’s decision has garnered a great deal of national attention, and while I cannot speak for the other candidates that were removed, I do want to set the record straight.

I am a lifelong Republican who has voted in 9 out of 11 of the last Tennessee Republican primaries, and 3 of the last 4 that I could. Unfortunately, the TNGOP made the decision to no longer consider county primary elections when determining a candidate’s “Bona Fide Republican” status or my support from other elected officials and county party officers. A small group of insiders at the TNGOP fixated on a single rule that eliminates 97% of Tennesseans from being a Republican candidate, but allowed others onto the ballot who did not qualify under that rule.

While this process by the TNGOP has soured many, Tennessee is our home.

We helped build TN and will continue to build a better future for all us.