A Clear Vision for Tennessee
The Equity Alliance Fund, the affiliate 501(c)4 advocacy organization of The Equity Alliance, encourages Black voters to support policies and candidates who will invest in overlooked and underserved communities of color.
From Nashville to Washington, D.C., Tennessee needs leaders who will advocate for Black Americans and other communities of color to have a fair and just opportunity at realizing the American dream.
This year, we are proud to announce our 2026 Tennessee candidate endorsements.
These progressive leaders have a clear vision for a better future for Tennesseans. Under their leadership, constituents will have a chance to earn a good living, send their kids to well-resourced schools and get access to quality healthcare that they need to be well and stay well. These candidates are champions for Black lives and will stand up to greed-fueled special interests and defend us against radical laws that seek to control our communities, suppress our votes, and perpetuate decades of racial injustice.
MEET THE CANDIDATES
Jesse Hush
Candidate for Tennessee House District 97
A lifelong Memphian, former teacher, and business owner, Jesse Huseth is running to represent the community where he and his wife are raising their two daughters. His campaign focuses on public schools, affordable healthcare, safer communities, and investment in Memphis.
Jesse’s years teaching in Shelby County Schools shaped his understanding of what students and families need. He wants to bring that experience to the state legislature and work on practical solutions that give more people the opportunity to thrive.
Justin J. Pearson
Candidate for U.S. Congress, Tennessee District 9
Justin J. Pearson represents Memphis in the Tennessee House and is running for Congress. A longtime community organizer, he helped lead the successful fight against the Byhalia oil pipeline and became nationally known as a member of the “Tennessee Three.” His campaign focuses on healthcare, environmental justice, and preventing gun violence.
Justin began organizing as a student at Mitchell High School, where he pushed for textbooks and Advanced Placement courses. He has carried that community centered approach into public office, advocating for residents facing pollution and other challenges in Memphis.
Charlane Oliver
Candidate for Tennessee Senate District 19
State Senator Charlane Oliver is a community organizer and nonprofit founder who has spent two decades working on voting rights, racial justice, and Black political power. She represents Tennessee’s 19th Senate District and serves as vice chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus and the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators.
Before entering the Senate, Charlane built her career in community organizing and nonprofit leadership. In office, she has continued advocating for working families, protecting marginalized communities, and making sure more Tennesseans have a voice in decisions that affect their lives.
Allie Phillips
Candidate for Tennessee House District 75
Allie Phillips is a Clarksville resident, working mother of two, and union member running for the Tennessee House. Her campaign focuses on making housing, healthcare, and childcare more affordable while strengthening public schools and improving infrastructure.
Allie wants state government to respond to the pressures working families face every day. Her priorities include fair pay and safe workplaces, accessible care for veterans, and roads and sidewalks that keep pace with Clarksville’s growth.
Ronnie Glyn
Candidate for Tennessee House District 67
Ronnie Glynn is a lifelong Tennessean and U.S. Army veteran who has served over 23 years, including deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, retiring as a Master Sergeant in 2014. He represents Tennessee House District 67 as a Democrat, focusing on education, veterans' issues, infrastructure, and women's rights, and was first elected in 2022 by a narrow margin of 153 votes out of over 11,000 cast.
Glynn owns two small businesses, Jumpmaster Inflatables and Jumpmaster Trucking, and has mentored youth through Big Brothers Big Sisters and TN Achieve. He is married with four adult children and multiple grandchildren, and continues to advocate for public education and community development in Clarksville-Montgomery County.
Equity Alliance Fund Candidate Endorsement Process:
hank you for your interest in seeking endorsement from The Equity Alliance Fund.
We are currently accepting applications for endorsements. See below for more information.
If you have additional questions, please email: endorsements@theequityalliancefund.org
Initial Application and Questionnaire:
Candidates interested in seeking an endorsement from The Equity Alliance Fund will be required to complete the candidate detailed questionnaire. The questionnaire will focus on the candidate's alignment with the organization's mission, their stance on key equity and social justice issues, and their plans for promoting change within marginalized communities.
2026 Candidate Endorsement Questionnaires
School Board Candidate Questionnaire
County Commission Candidate Questionnaire
Circuit Clerk Candidate Questionnaire
Review and Evaluation:
The Equity Alliance Fund's endorsement committee will review and evaluate the submitted applications and questionnaires. Each application will be carefully assessed based on the candidate's responses, qualifications, and commitment to advancing equity and justice.
Interview Stage:
Selected candidates will proceed to the interview stage, where they will have the opportunity to engage in in-depth discussions with members of The Equity Alliance Fund's endorsement committee. These interviews will provide a platform for candidates to elaborate on their positions, share specific policy proposals, and answer additional equity and community empowerment questions.
Community Engagement and Input:
The Equity Alliance Fund will actively seek input and feedback from community members, partner organizations, and local stakeholders. Community engagement sessions may include town halls, forums, and focus groups to gather insights on the candidates and their potential impact on marginalized communities.
Final Evaluation and Selection:
Based on the candidate's application, questionnaire, interview performance, community input, and alignment with The Equity Alliance Fund's mission, the endorsement committee will make final recommendations for endorsement. Endorsed candidates will have demonstrated a strong commitment to equity, justice, and community empowerment.
Announcement of Endorsements:
The Equity Alliance Fund will publicly announce the endorsed candidates, highlighting their qualifications and alignment with the organization's values. Endorsement statements will be shared through press releases, social media, and other communication channels.
Support:
Endorsed candidates will have access to resources, training, and support from The Equity Alliance Fund. The organization may assist with grassroots mobilization, volunteer recruitment, voter education, and other activities.
Ongoing Engagement:
Endorsed candidates will be expected to maintain regular communication with The Equity Alliance Fund, providing updates on policy initiatives and community engagement efforts. The organization may continue to offer guidance and support on key issues.
The Equity Alliance Fund’s endorsement process is designed to identify and support candidates who share a genuine commitment to equity, justice, and community well-being. Through a comprehensive evaluation, engagement with the community, and collaborative support, endorsed candidates will embody the values and aspirations of The Equity Alliance Fund.
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© 2025 The Equity Alliance Fund
All Endorsement are Paid for by The Equity Alliance Fund Action PAC.
PO BOX 280214 Nashville, TN 37228.
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.
