Tennessee House of Representatives District 45 in Tennessee State House District 45, Tennessee

2026 Primary Election

• John Gentry — Author in Hendersonville, TN

  John Gentry is running for the Tennessee House of Representatives, District 45, in the 2026 Primary Election. He is a conservative-minded author who emphasizes restoring the form of government established by Tennessee’s Constitution. Gentry believes the greatest crisis is the government's failure to comply with constitutional provisions, arguing that issues like inflation, growth, abortion, and gun rights can be resolved by adhering to constitutional principles and the will of the majority. His mission is to dismantle corruption and return a direct voice to the people, guided by what is morally right, constitutionally allowed, and desired by constituents.

• Chris Hughes — Army veteran in Hendersonville, TN

  Chris Hughes is a Tennessee conservative, Army veteran, and business-minded leader running for State Representative for District 45. He advocates for strengthening infrastructure, supporting teachers, reducing barriers to work, and fostering small business growth. Hughes is focused on clean water, wildlife management, and conservation, while fighting bureaucracy and protecting family farms. He aims to bring common-sense leadership to Nashville, serving the people of his district and promoting Tennessee's values of faith, family, and hard work. He was a delegate to the 2016 Republican National Convention.

• Brian Stewart — Businessman in TN

  Brian Stewart is a Republican candidate seeking election to the Tennessee House of Representatives for District 45. Identified as a businessman, Marine, and community leader, he has announced his intentions to run in the August 6, 2026 Republican primary election. His campaign focuses on serving the state.

• Mandy Cook — healthcare worker in TN

  Mandy Cook is a Democratic candidate for the Tennessee House of Representatives, District 45, in the 2026 election. A mother, healthcare worker, and community organizer, she is campaigning on a platform focused on "Lowering Costs, Lifting Families." Her policy priorities include expanding healthcare access, funding public education, and making daily life more affordable for all Tennesseans. Cook is running to ensure everyday people have a strong voice and advocate at the state capitol, believing in grassroots support over corporate donations to bring real representation to her district.