Tennessee House of Representatives District 28 in Tennessee State House District 28, Tennessee

2026 Primary Election

• Yusuf A. Hakeem — Incumbent Tennessee State House Representative in Chattanooga, TN

  Yusuf Hakeem is the incumbent Tennessee State House Representative for District 28, a position he has held while serving constituents in Hamilton County for over 40 years. A Democrat, he is seeking re-election for a fifth term in the 2026 primary. Hakeem's extensive public service background includes tenure on the City of Chattanooga School Board, the Chattanooga City Council, and the Tennessee Board of Parole. As a City Council Member, he notably championed and passed "Ban the Box" legislation, removing criminal history questions from employment applications, and successfully led a disparity study in Chattanooga. He is passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of Hamilton County citizens.

• Demetrus "meechie" Coonrod — Chattanooga City Councilwoman in Chattanooga, TN

  Demetrus Coonrod, an Independent, is a Chattanooga City Councilwoman representing District 9. A formerly incarcerated individual, she has dedicated her public service to bringing affordable housing and economic opportunity to her city. She is now running for the Tennessee House of Representatives to represent District 28 in the 2026 election, campaigning on a platform focused on education, criminal justice reform, healthcare, and reproductive rights. Coonrod aims to foster a more inclusive and prosperous future for her district, seeing this run as a natural progression of her commitment to public service.

• Johnny Horne — Leader of a local congregation in TN

  Johnny Horne is an Independent candidate vying for the Tennessee House of Representatives, District 28, in the 2026 general election, scheduled for November 3. He is listed on the ballot alongside Demetrus Coonrod. Horne has a history of political engagement, having previously run for the same district in 2012 as a Republican. He is identified as the leader of a local congregation and is a Vietnam veteran. His association with GoodParty.org indicates an alignment with principles of independent, people-powered, anti-corruption, and civil campaigning, aiming to foster a more accountable democracy.