Refreshing Moment for Democracy

With the resignation of Congressman Mark Green, voters in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional
District will soon face a special election to choose a new representative. This moment is more
than a political shift — it is an opportunity. And one that demands our attention and engagement.
Already, a wide range of candidates have stepped forward to run. Some are well-known in
political circles; others are new to many voters. The fact that so many individuals have
announced their candidacy early on is not something to take for granted. It shows that the
democratic process is not only functioning — it’s alive and well in Tennessee. It also gives voters
what they deserve: options.
But with options comes responsibility. Too often, we cast votes out of habit — voting by party, by
name recognition, or based on what someone told us. In times like these, that simply isn’t
enough. We owe it to ourselves, to our communities, and to the future to take a more active role
in the process.
That means showing up. Listening. Asking questions. It means going beyond the surface to
understand who these candidates are, what they believe, and how they intend to serve. And it
means resisting the temptation to blindly follow party labels or political noise.
Last week’s congressional candidate forum at Birdsong Resort — hosted by the Benton County
Republican Party — was a strong example of civic engagement done right. Voters gathered,
listened, and watched the candidates answer the same questions side by side. It was orderly. It
was respectful. It was democracy at work.
Whether you're a Republican, a Democrat, or somewhere in between, this special election is
your chance to help shape the leadership of our region. Don’t let someone else do your thinking
for you. Don’t sit it out. You may not even live in the 7th district, but still have a stake in our
selection for representation. If you don’t reside in the 7th district, you may have friends or family
that do.
This isn’t just about who fills a vacant seat in Congress. It’s about what kind of people we want
representing us — and what kind of people we choose to be when it's our turn to decide.
Let’s take this moment seriously. Let’s do the work of a free people.