Longtime House District 28 Rep. JoAnne Favors has endorsed former City Councilman Yusuf Hakeem as her successor.
She spoke in behalf of him at a campaign launch at the Bessie Smith Hall.
Rep.
Favors said, "Yusuf Hakeem is the right person for the job. [...] He has years of experience in public service, and would not face a learning curve as a first time elected official. He is prepared for the work now,” said Rep. Favors, referring to his relationships with key people, including elected officials across the aisle, and his relationships within his district.
"In 2020, Tennessee will go through redistricting again, and key to this would be someone with prior experience in governance who knows the political landscape of District 28 that can hit the ground running. For such responsibilities as sensitive as redistricting, this is crucial to minimizing the impact to the citizens of House District 28 for years to come.
"We have someone who will continue my legacy, [...] to fight for funding education, to fight for the safety our kids.”
The launch party included a video presentation, introduced by Mr. Hakeem’s children and grandchildren. The video outlined his platform, but also included more personal information regarding a behind-the-scenes look at the former council member’s life, rarely shared with the public.
Following the presentation was a speech by Davisha L. Johnson, Mr. Hakeem’s campaign manager, who has years of experience working closely with elected officials, including past and present top leaders in the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus as well as the Tennessee State legislature. She thanked Rep. Favors, and added, “This is a new Hakeem. A new race. A new beginning for Chattanooga and for Tennessee.” She extends the sentiment, “This will not be a negative campaign. The positivity of the Hakeem for House campaign is key, and it is the bedrock of our strategy that will lead Yusuf Hakeem to becoming your next state representative for House District 28.”
Mr. Hakeem concluded the campaign launch by thanking supporters, adding, “We have a fear of that which we do not know and understand. This is an opportunity for all citizens of District 28 to meet and get to know the real Hakeem. I am motivated and ready to go to work now for the citizens of House District 28 as your next state representative.”