Melody Shekari announced on Thursday her campaign to run for Tennessee’s Third Congressional District against incumbent Republican Chuck Fleischmann. Ms. Shekari filed her paperwork last week and thus far is the only announced Democrat.
Ms. Shekari cited Mr. Fleischmann’s record as a primary motivator for running. “This district has not had a congressman working hard for it since Fleischmann took office. He may be a nice man, but we need leadership and not someone who merely takes marching orders from Washington insiders,” said Ms. Shekari.
Ms. Shekari is the daughter of immigrants and is a first generation American. She was born near Houston but spent most of her childhood in Chattanooga where she graduated high school. She has a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Washington and a law degree from the University of Southern California. Her undergraduate degree is in business and economics from Bentley University.
“Our congressman has not authored a single substantive piece of legislation nor has he taken an interest in facilitating the growth and development of our communities. We deserve better. I will guarantee you that if I am elected I will work hard every day for our families,” Ms. Shekari said.
Tennessee’s Third Congressional district is anchored by the city of Chattanooga and stretches nearly to Knoxville. It is the home of the Oak Ridge laboratory and thousands of TVA jobs. It contains the entirety of Anderson, Hamilton, Polk, Morgan, McMinn, Monroe, Union, Scott, and Roane counties, and parts of Bradley and Campbell counties.
“I’m looking forward to a spirited campaign and debate about how best to represent the great people of Tennessee,” said Ms. Shekari.
The primary election is Aug. 4, and the general election is Nov. 7.