Who's running in Tennessee's 3rd congressional district
7 candidates are on the ballot. Below is what each one says they stand for, what they have actually done in office or in public life, and the arguments published for and against them — each quoted from a named source rather than summarised by us.
7 candidates · ballot order · Chuck Fleischmann currently holds this seat
Low confidenceLow confidenceOnly one weak source, dated material, or indirect evidence. Treat specifics with caution.What would raise it: An official filing record and at least one independent report about this candidate would raise this.
What they say they stand for
Their own words. Claims, not verified facts.
Finishing construction of the Chickamauga Lock on the Tennessee River.
Keeping TVA power reliable and affordable.
Being a voice for veterans, farmers and small businesses.
The district's conservative, faith-based values.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
US Representative for Tennessee's 3rd District since January 2011.
Won the August 6, 2026 Republican primary unopposed, and was the only Republican to file under the new map.
Under the 2026 map his district added Rhea and Meigs counties.
Had $4.84 million in campaign cash as of June 30, 2026.
Arguments in favor
Representing the district is an honour he does not take for granted; its hardworking, faith-filled people and their conservative values guide his work, from the Chickamauga Lock to affordable TVA power.
— Chuck Fleischmann campaign statement to the Chattanooga Times Free Press
Arguments against
He is absent — 'lots of folks want him to be more accessible, want him to respond to their needs' — and the district deserves more than 'indifference dressed up as leadership' from a congressman who 'shows up for donors and party bosses' and backs President Trump.
— Anna Golladay, Democratic opponent, to the Chattanooga Times Free Press and on her campaign site
What we couldn’t verify
No DCCC material naming Fleischmann in 2026 could be found; the district is not on the committee's target list.
His office did not respond to Local 3 News when Golladay launched her campaign.
Whether Fleischmann will debate Golladay had not been reported.
Raising the federal minimum wage and taxing the super-rich.
Fully funding Social Security and increasing funding for SNAP.
Universal health care — 'healthcare is dignity, not privilege'.
Strong rural hospitals, schools and towns, and protecting land and water.
Protecting reproductive freedom and LGBTQ+ lives.
Addressing the challenges of artificial intelligence.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
Former United Methodist pastor at St. Mark's in Chattanooga, dismissed in 2018 for officiating a same-sex marriage.
Small business owner with three graduate degrees.
Lost an April 2025 runoff for Chattanooga City Council District 8.
Won the August 6, 2026 Democratic primary with 79.6% against Bryan Martin.
Had $33,870 in campaign cash as of July 17, 2026.
Has not held elected office.
Arguments in favor
Tennessee deserves better than being taken for granted; her campaign is about 'choosing care over cruelty — and speaking up when others stay silent', and she argues the new map has made a competitive race possible if voters are given hope that things can change.
— Anna Golladay, campaign site, social media and to the Chattanooga Times Free Press
Arguments against
The district's lines make it nearly impossible for a Democrat to win, and she had about $34,000 on hand against Fleischmann's $4.8 million.
— Chattanooga Times Free Press editorial board; Federal Election Commission filings
What we couldn’t verify
No published criticism of Golladay by name could be found — not from Fleischmann's campaign, the NRCC, or coverage in the Chattanooga Times Free Press, Local 3 News or Chattanoogan.com.
Whether she will debate Fleischmann had not been reported.
Qualified as an independent candidate for this seat in the November 3, 2026 general election.
No prior elected office could be identified.
Arguments in favor
We found none published about this candidate in the sources reviewed.
Arguments against
We found none published about this candidate in the sources reviewed.
What we couldn’t verify
No news coverage, campaign website, candidate questionnaire or campaign finance filing could be found, so this candidate's background and positions could not be established.
No published argument for or against this candidacy by any named party, group or outlet could be found.
Qualified as an independent candidate for this seat in the November 3, 2026 general election.
No prior elected office could be identified.
Arguments in favor
We found none published about this candidate in the sources reviewed.
Arguments against
We found none published about this candidate in the sources reviewed.
What we couldn’t verify
No news coverage, campaign website, candidate questionnaire or campaign finance filing could be found, so this candidate's background and positions could not be established.
No published argument for or against this candidacy by any named party, group or outlet could be found.
Qualified as an independent candidate for this seat in the November 3, 2026 general election.
No prior elected office could be identified.
Arguments in favor
We found none published about this candidate in the sources reviewed.
Arguments against
We found none published about this candidate in the sources reviewed.
What we couldn’t verify
No news coverage, campaign website, candidate questionnaire or campaign finance filing could be found, so this candidate's background and positions could not be established.
No published argument for or against this candidacy by any named party, group or outlet could be found.
Qualified as an independent candidate for this seat in the November 3, 2026 general election.
No prior elected office could be identified.
Arguments in favor
We found none published about this candidate in the sources reviewed.
Arguments against
We found none published about this candidate in the sources reviewed.
What we couldn’t verify
No news coverage, campaign website, candidate questionnaire or campaign finance filing could be found, so this candidate's background and positions could not be established.
No published argument for or against this candidacy by any named party, group or outlet could be found.
Qualified as an independent candidate for this seat in the November 3, 2026 general election.
No prior elected office could be identified.
Arguments in favor
We found none published about this candidate in the sources reviewed.
Arguments against
We found none published about this candidate in the sources reviewed.
What we couldn’t verify
No news coverage, campaign website, candidate questionnaire or campaign finance filing could be found, so this candidate's background and positions could not be established.
No published argument for or against this candidacy by any named party, group or outlet could be found.
Positions and criticism are quoted from the named sources, not our assessments. This is built to help you start getting informed — confirm the official candidate list with your election authority before you vote.
Tennessee held its primaries on August 6, 2026, under a new congressional map signed May 7, 2026. The redrawn 3rd District takes in all of Hamilton, Anderson, Bradley, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, Polk and Roane counties and almost all of Rhea County. Seven candidates are on the November ballot: Republican incumbent Chuck Fleischmann, unopposed in his primary; Democrat Anna Golladay, who beat Bryan Martin 79.6% to 20.4%; and independents Dean Arnold, Jean Howard-Hill, Rodney Joe King, Donnie Lynn Ownby and Edward John Roland. The roster is confirmed by NewsChannel 5's guide to every qualified candidate, Wikipedia and Ballotpedia. Tennessee's Secretary of State site blocked automated access. Candidate order here is Republican, Democrat, then independents alphabetically; that is an assumption, not the verified ballot order. Forecasters rate the seat safe Republican. Fleischmann had $4.84 million on hand as of June 30, 2026; Golladay had $33,870 as of July 17.
This is one contest on a longer ballot
A Tennessee ballot also carries state legislative districts, county offices, judicial seats and often local questions — and which of them you vote on is decided by your street address, not your city or ZIP code.
Your ballot is determined by your election authority, not by us. Verify your registration, precinct, and sample ballot at Tennessee Secretary of State.