U.S. Senate candidate Marquita Bradshaw

Editorial Note: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that Marquita Bradshaw is in an independent. She is the Democratic nominee for Tennessee's U.S. Senate seat. Marquita Bradshaw is the Democratic nominee for Tennessee's U.S. Senate seat. She faces incumbent U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., and a handful of independent candidates in the race. The Johnson City Press reached out to all candidates with a survey containing the same questions. This was Bradshaw's response. The following answers have been edited for clarity. Q: What motivates you to run for this position? A: I am motivated to run for the United States Senate because Tennessee's working families deserve a champion who understands their struggles and will fight for their future. Too many communities face unaffordable healthcare, environmental injustice, low wages and limited opportunities while wealthy special interests dominate Washington. I am running to bring people-powered leadership to the Senate, protect voting and reproductive rights, expand access to quality healthcare, create good-paying jobs and ensure every community has clean air, clean water and a meaningful voice in government. This campaign is about building a Tennessee where everyone — not just the powerful — can thrive. Q: What makes you qualified for this position? A: My experience as a lifelong environmental justice organizer and community advocate has prepared me to serve Tennesseans effectively. I have spent decades working alongside families affected by pollution, economic inequality, inadequate healthcare and government neglect. Through this work, I have built coalitions, organized communities, advocated for stronger public policies and held powerful institutions accountable. I understand how federal decisions affect people's daily lives — and how to bring communities together to create meaningful change. My leadership is rooted in listening, service and firsthand experience. I am prepared to bring that people-centered perspective to the United States Senate and deliver results for every Tennessee community. Q: What do you believe is the most pressing issue facing the nation, and what would you do as a U.S. Senator to address this? A: The most pressing issue facing our nation is economic inequality, which affects families' ability to afford healthcare, housing, food, education and a secure retirement. As a United States Senator, I will fight to raise wages, protect Social Security and Medicaid, lower prescription drug and healthcare costs, expand affordable housing and create good-paying jobs through investments in clean energy and infrastructure. I will also work to ensure corporations and the wealthiest Americans pay their fair share. Our economy should reward work, strengthen communities and give every family, not only the well-connected, a fair opportunity to thrive. Q: What have you done during your campaign to earn voters' trust in November? A: Throughout this campaign, I have earned voters' trust by showing up, listening and staying accountable to the people — not corporate special interests. I have traveled across Tennessee to hear directly from working families, small-business owners, educators, healthcare workers and communities affected by environmental injustice. I have been transparent about my priorities and consistent in advocating for affordable healthcare, living wages, voting rights, reproductive freedom, clean air and water and good-paying jobs. This campaign is powered by everyday people because I believe public service begins with community. I will continue earning trust through honesty, accessibility and a commitment to delivering results for every Tennessean, regardless of ZIP code or political affiliation. Q: During your campaign, what issues have you found to be among voters' top priorities? A: Across Tennessee, voters consistently identify affordable healthcare, rising costs, good-paying jobs and protecting Social Security and Medicaid as top priorities. They are also deeply concerned about reproductive freedom, voting rights, quality public education, gun violence and environmental threats to clean air and water. Rural and underserved communities want better access to hospitals, broadband, transportation and economic opportunity. Above all, voters want leaders who listen, tell the truth and put working families ahead of corporate special interests. These conversations have reinforced my commitment to people-centered policies that lower costs, strengthen communities, protect fundamental rights and ensure every Tennessean has the opportunity to thrive.