CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – State Rep. Jason Hodges, who is finishing his first term in the Tennessee General Assembly in District 67, has a Republican opponent on Nov. 3 in John Dawson.
Here is information on both of them, why they are running for office and where they stand on the top issues in the race.
John W. Dawson, 53, Republican, retired from the US Army in 2007. Until last year, he worked as a military systems project manager. He has an Associate of Applied Science degree in Aviation Technology and is working toward a Bachelor of Science degree in Law and Policy at Liberty University.
Why are you running for office? “We each are inspired or called at times, and I felt this was a perfect way of serving the community in which my family and I live. Representing, means being part of that community, listening to all and working with as a team member for solutions is what I feel a true representative should be. I am conservative and believe that we should be fiscally accountability, as well, be responsible to the people at all times.”
What’s the top campaign issue and what’s your stand on it? “Hard to say one item is a top campaign issue, but to pick it would be education. Our community continues grow, and the education systems must grow as well from all aspects. Ensure our educators are empowered to perform and retention initiatives are regularly reviewed for effectiveness. Strive to utilize experience that we have within the community. Expand our minds to bring together community and education at all levels. Explore opportunities in regards to educational costs and businesses. We are the solution, to our problems and must work together to make it happen.”
For more: www.johndawson4tn.org
Rep. Jason Hodges, 39, is the Democrat incumbent in the state House of Representatives and is Operations Manager for the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System. He served as s Montgomery County Commissioner from 2014 to 2018, when he was elected to state office. He has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Austin Peay State University and served in the US Marine Corps.
Why are you running for office? “I’m running for re-election to continue the work that we have started in the 2019-2020 General Assembly. This includes making healthcare affordable, supporting public education, advocating for equality and working with local leaders to bring infrastructure projects to the Clarksville area. It’s important that we stand up for the working class and continue fighting for all Clarksvillians and Tennesseans. There’s much to be done, but I am ready to continue this battle.”
What’s the top campaign issue and what’s your stand on it? “Extremely pressing issues include the high costs of medicine and healthcare. It’s important to ensure that all Tennesseans have affordable access to healthcare and life-saving drugs. We can do this through expansion of Medicaid and holding pharmaceutical companies accountable for the high prices they are charging. In the last legislative session, I proposed a bill that would cap insulin costs. I will be working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and reintroducing this bill when re-elected. Taking care of our citizens and having affordable healthcare access should not be partisan.”
For more: jasonhodges.org.
Uncontested races
Rep. Curtis Johnson, R-Clarksville, is running unopposed in District 68, a seat he’s held since 2005. Johnson is a small-business owner and a Navy veteran. He has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Austin Peay State University. He is currently the Deputy Speaker. He previously served on the Clarksville City Council, from 1994-2002.
Rep. Jay Reedy, R-Erin, is running unopposed in District 74, a seat he’s held since 2015. Reedy is a cattle farm owner and an Army veteran. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from Austin Peay State University.
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