CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Allie Phillips has announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination to state representative, District 75.

Phillips, a Tennessee native, received her bachelor’s degree in Multimedia Journalism from Middle Tennessee State University. She was raised in Ashland City and, after graduation, she made her home in Clarksville.

In November 2022, Allie and her husband Bryan learned that they were expecting. They were elated and began to plan, but during a scan at 19 weeks pregnant, they were informed that their daughter, Miley Rose, was not compatible with life.

After discussing every possible alternative with their doctor, Allie and Bryan decided that termination was the best option for them. Unfortunately, the state of Tennessee had implemented a statewide abortion ban in August 2022 which made it impossible. Phillips made the difficult decision to fly to New York City, alone, to have the procedure done. She arrived at the clinic to learn that Miley Rose was already gone. Her heart had stopped beating at some point in the last week. With a risk of sepsis, blood clots, infections, or more, Phillips had to receive an emergency abortion.

Phillips told her story on TikTok where it gained her hundreds of thousands of followers, many of whom shared similar experiences. Since then, Phillips has become a vocal activist for women’s right to choose, and in September 2023, Phillips was one of 12 plaintiffs listed in a suit filed by the Center for Reproductive Rights against the states of Idaho, Tennessee, and Oklahoma for their extremely restrictive abortion bans.

“I’ve had the honor of being a voice for so many people, not only in Tennessee but across the world. My story, unfortunately, is all too familiar for many families,” Phillips said. “My commitment to fighting for change is something Clarksville needs in a representative. We deserve someone who listens, understands, and cares, and that person is me. My passion for people will help me better represent the citizens of District 75.”

For more, go to allie4tn.com.

District 75 was established in 2022 through redistricting and covers roughly the western third of Montgomery County and the west side of Clarksville. The primary election will be Aug. 1, 2024. The general election will be Nov. 5, 2024.

Information from Allie Phillips’ campaign.