CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The special election for Congress, District 7, is coming up Dec. 2, with early voting starting Wednesday, Nov. 12. To help voters with their decisions, Clarksville Now is giving candidates a chance to weigh in on key issues, including immigration, health care and highway infrastructure.

The candidates include Republican Matt Van Epps and Democrat Aftyn Behn, along with several independent candidates: Jonathan “Jon” Thorp, Teresa “Terri” Christie, Robert James Sutherby and Bobby Dodge. They are seeking to replace Rep. Mark Green, who resigned from Congress in June.

Here is the Q&A interview with Captain Terri Christie:

Question: Can you tell us about your qualifications to serve in Congress:

Answer: I’m an independent candidate who believes in putting people over politics. I’ve spent years serving my fellow Americans, building a track record of solving real problems with common-sense solutions. I’m focused on the issues that matter most to the 7th District and will fight for you, not political parties.

Q: What are your priorities with immigration, and what will it take to reach a compromise?

A: The U.S. was built on lawful immigration, but illegal immigration is breaking our system. It fuels human trafficking, drug cartels and a shadow workforce that undercuts American jobs. As your representative, I will secure our borders, stop exploitation, and fix the system – with bipartisan solutions that put Americans first.

Q: On health care, are you satisfied with the current situation with health care in America, or do you see ways to improve it?

A: Our healthcare system is failing. Costs are skyrocketing, and too many Americans can’t access the care they need. I’ll fight to expand options, increase transparency, and tackle rising costs – prescriptions, office visits, elder care, and more. We need a system that puts patients first, not insurance companies.

Q: What would you do to ensure improvements are made to Interstate 24?

A: I-24 is a lifeline for our region’s economy. I’ll fight for federal funding to expand lanes, improve traffic flow, and make long-overdue infrastructure upgrades. We need a collaborative plan with state and local leaders to ensure I-24 is safe, efficient, and ready for the future.

Q: What other issues do you feel are most important to this race?

A: Economic growth, education, and supporting our veterans are my top priorities. I’ll fight for good-paying jobs, better vocational training, and expanding pre-K for every child. I’ll ensure our veterans get the care they’ve earned and stand up for honest, ethical energy – breaking up monopolies and empowering rural communities to regain member control of electric cooperatives and lower costs.

Fair elections are also crucial. It’s time to stop the big-money manipulation of our elections. No corporate-backed candidate should be able to buy a seat. If elected, I’ll work tirelessly to restore integrity to our electoral process and make sure it’s the people, not the billionaires, who decide our future.

Other candidates

Early voting schedule in Montgomery County

District 7 encompasses parts of Middle and West Tennessee, with a large portion of voters residing in Montgomery County, Davidson County, and Williamson County. 

Early voting will be Nov. 12-26 at the Montgomery County Election Commission, 350 Pageant Lane, Suite 404, on this schedule:

  • Nov. 12, Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Nov. 13, Thursday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Nov. 14, Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Nov. 15, Saturday: 9 a.m. to noon
  • Nov. 17, Monday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Nov. 18, Tuesday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Nov. 19, Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Nov. 20, Thursday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Nov. 21, Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Nov. 22, Saturday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Nov. 24, Monday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Nov. 25, Tuesday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Nov. 26, Wednesday: 8 a.m. to noon
  • Nov. 27, Thursday: Closed for Thanksgiving holiday

Election Day voting will be Dec. 2. For more, go to the Montgomery County Election Commission website.