From the beginning, Indivisible Knoxville has committed to being nonpartisan. That commitment remains.
We believe our community is stronger when everyone belongs. When people with different backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs can come together with empathy and compassion. When everyone has a voice, everyone is treated with dignity, and no one is left behind. That means standing up for our communities, our Constitution, our democracy, and our responsibility to one another.
Our founding mission and guidelines also recognize that nonpartisanship does not mean standing on the sidelines when democracy and constitutional rights are at stake.
We believe we have reached one of those moments.
So we approached this decision the same way we have always approached our work.
Our endorsement process: We looked at the candidates through the same questions we would ask of anyone seeking office: Will they respect constitutional limits? Will they protect democratic institutions? Will they respect the rule of law? Will they serve the WHOLE community? Will they work toward the issues our organization has identified as important to Tennessee?
We know this may feel like a significant step for an organization that has worked hard to maintain a nonpartisan identity. We take that seriously. We also understand that members may have different views about this decision, and we respect that.
Our door has never been closed to candidates from any party. Nor will it be in the future.
Why these candidates?
- She believes government should work for the people – not political insiders or corporations.
- She believes in strong public schools, accessible healthcare, and affordable housing.
- She has pledged to appoint qualified people – not political cronies – to lead state agencies.
- She believes in protecting our constitutional freedoms and treating every Tennessean with dignity.
- Because she knows East Tennessee. She’s built a small business here, and has spent years working in and serving our community.
- She believes government should work for the people – not corporate interests or political insiders.
- She is willing to work across party lines with anyone who is willing to get things done for East Tennessee – even when they disagree on other issues.
- And she is focused on the things people in our community are actually dealing with: affordable healthcare, housing, infrastructure, good-paying jobs, education, and protecting our privacy.
We remain committed to being a place where Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and people who don’t identify with a party can work together.
And when the protection of democracy and our Constitution requires us to make a choice, we believe our original commitment gives us not only permission – but a responsibility – to do so.
Nonpartisan does not mean indifferent.
THAT’S why we’re endorsing them.
By consensus and with hope,
The Planning Team