Senator

Civil Miller-Watkins

C. Miller-Watkins

Democrat

Tell us about your campaign.

I am running because families, rural communities, women, seniors, students, and working people are under attack in Tennessee and across this nation. Tennessee has become a testing ground for policies that weaken voting rights, underfund public schools, attack diversity and fairness, make healthcare harder to reach, and push power further away from everyday people. These attacks are not happening by accident. They are happening through laws, budgets, court fights, and political choices. I believe that families are under particular attack at this moment. I believe what is good for marginalized people is good for everyone. When we protect the vote, everyone's vote is stronger. When we fund public schools, every child benefits. When we make healthcare affordable, every family has a better chance. When we fight poverty, raise wages, and protect civil rights, the country is stronger. I'm running because the tools that were created to help level the playing field are now being used by some leaders to divide us, silence us, and take us backward. I cannot sit quietly while that happens. I am running for the United States Senate to fight back in Washington, protect democracy, defend civil rights, lower costs for working families, and put power back in the hands of the people.

In your own words, describe the responsibilities of the office you are seeking.

1. Represent the people of TN - traveling the state to listen to the concerns of all citizens 2. Write and pass federal laws - work with other senators, debate, offer amendments, and vote. 3. Vote on the federal budget - which includes military spending, education funding, infrastructure investments, Medicare and Medicaid funding, and Social Security policies. 4. Conduct oversight of the Executive Branch - which includes hold hearings, investigate governmental agencies, question Cabinet officials, and review how money is spent. 5. Confirm presidential appointments - includes advise and consent for Supreme Court Justices, Federal judges, Cabinet Secretaries, etc. 6. Approve treaties 7. Conduct impeachment trials - this body conducts the trial. 8. Serve on committees - such as the HELP, Agriculture, and Commerce committees. 9. Respond to emergencies - includes natural, economic, public health, and military emergencies. 10. Casework for constituents - helping Tennesseans deal with federal agencies including Social Security, Medicare, and Federal Student Aid. 11. Advocate for TN's economy - bringing money to Tennessee by promoting Federal grants, infrastructure projects, rural development, etc. 12. Communicate with the public - including holding Town Halls, publishing reports, and using social media so people of TN are informed about votes and legislation. 13. Build coalitions - work with TN elected officials.

What are your priorities for this office?

I support criminal justice reform that makes communities safer without turning people into profit. I support a real Buying Power Agenda where we take on price gouging, lower prescription drug costs, expand affordable housing, make child care more affordable, protect families from junk fees, predatory lending, and unfair pricing practices. We should raise wages responsibly, protect the right to organize, invest in public schools, expand broadband, support small businesses, and bring real opportunity to rural communities. I support the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act, restoration of voting rights, and stronger federal protection against gerrymandering.

Describe your qualifications for this office.

As a rural Tennessee educator, pastor, former Vice Chair of FCPS School Board, Secretary of the TDCCA, living in Tennessee's 9th Congressional District, one of the districts impacted when Memphis and nearby Black voting power were split. As former chair of the Fayette County Democratic Chair, I helped fight for fair representation and was instrumental in securing three majority-minority districts in Fayette County. People should have a real voice in choosing leaders. I am an Emerge TN Alum, a Biden delegate, a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. All six of our sons are Eagle Scouts through the Pack and Troop where I serve in leadership. My life's work has been about service in my family, in the classroom, in the church, on the School Board, and in the community. I am a wife of 37 years, mother of 8, and grandmother of 13. I believe we should put power back in the hands of working people.