On Tuesday, state Rep. Brenda Gilmore announced her candidacy for the 19th State Senatorial District.
“Now more than ever we need leaders with a longstanding record of giving back, listening and responding to constituents’ concerns,” Gilmore said. “I go to work every day and listen to the concerns and frustrations of our citizens. I have been blessed with the opportunity to actually respond and make a real difference. It would be my honor to continue giving back to this community.”
After serving on the Metro Council, Gilmore was elected in 1990 to represent the 54th District. While serving in the state House, she has advocated for ‘Ban the Box,’ which provides those convicted of a crime with equal opportunity to work once they have fully served their time and paid their debt back to society.
Rep. Gilmore has also worked to secure a fair share of land grant funding for TSU and on approving the noise wall on Highway 65 North.
According to Gilmore, she continues to work to reduce and remove the sales tax on food, insure that all children receive the best education possible and provide economic and job opportunities for everyone.
“I will continue the fight to raise up everyone in our community, from women and children to the disadvantaged and those struggling to make ends meet,” said Gilmore.
Gilmore is running for the seat currently held by Sen. Thelma Harper who is rumored to be retiring soon.
“My focus right now is on my constituents and finishing the job they elected me to do. It’s been my greatest honor to serve Nashville in the state Senate these last 28 years, and it’s no secret that I’m considering retirement,” said Harper.
“I have heard from several exciting new leaders who are eager for an opportunity to serve, and I will make a decision at the appropriate time, when the 110th General Assembly is finished. It will ultimately be up to the people of Nashville who they believe will best represent them in the state Senate.”
Also running for the seat is Rev. Howard E. Jones, Jr., who in February said that he would not seek election unless Harper decides to retire.
On Wednesday, District 5 Councilman Scott Davis, who is also the new Minority Caucus President, confirmed rumors about his future plans. “I am exploring a run for the District 54 seat being vacated by Rep. Brenda Gilmore.”
Rep. Brenda Gilmore’s daughter, At-Large Councilwoman Erica Gilmore has said that she has no plans to run for her mother’s seat.
