Former District 54 State Rep. and District 1 Councilwoman Brenda Gilmore won the Democratic seat for District 19 State Senate on elections day. Her opponents for that race included Rev. Howard Jones, George Thomas, and Councilwoman Sandra V. Moore. Sen. Thelma Harper who made history by becoming the first African American senator elected to that seat for the state of Tennessee in the early ‘90s left the seat vacant.
Throughout one of the most memorable races of the election, Gilmore remained professional and humble on every twist and turn that she faced.
“I don’t take anything for granted and will continue to trust in God for wisdom and every step that both I and my team take on the electoral path,” said Gilmore at a pre-election political debate. “Whatever he has in store for me, I will be in acceptance with it. If it is to be elevated to the higher office we seek, I’ll be ready to hit the ground running and continue to serve the people with all that I have within me. If not, I will still thank him and move forward to what he has in store for me next.”
Months of campaigning demonstrated the support of her proud family: husband Harry ‘Gilly’ Gilmore, daughter and Metro City Councilwoman-at-Large Erica Gilmore, and recent high school graduate granddaughter Anyah Gilmore. The extended immediate family, a.k.a., ‘#TeamGilmore’ included: Campaign Manager Kara Turrentine; Treasurers Tonya Sherrell-Bond and Dr. Stephanie Hale-Walker; James Harris, attorney and policy advisor; S. Prescott Harris II, outreach director (and brother of Sen. Gilmore); and Jacob Franklin, finance assistant. As for #TeamGilmore, the names and positions of the committed and loyal members and volunteers continue and are practically endless.
They manned political debates, ice cream socials, private ‘get to know your candidate’ home hostings, the open house of Gilmore’s new Jefferson St. campaign office, fundraisers and various meet and greets. The staff was composed of dedicated volunteers who made a variable (and much appreciated) difference in the process of winning.
Gilmore won the Primary Election, but it doesn’t stop there by any means. #TeamGilmore has already geared up for the November 6 General Election.
Through it all, Brenda Gilmore continues to fight on the front lines for good paying jobs for working families, Medicare expansion to improve the quality of life for all who call Tennessee home. Brenda advocates for seniors and is committed to finding more solutions to youth violence.
For additional information about Election Day, check out these sites: www.sos.tn.gov/elections and www.nashville.gov/Election-Commission.aspx.
