Former Democratic Nashville Mayor Megan Barry has announced her bid for a U.S. House seat, aiming to unseat Rep. Mark Green, R-Tenn. This marks her return to the political arena after facing now-dismissed criminal charges related to an extramarital affair with her city-employed bodyguard over five years ago. In her announcement video, Barry highlighted several reasons for her decision, including the rise in mass shootings at schools, Tennessee’s abortion ban, the closure of rural hospitals, and the ongoing opioid epidemic.
Barry, who was elected as Nashville’s first female mayor in 2015, resigned from office in 2018 after pleading guilty to felony theft for misusing city funds during her affair. She subsequently reimbursed the city for the unlawful expenses and completed three years of unsupervised probation. The charge was expunged from her record in 2021.
Acknowledging her past mistakes, Barry emphasized taking responsibility and working through them with her husband. She expressed her belief that individuals should not be defined by their worst moments but rather by their actions moving forward. Barry is running as a Democrat in one of the three congressional districts that were redrawn by Republican lawmakers last year.
Highlighting the dysfunction in Congress and its failure to make a significant impact on the lives of American families, Barry aims to bring about meaningful change if elected. Her announcement also focuses on the tragic death of her son, Max, in 2017 due to a drug overdose, including opioids. Since leaving office, Barry has been actively sharing her son’s story to combat the shame and stigma surrounding substance abuse disorders.
However, Barry faces an uphill battle in the congressional district, which extends beyond Nashville and covers 13 counties favoring Republicans. In the previous election, Rep. Green secured his third term with a significant margin over his Democratic opponent. The district also leaned heavily towards former President Trump in the 2020 election, favoring him over President Biden by 15 percentage points.
It is worth noting that Tennessee’s congressional map is currently facing a federal lawsuit, which is scheduled to go to trial in April 2025. Despite this ongoing legal challenge, Barry remains determined to make inroads and provide a voice for the working families she believes have been ignored for too long.
In response to Barry’s announcement, Rep. Green’s team expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to serve and reiterated their commitment to fighting for their values and principles. Green’s chief of staff, Stephen Siao, highlighted the congressman’s dedication to his fellow Americans, drawing on his experiences in combat, the emergency room, and public service.
As the campaign progresses, Barry’s bid for the U.S. House seat will undoubtedly attract attention and spark debates on various issues, including healthcare, border security, and constitutional rights. The outcome of this race will shape the political landscape in Tennessee and potentially contribute to the broader national discourse.
This article was written by Danielle Wallace, a reporter for Digital, covering politics, crime, police, and more. For story tips, contact [email protected] or follow her on Twitter: @danimwallace. Stay updated with the latest news from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more political content by subscribing to the newsletter.
