Survey Series: TN-7 Candidates Tackle Illegal Immigration & Fighting For Tennessee In D.C.

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The Tennessee Conservative [ By Olivia Lupia] –

The Tennessee Conservative created a candidate survey for Republicans running to replace Congressman Mark Green in TN-7. The aim of our questionnaire was to afford our readers the opportunity to hear firsthand from the candidates on topics and policies important to conservative voters, many of whom will play a part in choosing the next Representative during the upcoming special election.

In this first installment of the candidate survey series, the District 7 contenders confront one of the highest priorities for Tennessee voters- illegal immigration. They also discuss how they will represent Tennessee on a national stage.

*Note: All 11 qualified Republican candidates were afforded the opportunity to participate in the survey, only 4 completed the questionnaire. Each candidate was asked the same questions, and their responses are presented verbatim. Candidate responses are in the same order in which their names will appear on the ballot.

Do you believe Tennessee has an illegal immigration problem? Why or why not?

Jody Barrett: Yes. Tennessee has an illegal immigration problem because Joe Biden’s policies made every state a border state. We see the impacts in our schools, hospitals, and law enforcement. Cartel-driven drugs like fentanyl are killing Tennesseans. Just last month, I was the only candidate in this race to call out Belmont University for ignoring President Trump’s immigration laws. I’ve introduced legislation to make it a crime to harbor undocumented illegal immigrants. This is a national security and sovereignty crisis. Tennesseans deserve leaders who put our safety and our citizens first. That is what I will do.

Gino Bulso: Yes. The flood of illegal immigration is not only a federal failure—it is a moral one. It burdens our schools, healthcare, and law enforcement, while empowering cartels and traffickers. Tennessee has already felt its effects. A nation without borders is not a nation. I have fought against sanctuary policies and defended Tennessee’s right to enforce its laws. In Congress, I will press for a wall, deportation of criminals, and an end to lawless incentives. America welcomes legal immigrants who respect our laws. But unchecked illegal immigration erodes sovereignty and endangers families. Tennessee deserves leaders who will protect them.

Stewart Parks: Yes, Tennessee has an illegal immigration problem because America has an illegal immigration problem. While we’ve done a lot to protect Tennessee workers, there is still much to be done in terms of making it impossible for illegal immigrants to reside in Tennessee.

Tres Wittum: Yes. While not as severe as border states, Tennessee faces real consequences from Biden’s open borders: increased fentanyl trafficking, human trafficking, and strained public resources. Every state is a border state when federal failures allow illegal immigration to spread crime and drain taxpayer funds. We must secure our sovereignty and enforce the law.

How do you plan to advocate for the interests of Tennessee at the federal level?

Jody Barrett: I’ll advocate boldly, courageously, and directly, just as I always have. Tennessee is a conservative state, but too often establishment elites in our own party sell out our values to advance their own personal political careers. I’m not serving in public office to climb a ladder or get rich. I’m here to fight for our farmers, small businesses, veterans, and working families who feel forgotten by D.C. insiders. I’ll fight for our Tennessee values. I’ll fight for President Trump’s agenda. Faith, freedom, family, and hard work, will guide every vote I cast and every fight I take on in Congress.

Gino Bulso: I will carry Tennessee’s voice to Washington with conviction rooted in principle, not politics. The federal government has grown arrogant, forgetting that its authority derives from the consent of the governed. My task is to defend Tennessee families, businesses, and communities against such overreach. That means securing our borders, preserving liberty, and protecting the rights of parents to raise their children free from radical ideology. Just as I have stood firm in the legislature when others faltered, I will fight in Congress so that Washington remembers who is sovereign: the people of Tennessee, under Almighty God.

Stewart Parks: Tennessee is one of the most moved-to states in America for a reason: we treat people kindly, we’re honest, we work hard, and we know what we stand for. President Trump has outlined a vision for America that Tennesseans believe in, and voted for, and I plan to support that agenda in Congress.

Tres Wittum: My job is simple—be Tennessee’s voice in Washington. That means fiscal sanity: stop the spending, balance the budget, pay down the debt. It means protecting Fort Campbell, standing with our farmers, and giving parents control over schools. We must secure the border—build the wall, end birthright citizenship, defund sanctuary cities. And we must back President Trump, drain the swamp, crack down on Nashville crime, and always stand with law enforcement. That’s how I’ll fight for Tennessee values.

About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.