Image Credit: Dale Braden for Congress / Facebook
Submitted by Connor B. [Forge and Anvil] –
Tennessee’s 6th congressional district is in the midst of an intense Republican primary in order to replace Congressman John Rose whose seat will be vacant due to Rose running for governor of Tennessee. However, Monday night the field of contestants shrunk as Dale Braden announced the suspension of his campaign.
“This isn’t easy to share,” Braden wrote on his social media, “but after much prayer and many heartfelt talks with my family, I’ve decided to place my campaign on hold for now.”
Braden had spent the last several weeks traveling all across the Upper Cumberland pursuing voters across the district. From GOP meetings to county fairs, Braden was popping up everywhere in an effort to court the grassroots. However, despite his efforts the campaign has come to an early end.
“My convictions remain unshakable. Faith in God, love of family, and loyalty to our Constitution aren’t just political positions, they are the very foundation of my life. They are the bedrock of the Republican Party, and they are worth defending with everything we have.
Of course, the road has not been without challenges. Sadly, there are some who put self-interest above service, who would rather tear down than lift up. That spirit of division is part of what’s broken in politics today, and I refuse to play a part in it.”
With Braden leaving the race, the GOP primary now consists of former Marine John Henry, state representative Johnny Garrett, Rose’s chief of staff and former congressman Van Hilleary, and Brad Gaines, the father of former NCAA swimmer and activist Riley Gaines. Voting for the republican primary is still a long way out, and with no clear favorite, it looks like this race will continue to be a nail-biter.
Braden finished his announcement with the promise that “This is not an ending, it’s simply a pause.”
See Braden’s full campaign suspension post here.
