Survey Series: TN-7 Candidates Contend For The Conservative Vote & Accountability To Constituents

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The Tennessee Conservative [ By Olivia Lupia] –

In the conclusion of our candidate survey series, the District 7 candidates make their pitch for why conservatives should vote for them and lay out their plans for accountability to those that elect them. 

*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.

Why should a Conservative vote for you over another Republican?

Jody Barrett: I’m the proven conservative fighter in this race. I have the most conservative voting record in the Tennessee legislature. I stood shoulder-to-shoulder with President Trump and never caved to the woke Left or weak Republicans. I took on the establishment of my own party to protect our Second Amendment rights and rural values. I won’t be bullied and I won’t be bought, I’ve proven that. I’m a Tennessean with Tennessee values. With me, voters know they’re sending a warrior who will defend our Constitution, protect our families, and deliver for Tennessee every day. Trust my record, not other candidates’ rhetoric.

Gino Bulso: Because I am not running to manage decline or preserve the status quo. Conservatives know the difference between those who mouth our values and those who live them. Establishment Republicans compromise with the Left, grow government, and abandon principle. True Conservatives fight for faith, family, liberty, and accountability—without apology. That is my record. I have defended parental rights, life, and freedom against fierce opposition, and I will do the same in Washington. Conservatives should support me because I will not bend to pressure, betray convictions, or serve elites. I will serve God, Tennessee, and the people.

Stewart Parks: Everyone in this race says they’re the most conservative, pro-Trump candidate in the race. The difference between the rest of the candidates and myself is how we view ourselves. I’m not awarding myself any titles or trying to make myself seem like I’m more important than the voters of this district. I’m going to DC to be a mirror for our voices and values, and to support President Trump’s America First agenda.

Tres Wittum: I’m not here to play politics — I’m here to fight for Tennessee values. For over a decade, I worked inside the Tennessee Senate helping lead on conservative policy. In 2024, more than 43,000 Tennesseans stood with me in the U.S. Senate primary because I’ve been consistent: faith, family, and fiscal sanity. I’ll push to secure our border, stop reckless spending, and fight for affordable food, housing, and healthcare. I won’t quit, and I won’t forget who I represent. I’ll LEAD America with Tennessee values — consistently, clearly, and with courage.

How do you plan to stay accountable and accessible to your constituents once elected?

Jody Barrett: I am and will always be a servant-leader. I am accountable to the people, because I am one of them. I was born here, raised here, and educated here. I came back home to raise my family, build my career, and invest in my hometown. As State Representative, I have been intentional about being present throughout the district and accessible to the people I represent. My constituents know me because they see me in their communities on a regular basis. They trust me because I am accessible and responsive to their communications. That will always be a top priority.

Gino Bulso: Accountability comes through accessibility and by staying true to my principles. I have proven as a state representative that I am unwavering in my beliefs even when they are unpopular with my own party. I will be available to voters through robust constituent services and by making myself available to them in person whenever I am in the district. I have proven my willingness to do so on the campaign trail through meeting and speaking with voters on the campaign trail when other candidates have not.

Stewart Parks: Putting America First means putting you first. My job as your congressman is to be the mirror that reflects your values to Washington, D.C. – not the other way around. If elected, I’ll ensure our local offices are staffed with local people who know your issues and understand what must happen for our communities to thrive.

Tres Wittum: I’ll stay accountable by remembering I work for you, not Washington. I’ll hold regular town halls, answer calls and emails, and be back home in Tennessee every week, not hiding in D.C. I’ll post updates so you always know where I stand and how I vote. And if I ever forget who I work for, you’ll remind me—because I won’t quit on the people who put their trust in me.

Read the fourth installment HERE where the candidates  pay homage to the documents that built our nation and expound on their views regarding state sovereignty.

Read the third installment HERE where the candidates offer their top priorities should they be sent to Washington D.C. and give their preferences for committee assignments they’d like once there.

Read the second installment HERE where the candidates address election integrity and their faith lives.

Read the first installment HERE where the candidates questions on tackling Illegal Immigration & Fighting For Tennessee In D.C.

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.