FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 09, 2026
October 09, 2026
Contact:
Tim Kauffman
202-374-6491
[email protected]
Largest Federal Employee Union Endorses 3 Tennessee Candidates Ahead of Nov. 3 Election
Categories:
Congress, Election 2026, House
AFGE says endorsed candidates for U.S. House and Clarksville City Council will fight for working people
RIVERDALE, Ga. –– The American Federation of Government Employees today announced its endorsement of three candidates running for office representing Tennessee in the Nov. 3 election.
The newly endorsed candidates are Justin Pearson for the U.S. House representing Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District, Chaz Molder for the U.S. House representing Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District, and AFGE member Sabrena Gillespie for the Clarksville City Council representing Ward 1.
Pearson has been a voice for social justice and workers’ rights for Tennesseans. As a state lawmaker, he drew national attention for his fight against redistricting, and he has pushed legislation that benefits working-class Tennesseans.
Molder is the Democratic nominee in the 5th Congressional District and has served as mayor of Columbia, Tenn.
Gillespie is a longtime AFGE member and president of AFGE Local 2022 in Tennessee. She is running for election to the Clarksville City Council representing Ward 1.
“Justin Pearson has never backed down from a fight for working people, and he will be a relentless advocate for federal employees and their families in Congress. Chaz Molder understands the importance of public service and will be a powerful voice for workers and communities across Tennessee’s 5th District. Sabrena Gillespie has spent years leading and advocating for AFGE members as president of AFGE Local 2022, and she will bring that same commitment, experience, and proven leadership to the Clarksville City Council,” said AFGE District 5 National Vice President Tatishka Thomas.
More than 53,800 federal employees live in Tennessee, caring for veterans, supporting the military and making sure Social Security recipients get their benefits accurately and on time.
AFGE is the largest federal employee union in the country, representing more than 820,000 federal and D.C. government workers in all functions of government. AFGE represents 110,000 federal employees in District 5, which includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Written by OPEIU 2 AFL-CIO
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