The Gist
State Senator, 29th District
Photo of Raumesh Akbari
Raumesh AkbariOfficial portrait — Tennessee General Assembly

Raumesh Akbari

Candidate for State Senator, 29th District

DemocraticIncumbent

Background

Occupation
State senator; attorney
Lives in
Memphis

Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus, representing District 29 since 2019 (111th-114th General Assemblies) after three House terms (108th-110th). An attorney with a law degree from Saint Louis University.

Report

Photo: Official portrait — Tennessee General Assembly

Documented positions

Education

  • Sponsored a dyslexia interventionist endorsement for educators.In office

    Prime sponsor of SB2377 in the 114th General Assembly (2025-2026). Enacted; takes effect July 1, 2026.

    Legislation sponsored by Senator Raumesh Akbari, 114th General Assembly

    Government record · Tennessee General Assembly · Bills Sponsored: SB2377 · wapp.capitol.tn.gov

    “requires the state board of education to establish a qualified dyslexia interventionist endorsement”
    Report

Economy & jobs

  • Sponsored four weeks' leave for living organ donors.In office

    Prime sponsor of SB0579 in the 114th General Assembly (2025-2026). Enacted; took effect April 23, 2026.

    Legislation sponsored by Senator Raumesh Akbari, 114th General Assembly

    Government record · Tennessee General Assembly · Bills Sponsored: SB0579 · wapp.capitol.tn.gov

    “allows for eligible employees to be absent four weeks from work following a living organ donation surgery”
    Report

Health & human services

  • Sponsored newborn screening for sickle cell trait.In office

    Prime sponsor of SB1697 in the 114th General Assembly (2025-2026). Enacted (Public Chapter 773); parents are notified of positive results.

    Legislation sponsored by Senator Raumesh Akbari, 114th General Assembly

    Government record · Tennessee General Assembly · Bills Sponsored: SB1697 · wapp.capitol.tn.gov

    “directs the department of health to test for the presence of sickle cell trait in each newborn”
    Report

All sources (5)

Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.