The Gist
U.S. Representative, 4th Congressional District
Photo of Scott DesJarlais
Scott DesJarlaisOfficial portrait — U.S. House of Representatives

Scott DesJarlais

Candidate for U.S. Representative, 4th Congressional District

RepublicanIncumbent

Background

Occupation
U.S. Representative; physician
Lives in
Sherwood
Campaign website
desjarlais.house.gov

U.S. Representative for Tennessee's 4th District, first elected in 2010 and now in his eighth term, and chairman of the House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee. A physician, he earned his medical degree from the University of South Dakota.

Report

Photo: Official portrait — U.S. House of Representatives

Documented positions

Taxes & budget

  • Supported the One Big Beautiful Bill Act's permanent tax cuts.In office

    Statement on House passage of H.R. 1, May 2025.

    DesJarlais Celebrates House Passage of One Big Beautiful Bill

    Public statement · Office of Rep. Scott DesJarlais · May 22, 2025 · desjarlais.house.gov

    “Gives the largest PERMANENT tax cut in history to the middle class, unleashes American energy production, secures our southern border and strengthens our military.”
    Report

Public safety

  • Wrote to USDA urging strict SNAP reporting on immigrants.In office

    Letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, October 2025.

    DesJarlais Expresses Concern to USDA & DHS Over Illegal Migrant SNAP Benefit Use

    Public statement · Office of Rep. Scott DesJarlais · Oct 30, 2025 · desjarlais.house.gov

    “I strongly believe that without strict reporting requirements from states that manage their individual SNAP programs, corruption will occur”
    Report
  • Supported moving U.S. Space Command to Huntsville, Alabama.In office

    DesJarlais Praises Trump’s Decision to Move Space Command to Huntsville, Alabama

    Public statement · Office of Rep. Scott DesJarlais · Sep 2, 2025 · desjarlais.house.gov

    “Studies found Huntsville, Alabama to be the best suited place for Space Force to set up its headquarters.”
    Report
  • Sponsored a law letting troops carry firearms at recruiting stations.In office

    Introduced after the 2015 Chattanooga attack; his biography says it became law in 2016.

    Biography — Congressman Scott DesJarlais

    Government record · U.S. House of Representatives · desjarlais.house.gov

    “legislation allowing members of the military to carry firearms at recruiting stations”
    Report

Economy & jobs

  • Reintroduced a bill letting the horse industry shape soring rules.In office

    The Protecting Horses from Soring Act of 2025 (H.R. 1675), aimed at Tennessee Walking Horse regulations.

    DesJarlais Reintroduces Protecting Horses from Soring Act

    Public statement · Office of Rep. Scott DesJarlais · Mar 24, 2025 · desjarlais.house.gov

    “requires USDA to work with the Horse Industry Organization to establish industry-specific regulations and properly trained inspectors.”
    Report

Health & human services

  • Opposed the planned closure of the McMinnville VA clinic.In office

    He announced in May 2026 that the clinic would remain open.

    DesJarlais Announces McMinnville VA Will Remain Open

    Public statement · Office of Rep. Scott DesJarlais · May 14, 2026 · desjarlais.house.gov

    “Through a formal letter and series of phone calls Congressman DesJarlais expressed his concern about the closure.”
    Report

Other issues in this race

Other candidates in this race addressed these topics. We found no documented position from Scott DesJarlais on them.

  • EducationNo documented position found.
  • Environment & parksNo documented position found.
  • Government & transparencyNo documented position found.
  • Courts & justiceNo documented position found.

All sources (29)

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.