State

State Representative, 20th District

Vote for: 1
Term: 2 years
Candidates: 3
Election: Nov 3, 2026

What this office does: A state representative votes on Tennessee laws and the state budget in the Tennessee House of Representatives.

Candidates Compare by issue

Karen Gertz

Democratic

Technical writer and quality assurance auditor · Maryville

The gist

Supports protecting access to abortion, IVF and birth control.
Supports equal legal rights for LGBTQIA+ Tennesseans.
Opposes using public funds for private schools.
Supports common-sense gun legislation such as background checks.
Supports expanding Medicaid.

More about Karen

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Supports protecting access to abortion, IVF and birth control.
Karen Gertz for District 20
Campaign website · Committee to Elect Karen Gertz · karengertztn.com
“Bodily autonomy is a fundamental human right, including the right to abortion, IVF, and birth control.”
Supports equal legal rights for LGBTQIA+ Tennesseans.
Karen Gertz for District 20
Campaign website · Committee to Elect Karen Gertz · karengertztn.com
“we must respect the individuality of each citizen and ensure that equal rights are enshrined within Tennessee law.”
Opposes using public funds for private schools.
Karen Gertz for District 20
Campaign website · Committee to Elect Karen Gertz · karengertztn.com
“Public funds should only be used for public schools.”
Supports common-sense gun legislation such as background checks.
Karen Gertz for District 20
Campaign website · Committee to Elect Karen Gertz · karengertztn.com
“We must enact common sense gun legislation that protects the safety of Tennesseans.”
Supports expanding Medicaid.
Karen Gertz for District 20
Campaign website · Committee to Elect Karen Gertz · karengertztn.com
“The expansion of Medicaid would reduce hospital closures in rural areas”

Jeff "Cog" Coggin

Independent

Air Force Junior ROTC instructor · Maryville

The gist

Supports accountability for data center incentives and local land-use say.
Supports investing in teacher recruitment, pay and retention.
Supports investing in broadband and transportation.
Pledges regular town halls and responsive constituent services.

More about Jeff

View sources (1)

Supports accountability for data center incentives and local land-use say.
VOTE411 Voter Guide: Tennessee House of Representatives District 20 (candidate questionnaire)
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“Any incentives offered should include clear accountability measures and demonstrate a meaningful return on investment for taxpayers.”
Supports investing in teacher recruitment, pay and retention.
VOTE411 Voter Guide: Tennessee House of Representatives District 20 (candidate questionnaire)
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“the legislature should continue investing in teacher recruitment, retention, and professional development.”
Supports investing in broadband and transportation.
VOTE411 Voter Guide: Tennessee House of Representatives District 20 (candidate questionnaire)
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“The legislature should also continue investing in infrastructure, including broadband expansion and transportation improvements”
Pledges regular town halls and responsive constituent services.
VOTE411 Voter Guide: Tennessee House of Representatives District 20 (candidate questionnaire)
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“I am committed to maintaining open communication through regular town halls, community meetings, and responsive constituent services.”

Tom Stinnett

RepublicanIncumbent

State representative; retired teacher · Friendsville

The gist

Pledges to cut taxes for families and businesses.
Supports law enforcement and holding criminals accountable.
Pledges to keep infrastructure up with growth.
Sponsored consecutive sentences for crimes against multiple children.In office
Sponsored teaching the safe haven law in high school.In office

In office = from the candidate's own official statements or legislation as an officeholder, not their campaign.

More about Tom

View sources (2)

Pledges to cut taxes for families and businesses.
Tom Stinnett for State House
Campaign website · Committee to Elect Tom Stinnett · tomstinnett4blount.com
“Cut Taxes for Families and Businesses”
Supports law enforcement and holding criminals accountable.
Tom Stinnett for State House
Campaign website · Committee to Elect Tom Stinnett · tomstinnett4blount.com
“Back Law Enforcement and Hold Criminals Accountable”
Pledges to keep infrastructure up with growth.
Tom Stinnett for State House
Campaign website · Committee to Elect Tom Stinnett · tomstinnett4blount.com
“Ensure Infrastructure Keeps Up With Growth”
Sponsored consecutive sentences for crimes against multiple children.
Legislation sponsored by Representative Tom Stinnett, 114th General Assembly
Government record · Tennessee General Assembly · Bills Sponsored: HB1525 · wapp.capitol.tn.gov
“requires a sentencing court to order the sentences for two or more offenses involving more than one minor victim to run consecutively”
Sponsored teaching the safe haven law in high school.
Legislation sponsored by Representative Tom Stinnett, 114th General Assembly
Government record · Tennessee General Assembly · Bills Sponsored: HB0368 · wapp.capitol.tn.gov
“adds instruction for public high school students on this state's safe haven law”

Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 8 issues covered in this race.