Meet Odessa Kelly, candidate for U.S. House, District 7
The Tennessean Editorial Board asked candidates on the Nov. 8 state and federal general election ballot in Tennessee to answer our questionnaire. Find biographical information and their responses to 10 questions. Early voting starts on Oct. 19.
More:Learn about candidates running in the Nov. 8 Tennessee general election | Editorial
Biographical Information
Name: Odessa Kelly
Age (at time of Aug. 4 election): 40
Neighborhood, town and/or city: Nashville
Education: Master of Public Service - Cumberland University (2014) Bachelor of Business Administration - Tennessee State University (2004) Class of 2000 - Stratford High School (Nashville, TN)
Job history: Executive Director - Stand Up Nashville (2019 - Present), Director - Napier Community Center, Metro Parks and Recreation (2006-2019) Warehouse employee/Courier - FedEx (2004 - 2012)
Family: Lots of it!
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Ten Questions about your Candidacy
What office are you seeking? (Include district)
U.S. House of Representatives TN-07 (Democrat)
Why are you running for this office?
We need more working class people in Congress who understand the urgencies that the majority of Tennesseans are struggling with. Our democracy is hanging on by a thread because much of the current leadership only cares about making money and holding onto power, but I see you...I know what it's like to work two jobs, raise kids, pay rent and feel ignored, mistreated, and unappreciated by those in positions of elected leadership. I want to build a government with the people, not against them. Tennessee deserves a representative who's not afraid to stand against white nationalism, greedy corporations, and hatred disguised as faith. Twenty years from now I want to be able to look people in the eye and say “I exhausted every bit of my capacity to build something better.”
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What makes you qualified to hold this office and better qualified than your opponent(s)? (Please specify if you are unopposed, but feel free to answer)
This country is falling apart because our current leadership represents a tiny, wealthy minority, and not the masses. I'm Black in America, gay in America, and a woman in America! I’m also a mother, in debt, working class, underpaid, attended public schools, got college loans, love the earth and want to preserve it. I have a proven track record of using civil service to improve the lives of others whereas my opponent Mark Green has abused his current position of leadership to strip constituents of their liberties, tear apart our democracy, and make himself richer. Congressman Mark Green jeopardizes the lives of Tennesseans and millions more across this country to garner the affection of Donald Trump by upholding racists, misogynistic, and oppressive ideologies. The only thing that has improved during his tenure in Congress is his net worth. I have built my entire career by serving the public well, and I will continue to do so in Congress.
How can you make the biggest impact on your community through this position?
Overall, I want Tennesseans to see their best interests being represented, not just through words, but through actions. In Congress, I’ll vote yes to expanding the Supreme Court, restoring voting rights, and creating more pathways for people to alleviate debt. I'll also vote yes on infrastructure bills to build new roads, bridges, rural hospitals and the funding needed for quality workforce training programs that will put Tennesseans to work across this country. I’ll vote yes to lower health care costs, lower childcare costs, legalize marijuana, and lower prescription drug costs. Congressman Mark Green has not and will never fight to provide our communities with this kind of representation.
If you are elected (or re-elected), what are your top 2 to 3 priorities for your new (or next) term in office?
Restoring and expanding voting rights, tackling the affordable housing crisis, and alleviating debt.
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What are you hearing most from voters about what they want you to accomplish, if elected?
Tennessee’s new 7th Congressional district includes both small rural towns and densely populated urban neighborhoods – but we all have the same needs and urgencies. No matter where they live, people want better health care, affordable homes, jobs with higher wages, safe workplaces, and a strong vibrant democracy.
What else do you want voters to know about you that will help them make an informed decision on Election Day?
I’m running for Congress to deliver power to the working people and communities of Tennessee who’ve been left behind by people who abuse their power. I’m not in this to gain a title or wealth or status. I’m here to challenge the status quo, never be silent, and fight for your right to live the best quality of life you possibly can.
Tell us about a mentor or guide who made a difference in your life and what wisdom would you impart to the community?
Anyone who knows me, knows the reverence I have for my parents and everything they’ve done for me and my family. But I have to mention SEIU organizer Maura Lee Albert. She constantly reminds me that life is what we make of it, and that sometimes you have to sit in uncomfortable spaces to get what you need. I would tell everyone to remember that America belongs to you. Fight for the version of America that you want to see. Don't be fearful of the opposition, instead be resolute about unwavering. Yes, there will be people and institutions that will stand against you but there will be millions more who will stand beside you (including me). Power to the People!
Will you commit to being civil in how you present yourself and the way you interact with opponents and others? (Our definition of civility is being a good, active, honest and respectable citizen)
Yes
A fun question: What are one or two attractions (restaurants, parks, venues, etc.) that visitors cannot miss if they come to your community?
If you are visiting my community you cannot miss Plane Jane cocktail bar (it's a whole vibe) and Bolton's Hot Chicken (get the fish - trust me, it is amazing).
Call Opinion and Engagement Director David Plazas at (615) 259-8063, email him at dplazas@tennessean.com or tweet to him at @davidplazas.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee Nov. 8 election: Odessa Kelly, candidate, Congress, Dist. 7
