Meet Scott DesJarlais, Republican nominee for U.S. House, Tennessee District 4

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: Scott DesJarlais

• Age (at time of Aug. 4 election): 58

• Neighborhood, town and/or city: Sherwood

• Education: University of South Dakota, B.S. Psychology and Chemistry; University of South Dakota, Doctor of Medicine

• Job history: General Medicine; United States Representative (TN-04)

• Family: Wife: Amy DesJarlais; Children: Tyler Privette, Ryan DesJarlais, Maggie DesJarlais

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Ten Questions about your Candidacy

What office are you seeking? (Include district)

U.S. House of Representatives District Four (Republican) - incumbent since 2011

Why are you running for this office?

I am running to represent Tennessee’s Fourth Congressional District because our country is at a crossroads and it will take experienced leaders to mitigate the disastrous impacts the current administration’s policies have had on the American people. Inflation has risen to the highest level it has been at in 40 years, our adversaries have watched our defense policies fail time and time again, supply chain shortages have made dangerous impacts on people’s livelihoods, and illegal southern border crossing are out of control. I have a strong record of voting to put money back in the taxpayers’ pockets and bolstering our national defense to ensure the safety of our citizens.

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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)

I have spent years meeting with constituents across the district and know what they value most. I am the best candidate to be able to advocate for their needs. Having seniority on both the House Agriculture Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, allows me to make a greater impact on crafting legislation that will directly impact our district.

How can you make the biggest impact on your community through this position?

Farmers in Tennessee’s Fourth are struggling to keep up with the ever-rising cost of inflation and the White House’s war on American energy. This year we will be working on the 2023 Farm Bill, having years of experience listening to farmers, ranchers, and other stakeholders in the district I know what our agriculture community needs to thrive. Also, with the deadly Afghanistan blunder, missteps in Russian negotiations, and President Biden’s weak stance on China, the American people are depending on Congressional leaders to rise and take charge of the situation because the White House is incapable.

If you are elected (or re-elected), what are your top 2 to 3 priorities for your new (or next) term in office?

In the next two years I will focused on crafting the 2023 Farm Bill that puts our American agricultural community first. Farmers and ranchers are the backbone of our economy and ensure that our supply chain is secure. Tennessee’s Fourth needs policies that incentivize U.S. food production and lowers the tax burden so that our agriculture industry does not collapse under overburdensome government regulations and unnecessary fees. Prioritizing our national security is also at the forefront of my priorities, and that starts here at home. Our southern border is being flooded with illegal migrants due to the Biden administration’s weak policies. I have several bills that to support our law enforcement which is being overrun by caravans and cartels. Securing the US-Mexico border will help stop the flow of illegal and lethal drugs and protect communities from dangerous, unvetted illegal aliens. Along with protecting our national security, I will continue to advocate for policies that bolster our national defense budget and act as a Department of Defense watchdog to ensure our military’s focus is on securing our culpabilities not the implementation of ‘woke’ policies.

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What are you hearing most from voters about what they want you to accomplish, if elected?

Voters want real solutions to the problems our country is facing. They want those in Washington to focus on the folks back home and to stop with the antics. Tennessee’s Fourth is tired of the constant political theater and race to the far Left. The current administration is failing because they are tone-deaf to those suffering under our current economy. Democrats have continued to focus their approach to solving our Nation’s problems by asking for the opinion of rich Hollywood celebrities, instead of addressing the needs of hard-working taxpayers in middle America. The constituents in my district want to see government spending reduced, overregulation to stop and see our country back focused on the needs of our own citizens.

What else do you want voters to know about you that will help them make an informed decision on Election Day?

I have a strong record of being a good steward of taxpayer dollars by practicing fiscal conservancy, voting for policies to secure our border, advocating for deregulation, supporting a strong economy, and taking the time to listen to the needs of the people of Tennessee’s Fourth Congressional District. I would be honored to have the chance to continue to serve the community.

Tell us about a mentor or guide who made a difference in your life and what wisdom would you impart to the community?

My parents were strong influences in my life growing up. They instilled in me the values of respect and always guided me by providing support and never pressuring my siblings or I to be anything other than hardworking and productive members of society.

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?

Tennessee’s Fourth is full of landmark attractions. The Jack Daniel’s distillery in Lynchburg is home to the famous Tennessee Whiskey and a household name around the world. The character and history of the distillery make it a charming attraction to many tourists. Our district is also home to Tim’s Ford Lake in Franklin County. Every summer families make many memories out on the water, catching their first fish and enjoying meals together at the marina.

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: Scott DesJarlais, candidate, Congress, D-4