Melody Shekari, a Democrat, has announced a campaign seeking Tennessee's 3rd Congressional District seat.
Her announcement calls for "leadership and not someone who merely takes marching orders from Washington insiders."
The seat is held now by Republican Chuck Fleischmann, who is seeking re-election to a fourth term. He is opposed in the Republican primary by Allan Levene and Geoffery Suhmer Smith.
Shekari will face Michael Friedman and George Ryan Love in the Democratic primary. Independents Topher Kersting, Cassandra Mitchell and Rick Tyler also are running.
"I will guarantee you that if I am elected, I will work hard every day for our families, " said Shekari, citing the need for facilitating the growth and development of communities.
Shekari, a daughter of immigrants and a first-generation American, was born in Texas but spent most of her childhood in Chattanooga and graduated from high school here, according to her announcement. She earned a master of public administration degree from the University of Washington and a law degree from the University of Southern California. She earned an undergraduate degree in business and economics from Bentley University.
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She holds a leadership position with the National Association of Graduate-Professional Students and has served as a policy fellow in the administration of Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke.
"I'm looking forward to a spirited campaign and debate about how best to represent the great people of Tennessee," Shekari said.
The 3rd Congressional District encompasses Anderson, Hamilton, McMinn, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott and Union counties, and parts of Bradley and Campbell counties.
Contact staff writer Paul Leach at 423-757-6481 or pleach@timesfreepress.com.