Jackie Anderson Thomas is seeking the Democratic nomination for state representative in Tennessee's House District 28.
She is seeking to replace incumbent JoAnne Favors, who is retiring.
In a news release, Thomas said she was born in Memphis but has lived in Chattanooga for more than 30 years. She earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in criminal justice at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and her master's in social work from Southern Adventist University.
She worked for the Tennessee Department of Children's Services for more than 20 years, retiring in 2008, and since has worked as an advocate for domestic violence victims and case manager for women nearing release from prison. She's now employed as a life coach for a nonprofit organization, Building Stable Lives.
Her experience working with children, families and community will be valuable in the Tennessee General Assembly, Thomas said in her news release. She would support policies and laws related to women's rights, employment, affordable housing, criminal justice reform, health care and equitable education, she said. She also is a big supporter of vocational education.
"Make a difference on a legislature platform and be the change you want to see," Thomas said.
She is an active member and past officer of the Glenwood Neighborhood Association. She has also completed Chattanooga Neighborhood Leadership, the Citizens Police Academy and Community Impact Initiative, and now serves on the zoning appeals and beer and wrecker boards.
Ms. Thomas is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
Others seeking the Democratic nomination include Dennis Clark, Yusuf Hakeem, Melody Shekari and Brandon Woodruff. The winner will face Republican Lemon C. Williams Jr. in the Nov. 6 election.
The Democratic and Republican primaries will be held Aug. 2. Early voting is July 13-28.
The general election is Nov. 6, with early voting from Oct. 17 to Nov. 1.