Knox Dems Gear up for 2026 Midterms at Truman Day
If there’s one lesson to learn from the Truman Day dinner - which many have already described as the best, largest, and most energetic in many years - it’s that Knox County Democrats are confident in the future. Not just optimistic. Confident.
The darkness and pessimism in the news would have you believe that the Democratic Party has sold out, lost touch, and thrown in the towel. But the reality is much brighter: we have a long list of already-accomplished elected officials at the local level, and more importantly, we have a deep bench of talent and enthusiasm to win this fight against the rise of Republican authoritarianism. And you are a part of this.
Rachel Campbell, Chair of the Tennessee Democratic Party, said as much when she spoke of why our county party was recognized with the One to Watch award earlier this year for our outstanding fundraising, voter outreach, and community building efforts.
Stuart Hohl, KCDP Chair, proved why we are successful in these efforts when he spoke on his answer to the question he is frequently asked, “What is it that Knox County Democrats Do?”
“I tell them that Knox County Democrats are working every day so that everyone has access to housing that is affordable and dignified. To improve public education in Tennessee. We support our teachers, students, and families. That we are working every day for workers and small businesses, and to bring jobs that provide a real living wage for you and your family. That we are working every day for your rights to healthcare access and coverage. And when I say healthcare, let me be clear that women’s healthcare – including access to abortion, contraception, and IVF – is included and central to that work.”
Housing, Schools, Jobs, and Healthcare. Those are the central pillars of the Knox County Democratic Party platform. A platform that aims to break the status quo and improve the lives of everyday people like you and me.
Steve Beshear, the former governor of Kentucky and father of current governor Andy Beshear - two proud Democrats who won their elections in a state that Trump carried by over 30 points - provided the keynote address to the crowd, doubling down on why we should be optimistic about the future. “Donald Trump and Republicans have opened the door wide open for us in 2026,” he says, referring to Trump’s disastrous handling of the economy on top of his open assault on both our democracy and our integrity as an international leader. For so many reasons, this election is one we should have no trouble winning.
In a speech that resulted in an enthusiastic standing ovation, Beshear shared his family secret to political success: “You’ve got to convince people you care about them.” Through authenticity, relatable language, and a focus on economic “kitchen table” issues that everyday people understand and struggle with, people will trust you to lead them to a better future, even if they don’t always agree with you.
Finally, in an emotionally stirring speech by Representative Gloria Johnson, she proved that we are ready to meet this moment. Our policies are economically impactful and motivated by love. We want to improve the lives of our fellow Tennesseans and ensure that all have access to quality housing, schools, jobs, and healthcare.
Over 400 local Democrats attended Truman Day, and the event raised over $52,000 that we will put to work electing more Democrats to federal, state and local offices so we can serve you and your family to make your lives better in a meaningful way. Truman Day is our party’s largest fundraiser for the year and fuels all our campaign efforts. For example, last year we were able to send over 350,000 texts, make tens of thousands of phone calls, send 45,000 pieces of mail (on top of our candidates’ mail campaigns!), and most importantly, knock on over 100,000 doors - and every year, our county grows more blue. Thanks to you!
If you did not attend Truman Day but would like to add to this momentum, please consider donating today so that we can work even harder in 2026!