Four candidates who can make history in Nashville
Thursday is Election Day and we have the chance to do something big together. We’ve endorsed four incredible candidates who could make history on August 1 as the largest class of immigrant candidates to ever sit on the Metro Council.
But TIRRC Votes didn’t endorse these candidates just because they come from an immigrant family. These are serious policy makers who are committed to advancing equity for all Nashvillians, and we need your help to make sure pro-immigrant voters go to the polls
Fabian Bedne for Metro Council At Large: Fabian already made history as the first immigrant and Latino elected to the Metro Council. Now, he could be the first member of the Latinx community to be elected countywide. During his eight years on council he has been fighting for immigrant families and to make sure that all Nashvilians benefit the city’s booming economy.
Mina Johnson for District 23: Mina became the first immigrant woman elected to the Metro Council and the first Japanese-American elected to public office in the state of Tennessee by winning election to Metro Council District 23 in 2015. In her first term, she was a powerful advocate for policies to protect immigrant families and ensure that our city wasn’t helping deport immigrant residents.
Sandra Sepulveda for District 30: Sandra is Mexican American and the proud daughter of immigrants. She would be the first Latina on the Metro Council. If elected, she’ll represent an incredibly diverse district in Nashville and fight to make sure that everyone has access to opportunities and resources, no matter where they’re from or where they live in the city.
Zulfat Suara for Metro Council At Large: (At Large), Zulfat is an accomplished CPA, a community advocate, and a proud public school parent who is prepared to lead our city as one of our five At Large Council Members. She would be the first Muslim and the first immigrant from the African continent to serve on council. Through her long history as a social justice advocate, Zulfat has a track record of fighting for justice and equity for all.
In every level of government, representation matters — and thoughtful leaders like Fabian, Mina, Sandra, and Zulfat understand that the immigrant and refugee community strengthens our democracy and will make sure that every community has a chance to shape the future of Nashville.
Together, we can elect these history-making candidates and pro-immigrant candidates up and down the ballot.
The final week of this election is crucial as organizations like TIRRC Votes are contacting immigrant voters and their allies every day to make sure they vote.
And, if you have the right to vote and you’re registered, we need you to head to the polls and cast your ballot for these bold leaders. Any one of these races could come down to a handful of votes, so your support will make the difference. If you haven’t voted already, make a plan to vote on Thursday, August 1. Find your polling place here