Editor’s note: The Tennessean Editorial Board invited candidates for the 2024 congressional elections to fill out our questionnaire. They include biographical information and answers to 11 questions on variety of topics from key policy issues to their recommendation for visitors on what to see or do in their congressional districts.

Election Guide: Learn about candidates running in Aug. 1 Tennessee primary election for U.S. Congress

Key dates:

• July 2: Voter registration deadline

• July 12-27: Early voting

• July 25: Deadline to request absentee ballot

• Aug. 1: Primary election

• Nov. 5: General election

Biographical Information

• Name: Victoria Broderick

• Which office are you seeking? U.S. House District 4. Unopposed in the Democratic primary election.

• Age at the time of election: 32

• What city/town in Tennessee do you live in? Fayetteville

• Education: Austin Peay 2015

• Job history: Five years in intentional and domestic logistics. Three years in tech support.

• Family: Husband and two young boys.

11 questions for the candidates

Why are you running for this office?

Residents in Middle Tennessee need a representative that works for them. In D.C., I plan to advocate for the needs of the people and not for the super wealthy elite. I will work on issues that Tennesseans really care about like access to reproductive healthcare including abortions, supporting commonsense gun legislation that promotes responsible gun ownership, and advocating for a more equitable tax structure that benefits all Tennesseans, not just the rich.

What makes you qualified to hold this office and better qualified than your opponent(s)?

During his 13 years in Congress, (incumbent Congressman) Scott DesJarlais has not worked on one bill that would benefit the average Tennessean. He advocates for himself and his corrupt friends like the 34-count felon he supports for President. When Rep. Bart Gordon was in office, he advocated for a few different policies that benefitted his constituents like funding for the greenway park system in Rutherford County. I can’t name one thing DesJarlais has done to help his constituents legislatively while in office. I plan to advocate tirelessly for the people in my district and across the state. We need a representative that represents the will of the people and not the will of the wealthy elite.

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

I would continue to listen to my constituents and learn what they would want me to focus on.

1. Codify Roe v. Wade

2. Expand Voting rights

3. Implement paid family leave and other similar policies that would help working families.

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

Voters have told me how important it is for any person to be able to access affordable healthcare including reproductive healthcare. I would be a vote for codifying Roe and expanding reproductive healthcare for all. I am also hearing a lot from mothers who are concerned about the safety of their children and want to see commonsense gun legislation passed that prohibits a criminals easy access to firearms and weapons of war, while protecting the second amendment rights for all residents.

Are you satisfied with the direction of the country? Explain why.

I am thankful to live in a country that allows certain freedoms for young, rural mothers like me. Unfortunately, there is a movement to take away those freedoms and in states like Tennessee, we have seen the unconstitutional banning of books and Pride festivals, and, of course, the extreme abortion ban that the Tennessee State Legislature passed that made no exceptions for rape, incest, or the life of the mother. Rural hospitals have already been badly defunded in this state and now OBGYN’s are flocking the state because of this harsh and inhumane law.

What is your assessment of the performance of the President Joe Biden over the last four years?

I am thankful that he is president because the 34-count felon who lost should never be president again. I think Biden is a compassionate man who tries to work with folks in his own party and across the aisle to pass legislation that benefits everyone. I am thankful for some of Biden’s policies like forgiving student debt, expanding high speed internet in rural areas, lowering prescription drug prices including insulin, and enacting the Inflation Reduction Act that has invested money into infrastructure projects and domestic manufacturing across the country. However, I am disappointed that Biden did not advocate for family paid leave, or push hard enough for expanding voting rights early in his term. I also feel he is not doing enough to push back against Israel for prolonging the war and attacking innocent Palestinians and aid workers.

How should the U.S. approach foreign policy goals as it pertains to regions, nations and conflicts such as China, Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war?

Funding for an ally to help them when they are being attacked is perfectly fine like in the case of Ukraine who are fighting for their country against Russia, or Taiwan against a hostile China. However, Israel has gone too far with their war against the innocent civilians of Palestine. First, Prime Minister (Benjamin) Netanyahu punishes the moderate Palestinian Authority and encourages the extremist Hamas, which results in Hamas control over Palestine. And then after the horrific Oct. 7th bombing, Netanyahu allows the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to attack civilians and aid workers. He is doing anything he can to prolong the war to help him stay in power. We need to start restricting the money and other aid to Israel until they agree to an end to this conflict and start working on a two state solution.

Americans in recent polling say immigration is one of the top issues, if not the most important issue, facing the U.S. What should Congress do to address the immigration and border security?

Republicans have killed multiple bipartisan supported bills in recent years. These bills would have helped alleviate the tensions at the border. They would have also helped pave a pathway to citizenship for thousands of migrant workers who pick our food and do the jobs other Americans do not want to work. We need to work on humane ways to address immigration and border security. Unfortunately, Republicans are only interested in demonizing immigrants which has led to many unnecessary deaths. The fear mongering must stop!

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

I am a wife and mother who lives in rural Tennessee and I want to see my children grow up in a safe and caring environment. A majority of Tennesseans agree with the policies that I am advocating for, but many of them remain quiet due to political intimidation. I want to be advocate for this “silent majority” that exists in this state and advocate for policies that benefit them and their families. And if we disagree, I still promise to work for you and ALL of the residents of this state regardless of political differences.

A “fun” question: When visitors ask you, “What should I do in Tennessee or your specific community?” what are the top 2 or 3 things or places you recommend?

I am a big fan of all the historic and new distilleries in my district including George Dickel, Jack Daniel’s, and Uncle Nearest; and breweries like Panther Creek Brews in Murfreesboro and Monkeytown Brewery in Dayton. I also love all the arts and antiquing communities like in Bell Buckle where they have the annual RC Cola-Moon Pie Festival. I am happy to see Bonnaroo still thriving after all these years; the economic impact for Coffee County is huge! I am also a big fan of the Nashville Zoo and the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga.

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

Call Opinion and Engagement Director David Plazas at (615) 259-8063, email him at dplazas@tennessean.com or find him on X at @davidplazas.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee election for Congress: Victoria Broderick, House District 4