TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on Sep 26, 2025

Dr. Michaela Barnett, executive director of Blue Tennessee, a grassroots organization that helps elect Democratic leaders, announced her candidacy for Congress on Thursday, WBIR reports. Barnett is running to represent Tennessee’s 2nd Congressional District, a seat currently held by Rep. Tim Burchett, Republican of Knox County. The district includes Claiborne, Grainger, Knox, Loudon and Union counties. Barnett is also a scientist and owner of KnoxFill, a sustainable product refill business. Burchett’s campaign manager, Thomas McAfee, said the congressman plans to seek reelection in 2026. Burchett first took office in 2019.