Endorsed Candidates
Your vote this election will help determine the future of healthcare in Northeast Tennessee. Karing Hearts PAC endorses candidates who are committed to protecting patient choice, holding consolidated healthcare systems accountable, and preserving independent medicine in our region. We believe these are the leaders who will put patients first. Early voting begins July 17, 2026.
The primary is August 6, 2026.
Tim Hicks
TN House · District 6 · Washington County
Republican | PrimaryAugust 6, 2026 | Incumbent
Why We Endorse
Rep. Hicks has been one of the most outspoken voices in the Tennessee House on healthcare consolidation. He has championed certificate of need reform to open competition in our region and publicly challenged Ballad Health's monopoly. He votes with our community, not with corporate systems.
Rebecca Alexander
TN House · District 7 · Washington County
Republican | PrimaryAugust 6, 2026 | Incumbent
Why We Endorse
Rep. Alexander has supported legislation protecting patients from healthcare discrimination and worked to limit pharmaceutical influence in state agencies. Her record reflects a consistent belief that patients deserve genuine choices and that government should serve families, not corporate systems.
Dan Pohlgeers
TN Senate · District 3 · Johnson City
Republican | PrimaryAugust 6, 2026 | Challenger
Why We Endorse
Pohlgeers brings firsthand knowledge of what consolidation does to independent providers and the patients who depend on them. As a medical practice consultant, he works daily with physicians squeezed by Ballad's monopoly. He has no financial ties to corporate healthcare and has been sounding the alarm on the COPA long before it became a campaign issue.
David Hawk
TN House · District 5 · Greene County
Republican | PrimaryAugust 6, 2026 | Incumbent
Why We Endorse
Rep. Hawk has been a consistent vote against the barriers protecting Ballad Health's monopoly. When a key certificate of need amendment threatened to preserve those barriers, he stood with Northeast Tennessee. His seniority makes him an effective advocate for patient choice.
Timothy Hill
TN House · District 3 · Sullivan County
Republican | PrimaryAugust 6, 2026 | Incumbent
Why We Endorse
As a member of the House Health Committee, Rep. Hill directly shapes legislation affecting independent providers across our region. He was one of four Northeast Tennessee representatives who stood against the certificate of need amendment protecting Ballad Health's monopoly position.
Gary Hicks
TN House · District 9 · Hawkins County
Republican | PrimaryAugust 6, 2026 | Incumbent
Why We Endorse
Rep. Hicks chairs the House Finance, Ways, and Means Committee, giving him more influence over how state healthcare dollars flow than nearly any other member. His record includes protecting patients from healthcare discrimination, and he understands that state budgets have real consequences for communities that depend on independent providers.
Every endorsement begins with research. We examine each candidate's record, stated positions, and community involvement before lending our support. We look for candidates with no financial ties to Ballad Health or consolidated healthcare systems, a demonstrated commitment to patient choice and independent provider access, and the willingness to stand up for Northeast Tennessee families when it matters most.
How We Choose Who to Endorse
Stand With Our Endorsed Candidates
The August 6 primary is the moment that matters. Stay informed, spread the word, and consider contributing to help us keep fighting for independent medicine in Northeast Tennessee.
Contact Us
Whether you want to get involved, have a question about our work, or just want to know more about what is happening with healthcare in Northeast Tennessee, we are here. Reach out and someone from our team will get back to you shortly.