Q&A with Mandy Cook, Candidate for State House District 45
Mandy Cook is running for Tennessee State House for District 45. The election is on November 3, 2026, with early voting available October 14 - 29.
Check out our Q&A below to learn more about Mandy!
What motivated you to run for this position?
I was tired of feeling like I was shouting into the wind when it came to asking my state rep to make better decisions for our state. I was spending a great deal of time fighting awful bills down at the capitol, and I saw a better path. I realized I could go from fighting bills to writing bills.
What general areas fall into your state house district?
The Sumner side of Goodlettsville, Millersville, south White House, most of Hendersonville, and part of Cottontown.
What are your top priorities if elected?
Increasing access to medical care in our state by accepting the available federal funds that Republicans have left on the table to fund TennCare.
Cutting costs for working families by ending the state grocery tax and replacing it with the money we lose via loopholes afforded to corporations.
Stopping the school voucher scheme in its tracks. Sumner County Schools are excellent, but they are at serious risk of going downhill if the state continues to throw more money at private schools while leaving public schools behind. Vouchers could also lead to higher local taxes for Sumner County residents as local public schools struggle to make up the difference.
Bonus: I’d love to end corporate and super PAC spending in state politics and institute fair maps for our voters.
How will you ensure diverse voices in your district are heard?
By meeting constituents where they are – at their union halls, at their schools, and at local community events that are welcoming to all.
If people are interested in supporting your campaign, what is the best way for them to contact you or learn more about you?
There are many different ways to get connected to the campaign: donating, volunteering, and engaging with me on social media. You can connect with me and my campaign at mandycook4tn.com. All the links to my socials are found there as well! Also – talk to your neighbors. It’s how we win AND it’s how we get out of this deep political divide we find ourselves in.
Tell us about a bill that was recently proposed or passed at the state level that concerns you.
The 40+ anti-immigrant bills are what made me run for office. They are based on a false narrative that our own state Attorney General’s statistics refute. The justification for these bills was “rampant crime” committed by the immigrant community, when only 2% of crime in our state is committed by undocumented individuals. Of those charges, most are non-violent offenses.
Legislation should not be built on lies. These policies also use our local and state tax dollars to prop up DHS, which is a national agency. So taxpayers are being taken advantage of by this double-dipping of our federal government.
Tell us about a bill you’d be excited to support. It could be one that’s already been proposed, or one you’d like to see.
We have some fantastic legislators putting forth bills that will actually improve the quality of life for people in Tennessee. Behn and Campbell’s Pot for Potholes would bring in much-needed tax revenue for our roads and regulate cannabis so that people can access it safely and legally. Behn and Oliver also have their bill to end the grocery tax by closing corporate loopholes. Senator Oliver will be introducing a new bill this spring to end corporate spending in TN politics. All of this is great legislation, and I would proudly support any of these bills.
Is there anything else you want to share or want voters to know about you?
I got into advocacy through holding demonstrations and calling out my state legislative and congressional reps. When I’m not running for office, I help with a volunteer food pantry.
I’m a first-time candidate who takes no money from corporations. My job is to represent people, not big business.
I’m a mom to a four year old, wife to my husband of 11 years, and I work in one of Nashville’s major hospitals practicing physical therapy.
Fun Facts
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Tennessee?
I’m originally from a small town in central Ohio, but I’ve lived in Tennessee for half my life now – almost 20 years.
What do you love about Tennessee?
I moved here for music originally, and the vast amount of talent and creativity in our state is one of the things I love best about it.
What’s your favorite movie?
From childhood: Labyrinth
New: The Odyssey
To watch with my 4-year-old: Moana
What is the last book you read?
Dead But Dreaming of Electric Sheep by Paul Tremblay.
What kind of music do you like?
I have a pretty wide array of what I listen to. Everything from Bowie to Doechii!
Do you have any pets?
A Husky named Ziggy. He’s very dramatic.
Do you have any unique hobbies?
I love to knit and I also love to deadlift.
What is your most controversial (non-serious) opinion?
Food is not a meal unless there is cheese in it.
Learn more
Visit these links to learn more about Mandy or support her campaign:
Meet more of the 2026 candidates or sign up to volunteer with a local campaign!