District 59 July Legislative Update

I hope everyone is having a great summer and staying cool (as possible) in this brutal heat.  If you’re like me, summer has been a mix of work and play. While my family and I have been savoring the final weeks of the season with poolside fun and camping in the beautiful Tennessee outdoors, I’ve been staying plugged in to the legislature through several constituent and community meetings. For those that know me well, you know I like to stay busy, and this summer has been no different.

In the last month, I’ve met with leaders across our state, including Mayor Freddie O’Connell, Deputy Governor Butch Eley, as well as Senator Bill Hagerty’s staff. Additionally, I’ve been on a tour across our city, hosting the Davidson County Delegation at Radnor Lake State Park, attending various Neighborhood Association meetings, and touring the Carlex glass plant with several of my legislative colleagues. These meetings have been extremely helpful as I draft my 2025 legislative agenda.

I’m excited about what we’ve been working on and look forward to sharing after the November election.  I would be remiss if I didn’t address some deeply troubling recent events, including the attempted assassination of former President Trump and the disturbing marches by Nazi hate groups and white nationalists in downtown Nashville. It is crucial to remember that, regardless of our political beliefs, violence and bigotry are never acceptable. They must be unequivocally condemned.  I’ve been working closely with state and local officials on various strategies to deter further hate group demonstrations in our city. I expect to unveil updates on these efforts in the coming weeks.

 The issue of political violence and threats is particularly personal for me. I was recently featured in a Brennan Center project that highlights the surge in threats against public officials, following my own experience with these senseless acts. Last year, I urged both Speakers to reverse the policy permitting firearms in Capitol offices and implement active shooter training for members and staff. I will renew this request in light of these recent events. I encourage everyone to sign up for my socials using the links at the bottom of the page to keep up to date on current news and district events. 

As always, please reach out if I can be of assistance, and enjoy the rest of your summer!

-Rep. Caleb Hemmer 
Rep. Hemmer and family attend the Oak Hill Fourth of July Parade
Early Voting

 It’s that time of year, and the Democratic and Republican Primary elections are upon us! You can vote early at satellite locations across the county until Saturday, July 27th, leading into Election Day on Thursday, August 1st.  

The main race on the Republican Ballot is the 5th District Contest between Metro Councilman Courtney Johnston and Congressman Andy Ogles. 

The key contest on the Democratic ballot, where I’ll be voting, is the U.S. Senate race. I proudly support my colleague, Gloria Johnson. I’m also endorsing District 59 residents Maryam Abolfazli for US Congress and Sen. Heidi Campbell for State Senate. Additionally, I am supporting Matt Anderson in the District 20 State Executive Committee Race. If you’re in House District 56, make sure to cast your ballot for Representative Bob Freeman in the Democratic primary. The Nashville Banner has a handy voter guide HERE.  
Check HERE for more details about early voting, including the schedule.
Rep. Hemmer speaks at the West Meade Neighborhood Assoc. Meeting
What I’ve Been Reading 

WKRN- Metro officer files lawsuit against parking company 
Tennessean- TN voters receiving citizenship letters call move an intimidation tactic
NYT- What is Project 2025?
ThinkTN- 2024 Legislation Summary
Sycamore  Institute- Youth Mental Health in Tennessee: Eight Opportunities for Additional Action
ProPublica- Conservatives Go To War – Against Each Other – Over School Vouchers
Tennessee Lookout – Tennessee reps irked by state’s failure on gun safe storage campaign

Events 
July 17th – 11a-12p –  Eating from the Garden- Warner Park Nature Center
July 19th 6p-10p – Full Moon Picking Party, Percy Warner Park
July 19th 7p-10p – Jazz Under the Stars, Cheekwood
July 20th 930a-12p – West Meade Neighborhood Association Traffic + Transit meeting sponsored by Neighbor 2 Neighbor at South Police Precinct, 5101 Harding Place
July events at Mill Ridge Park in Cane Ridge. 
Rep. Hemmer and Rep. Jernigan take a tour of Radnor Lake’s Aviary with Park Rangers
 Save The Date – September 4th Campaign Kickoff & Fundraiser  Be on the lookout for your official invitation to my campaign kickoff and fundraiser on Thursday, September 4th.  This will be my only fundraising event for the year so don’t miss it! Reach out to addie@triumphstrategies.com for questions or to join the host list! 
Contribute