By Kaitlin Housler | Tennessee Star
Maryam Abolfazli, founder of the nonprofit group Rise and Shine Tennessee, launched a bid for Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District on Wednesday.
“I refuse to sit back while our fundamental values and freedoms are under threat. That’s why I’m stepping up to put an end to the extremism that’s harming our state and country,” Abolfazli, a Democrat, wrote in a social media post announcing her campaign.
Abolfazli’s nonprofit group, founded after The Covenant School shooting last year, advocates for gun control and was a strong voice in urging the Tennessee General Assembly to pass red flag laws during last year’s special session.
In addition to her work surrounding gun control, Abolfazli (pictured above) touted her pro-choice stance in her campaign announcement.
“As a mom in Tennessee, I know firsthand the importance of fighting to stop the assault on women and moms. We need to fight for policies that protect women and families. That’s why I’m standing up for abortion rights and IVF access for all Tennesseans. Every person deserves the right to make their own healthcare decisions,” Abolfazli said.
Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District is represented by Congressman Andy Ogles (R-TN-05), who has served in the position since January 2023.
Ogles successfully flipped the seat from Democrat to Republican upon winning his election in 2022, as former congressman Jim Cooper formerly represented the seat.
In recent weeks, five members of the Tennessee Congressional Delegation—U.S. Representatives Diana Harshbarger (R-TN-01), Tim Burchett (R-TN-02), Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN-03), Mark Green (R-TN-07) and U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN)—have endorsed Ogles’ reelection bid.
Ogles has also been endorsed by Texas U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), Utah U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH-04), the Republican Liberty Caucus, and former President Donald Trump.
Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
Photo “Maryam Abolfazli” by Maryam Abolfazli.
