U.S. House, Tennessee 1st Congressional District · Election November 3, 2026 · Updated
Who should I vote for in Tennessee's 1st Congressional District?
Diana Harshbarger has the strongest record in Tennessee's 1st Congressional District. Diana Harshbarger scores 57 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, as of October 9, 2026. Diana Harshbarger's highest marks are relevant experience and showing up. Joshua Ray Ashburn (1 of 15 criteria), Richard G. Baker (0 of 15 criteria), Kristi Burke (6 of 15 criteria), Chris Campbell (3 of 15 criteria), Billy Cody (0 of 15 criteria) and Tyler Brice Mitchell McClain (0 of 15 criteria) have too little public record to score. Every score comes from public records on character, qualifications and performance, the same way for every party.
Independent
Joshua Ray Ashburn
Not enough public record for a score
Public evidence on 1 of 15 criteria
- Character
- NR
- Qualifications
- 50
- Performance
- NR
Independent
Richard G. Baker
Not enough public record for a score
Public evidence on 0 of 15 criteria
- Character
- NR
- Qualifications
- NR
- Performance
- NR
Democratic
Kristi Burke
Not enough public record for a score
Public evidence on 6 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 50
- Qualifications
- 50
- Performance
- NR
Independent
Chris Campbell
Not enough public record for a score
Public evidence on 3 of 15 criteria
- Character
- NR
- Qualifications
- 58
- Performance
- NR
Independent
Billy Cody
Not enough public record for a score
Public evidence on 0 of 15 criteria
- Character
- NR
- Qualifications
- NR
- Performance
- NR
Republican · incumbent
Strongest record
Diana Harshbarger
57 / 100
Public evidence on 14 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 40
- Qualifications
- 70
- Performance
- 63
Independent
Tyler Brice Mitchell McClain
Not enough public record for a score
Public evidence on 0 of 15 criteria
- Character
- NR
- Qualifications
- NR
- Performance
- NR
The good, the bad and the unresolved
The record
The notable facts of each candidate's public life, each tied to a source and confirmed to be this person. Unresolved matters are labeled with where they stand and do not move a score.
Joshua Ray Ashburn
No notable items confirmed in news archives or public documents.
Richard G. Baker
No notable items confirmed in news archives or public documents.
Kristi Burke
- On the record2026-09-28
Sent the incumbent a certified letter requesting a debate before early voting, backed by a petition she says 1,300 people signed.
Source: WJHL via MSN, Oct. 8, 2026
- On the record2025
Says she was removed by security from a 2025 Harshbarger town hall while trying to ask about Medicaid cuts, which she cites as the start of her run.
Chris Campbell
No notable items confirmed in news archives or public documents.
Billy Cody
No notable items confirmed in news archives or public documents.
Diana Harshbarger
- Mark against2021-08
Disclosed more than 700 stock trades from early 2021 after the STOCK Act deadline; her office blamed a financial adviser and said she accepts full responsibility.
Sources: Business Insider, Aug. 19, 2021, House Clerk financial disclosure index, 2021
- On the record2026-10-08
Declined Democrat Kristi Burke's debate challenge, saying she would run on her record.
Source: WJHL via MSN, Oct. 8, 2026
- On the record2021-01-06
Voted Yea on the objections to Arizona's and Pennsylvania's certified electors three days after taking office.
Sources: House Clerk Roll Call 10, Jan. 6, 2021, House Clerk Roll Call 11, Jan. 7, 2021
- On the record2020-09-11
As the 2020 Republican nominee, said she would not debate her general election opponents, after skipping all primary debates.
Source: WCYB, Sept. 11, 2020
- Credit2026-02-03
Her United States-Abraham Accords Cooperation and Security Act was enacted as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026.
Tyler Brice Mitchell McClain
No notable items confirmed in news archives or public documents.
Who they are
Character
Integrity
Tells the truth, keeps their word, and takes no private gain from public office.
Joshua Ray Ashburn. No public record found.
Richard G. Baker. No public record found.
Kristi Burke. Campaign committee reports are on file with the FEC through July 17, 2026, and a House candidate financial disclosure was filed June 30, 2026. No FEC administrative fine found.
Sources: FEC candidate page, House Clerk financial disclosure index, 2026, FEC administrative fines search
Chris Campbell. No public record found.
Billy Cody. No public record found.
Diana Harshbarger. Reported more than 700 2021 stock trades past the STOCK Act deadline; her office said an adviser erred and that she "accepts full responsibility." Annual 2025 disclosure on file; no House Ethics finding found.
Sources: Business Insider, Aug. 19, 2021, House Clerk financial disclosure index, 2021 (periodic transaction report filed Aug. 16, 2021), House Clerk financial disclosure index, 2025
Tyler Brice Mitchell McClain. No public record found.
Courage
Takes a stand that costs them something, including telling their own side no.
Joshua Ray Ashburn. No public record found.
Richard G. Baker. No public record found.
Kristi Burke. No public record found.
Chris Campbell. No public record found.
Billy Cody. No public record found.
Diana Harshbarger. Voted No on the 2023 Fiscal Responsibility Act and Nay on the 2024 Ukraine supplemental while the Speaker and Majority Leader voted yes.
Sources: House Clerk Roll Call 243, 2023 (Fiscal Responsibility Act), House Clerk Roll Call 151, 2024 (Ukraine supplemental)
Tyler Brice Mitchell McClain. No public record found.
Accountability
Owns mistakes, answers hard questions, and works in the open.
Joshua Ray Ashburn. No public record found.
Richard G. Baker. No public record found.
Kristi Burke. Has challenged the incumbent to a debate since August, and says she hosts town halls and roundtables across the district.
Source: WJHL via MSN, Oct. 8, 2026
Chris Campbell. No public record found.
Billy Cody. No public record found.
Diana Harshbarger. Declined Democrat Kristi Burke's 2026 debate challenge, saying she is "not interested in giving my opponent a platform"; no 2026 debate or forum found. She also declined all debates in 2020.
Tyler Brice Mitchell McClain. No public record found.
Temperament and judgment
Steady under pressure, decides on evidence, and treats opponents and staff with respect.
Joshua Ray Ashburn. No public record found.
Richard G. Baker. No public record found.
Kristi Burke. No public record found.
Chris Campbell. No public record found.
Billy Cody. No public record found.
Diana Harshbarger. Licensed pharmacist and pharmacy owner, in Congress since 2021. No censure, reprimand or House Ethics Committee matter found.
Sources: Ballotpedia, Diana Harshbarger, House Committee on Ethics site search
Tyler Brice Mitchell McClain. No public record found.
Fidelity to the oath
Uses power inside its limits: accepts certified results, obeys court rulings, follows the rules of the office.
Joshua Ray Ashburn. No public record found.
Richard G. Baker. No public record found.
Kristi Burke. No public record found.
Chris Campbell. No public record found.
Billy Cody. No public record found.
Diana Harshbarger. Voted Yea on the Jan. 6, 2021 objections to Arizona's and Pennsylvania's certified electors (E2). She took office Jan. 3, 2021, after the amicus brief was filed.
Sources: House Clerk Roll Call 10, Jan. 6, 2021 (Arizona objection), House Clerk Roll Call 11, Jan. 7, 2021 (Pennsylvania objection)
Tyler Brice Mitchell McClain. No public record found.
What they bring
Qualifications
Relevant experience
Has done work that prepares them for this specific office.
Joshua Ray Ashburn. No public record found.
Richard G. Baker. No public record found.
Kristi Burke. Muralist, digital content creator and local organizer. No documented organizational leadership role or public office.
Source: Ballotpedia, Kristi Burke
Chris Campbell. No public record found.
Billy Cody. No public record found.
Diana Harshbarger. In the U.S. House since January 2021, now seeking a fourth term (E9: two or more terms in Congress).
Sources: Ballotpedia, Diana Harshbarger, GovTrack, Diana Harshbarger
Tyler Brice Mitchell McClain. No public record found.
Command of the job
Knows the issues and knows what the office can and cannot do.
Joshua Ray Ashburn. No public record found.
Richard G. Baker. No public record found.
Kristi Burke. Publishes 'non-negotiables' positions on health care, education and taxes, in general terms with cited figures.
Source: Campaign site, Non-Negotiables
Chris Campbell. Campaign site sets out an economic-relief agenda in general terms.
Source: Campaign site
Billy Cody. No public record found.
Diana Harshbarger. Serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee and is vice chair of its Health Subcommittee; publishes issue pages on her House site.
Tyler Brice Mitchell McClain. No public record found.
Communication
Explains plainly, persuades, and listens.
Joshua Ray Ashburn. Completed Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey. No campaign site found.
Source: Ballotpedia, Joshua Ray Ashburn
Richard G. Baker. No public record found.
Kristi Burke. Completed Ballotpedia's 2026 survey, publishes issue positions and says she holds town halls.
Sources: Ballotpedia, Kristi Burke, Campaign site, Non-Negotiables, WJHL via MSN, Oct. 8, 2026
Chris Campbell. Completed Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey and publishes a campaign site.
Source: Ballotpedia, Chris Campbell
Billy Cody. No public record found.
Diana Harshbarger. Offers an e-newsletter and publishes issue pages on her House site. Has not completed Ballotpedia's 2026 survey and declined to speak with Tennessee Lookout for its race profile.
Sources: House office site, Ballotpedia, Diana Harshbarger, Tennessee Lookout via Yahoo News, June 30, 2026
Tyler Brice Mitchell McClain. No public record found.
Roots in the constituency
Lives there, knows the people, and is funded by them.
Joshua Ray Ashburn. No public record found.
Richard G. Baker. No public record found.
Kristi Burke. No public record found.
Chris Campbell. Has lived in Tennessee since 1991 after growing up in southwestern Virginia, by his own account.
Source: Ballotpedia, Chris Campbell
Billy Cody. No public record found.
Diana Harshbarger. Born in Bloomingdale and lives in Kingsport, both in Sullivan County. About 28 percent of itemized individual contributions by state for 2025 to 2026 came from Tennessee (FEC).
Sources: Ballotpedia, Diana Harshbarger, FEC contribution totals by state
Tyler Brice Mitchell McClain. No public record found.
Management
Can build and run an organization.
Joshua Ray Ashburn. No public record found.
Richard G. Baker. No public record found.
Kristi Burke. Campaign committee reports are on file with the FEC through July 17, 2026, with no debts reported. No FEC administrative fine found.
Source: FEC candidate page
Chris Campbell. No public record found.
Billy Cody. No public record found.
Diana Harshbarger. Campaign committee reports are on file with the FEC through July 17, 2026; the committee reports $1,456,793 in debts. No FEC administrative fine found.
Sources: FEC candidate page, FEC administrative fines search
Tyler Brice Mitchell McClain. No public record found.
What they deliver
Performance
Results
Turns ideas into outcomes.
Joshua Ray Ashburn. No public record found.
Richard G. Baker. No public record found.
Kristi Burke. No public record found.
Chris Campbell. No public record found.
Billy Cody. No public record found.
Diana Harshbarger. Center for Effective Lawmaking: LES 2.0 of 0.521 against a benchmark of 1.194 in the 118th Congress, below expectations. Raised to 2 under E14: her Abraham Accords Cooperation and Security Act was enacted within the 2026 appropriations law.
Sources: Center for Effective Lawmaking House dataset, 93rd to 118th Congress (Harshbarger TN01 row, 118th), GovTrack, H.R. 1794 (119th Congress)
Tyler Brice Mitchell McClain. No public record found.
Showing up
Does the basic work of the job.
Joshua Ray Ashburn. No public record found.
Richard G. Baker. No public record found.
Kristi Burke. No public record found.
Chris Campbell. No public record found.
Billy Cody. No public record found.
Diana Harshbarger. Missed 18 of 2,915 roll call votes, 0.6 percent, from January 2021 to September 2026.
Source: GovTrack, missed votes
Tyler Brice Mitchell McClain. No public record found.
Constituent service
Solves problems for the people they represent.
Joshua Ray Ashburn. No public record found.
Richard G. Baker. No public record found.
Kristi Burke. No public record found.
Chris Campbell. No public record found.
Billy Cody. No public record found.
Diana Harshbarger. Lists district offices in Morristown and Kingsport and offers help with federal agencies. No published casework totals found.
Sources: House office site, Contact, House office site
Tyler Brice Mitchell McClain. No public record found.
Coalition building
Wins support beyond their own faction.
Joshua Ray Ashburn. No public record found.
Richard G. Baker. No public record found.
Kristi Burke. No public record found.
Chris Campbell. No public record found.
Billy Cody. No public record found.
Diana Harshbarger. Lugar Center Bipartisan Index score of -0.50359 in the latest posted House scores (118th Congress, 2023), ranked 225 of 436.
Source: Lugar Center and McCourt School Bipartisan Index, House Scores
Tyler Brice Mitchell McClain. No public record found.
Stewardship of public money
Treats tax dollars as someone else's money.
Joshua Ray Ashburn. No public record found.
Richard G. Baker. No public record found.
Kristi Burke. No public record found.
Chris Campbell. No public record found.
Billy Cody. No public record found.
Diana Harshbarger. No public record found.
Tyler Brice Mitchell McClain. No public record found.
How to read this
Each criterion is scored 0 to 4 against the written rubric in the Ballot Standard. NR means no record: there is no reliable public evidence either way, so the criterion is left out and never counts against the candidate. A total is published when at least 8 of 15 criteria have evidence.
A sitting officeholder has a longer public record than a first-time candidate, so the two totals rest on different amounts of evidence. Read the count of criteria beside each score. Low marks require an official finding or a primary record. Allegations and opinion are not used.
No policy position is scored. Evidence checked October 9, 2026. Campaigns and readers can send a correction with a public source to tpg@thepoliticalgroup.com.
Questions
Who should I vote for in Tennessee's 1st Congressional District?
Diana Harshbarger has the strongest record in Tennessee's 1st Congressional District. Diana Harshbarger scores 57 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, as of October 9, 2026. Diana Harshbarger's highest marks are relevant experience and showing up. Joshua Ray Ashburn (1 of 15 criteria), Richard G. Baker (0 of 15 criteria), Kristi Burke (6 of 15 criteria), Chris Campbell (3 of 15 criteria), Billy Cody (0 of 15 criteria) and Tyler Brice Mitchell McClain (0 of 15 criteria) have too little public record to score. Every score comes from public records on character, qualifications and performance, the same way for every party.
Who is running in Tennessee's 1st Congressional District in 2026?
Joshua Ray Ashburn (Independent), Richard G. Baker (Independent), Kristi Burke (Democratic), Chris Campbell (Independent), Billy Cody (Independent), Diana Harshbarger (Republican, incumbent), Tyler Brice Mitchell McClain (Independent). The general election is November 3, 2026.
Is Joshua Ray Ashburn a good candidate for Congress?
Joshua Ray Ashburn has public evidence on 1 of the 15 Ballot Standard criteria, short of the 8 needed for a score. The evidence that exists is shown on the scorecard. No record never counts against a candidate.
Is Richard G. Baker a good candidate for Congress?
Richard G. Baker has public evidence on 0 of the 15 Ballot Standard criteria, short of the 8 needed for a score. The evidence that exists is shown on the scorecard. No record never counts against a candidate.
Is Kristi Burke a good candidate for Congress?
Kristi Burke has public evidence on 6 of the 15 Ballot Standard criteria, short of the 8 needed for a score. The evidence that exists is shown on the scorecard. No record never counts against a candidate.
Is Chris Campbell a good candidate for Congress?
Chris Campbell has public evidence on 3 of the 15 Ballot Standard criteria, short of the 8 needed for a score. The evidence that exists is shown on the scorecard. No record never counts against a candidate.
Is Billy Cody a good candidate for Congress?
Billy Cody has public evidence on 0 of the 15 Ballot Standard criteria, short of the 8 needed for a score. The evidence that exists is shown on the scorecard. No record never counts against a candidate.
Is Diana Harshbarger a good candidate for Congress?
Diana Harshbarger scores 57 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, with public evidence on 14 of 15 criteria: character 40 of 100, qualifications 70 of 100, performance 63 of 100. The standard measures character, qualifications and performance, not policy positions.
Is Tyler Brice Mitchell McClain a good candidate for Congress?
Tyler Brice Mitchell McClain has public evidence on 0 of the 15 Ballot Standard criteria, short of the 8 needed for a score. The evidence that exists is shown on the scorecard. No record never counts against a candidate.
How is the strongest record decided?
The candidate with the highest Ballot Standard score has the strongest record. Each of 15 criteria on character, qualifications and performance is scored 0 to 4 from public records and established reporting, the same way for every party. No policy position is scored, and unresolved accusations never move a score.
More on this race: every Tennessee race scored, the trailing candidate's path to victory, and the Tennessee 2026 election guide. Independent scorecard by The Political Group, not affiliated with any candidate or party.