TNDP Comms Dir Luis Mata, SCDP Chair Megan Lange
S04 E05 The Loyal Opposition: Tennessee Politics, Rights, and Organizing Everywhere with Luis Mata and Megan Lange
Hosts Len Assante and Michele Harbin welcomes Sumner County Democratic Party chair Megan Lange and Deputy Executive Director and Communications Director of the Tennessee Democratic Party Luis Mata. Len starts off with a recap of last week’s political news including criticism of Rep. Johnny Garrett’s HB 2036, which would bar naturalized citizens from running for federal office; the hosts call it unconstitutional and describe it as attention-seeking and aimed at gaining favor with Trump. The conversation covers several Tennessee bills: HB 5 proposing fines up to $5 million related to harming an unborn fetus via abortion pills and raising concerns about legal precedent; a Senate bill ending tenure for new higher-education faculty starting July 1 and creating uncertainty for current tenure-track contracts; and HB 884 expanding restrictions on drag performances by placing them under adult-oriented establishment definitions. The hosts argue lawmakers should focus on core issues like education, healthcare, wages, unemployment, and transportation infrastructure rather than culture-war legislation.
Deputy Executive Director and Communications Director of the Tennessee Democratic Party Luis Mata joins, sharing his background immigrating from Mexico in 2000, growing up in East Tennessee, and being drawn into organizing due to barriers faced as a non-citizen (including in-state tuition and financial aid restrictions). He describes his organizing philosophy, the importance of inclusion, and the idea of bringing “a folding chair” if there’s no seat at the table. The panel discusses fear among Democratic voters and candidates about openly expressing support, and Luis emphasizes varied “spectrum of engagement” entry points for participation.
Megan reports on a Sumner County Library Board meeting prompted by Secretary of State Trey Hargett’s letter urging review/removal of books; she notes 53 titles were submitted for reconsideration, including a children’s book about an elderly tortoise processing grief. Luis outlines Tennessee Democratic Party priorities under Chair Rachel Campbell’s leadership, emphasizing “organize everywhere so we can compete and win everywhere,” noting all 95 counties now have organized and active local Democratic parties. Candidate recruitment and support are highlighted, with instructions for prospective candidates to contact stillblue@sumnerdems.org (Sumner County) or comms@tndp.org (elsewhere) and to identify a strong personal “why” for running.
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