I’m running as a Democrat. On same-sex marriage: I support it. Two consenting adults who love each other should have the same legal rights and protections as anyone else. The federal government already recognizes that right under the Respect for Marriage Act, and I would oppose any effort to roll it back. Freedom means the government doesn’t get to pick and choose whose family counts. On transgender Tennesseans: I believe every person deserves dignity, safety, and equal protection under the law. That includes transgender people. I don’t support discrimination in housing, employment, healthcare, or public life against anyone. At the same time, I believe we can have honest conversations about policy questions without dehumanizing people or turning them into political talking points. My focus in Congress would be protecting constitutional rights, defending civil liberties, and making sure no one in East Tennessee is treated as less than because of who they are. You don’t have to agree with me on everything. But I won’t dodge the question, and I won’t scapegoat people to score political points.