Chattanooga’s Own Missy Crutchfield Eyes Senate District 10 Seat
Chattanooga, TN – The countdown is on for the upcoming election on November 5, and local residents are buzzing about the Democratic candidate, Missy Crutchfield. With a heart full of passion and a penchant for connecting with people, Crutchfield is making her mark as she seeks to represent Tennessee’s District 10 in the state Senate. She believes that her love for people drives her ambition. “I’ve got a lot of energy, a lot of ideas, passion and I want to work with people,” she shared in a recent interview. Her message is clear: it’s about finding common ground, no matter where folks might stand on the issues.
The upcoming election is a significant moment for the district, which encompasses parts of Hamilton, Marion, Sequatchie, and Bledsoe counties. Early voting kicks off this Wednesday, and residents can cast their votes at locations detailed on the local election website.
A Native Chattanoogan with Deep Roots
At 65, Crutchfield is a familiar face around town, having grown up in Chattanooga. As a single mother to her son and two rescue dogs, she resides in Highland Park and has dedicated herself to yoga teaching alongside running her own property management company. Interestingly, much of her rental properties are located in East Chattanooga. She’s stepping into this political race to carry forward a legacy, as the seat is currently held by State Senator Todd Gardenhire, but was once filled by her late father, Ward Crutchfield, who was a long-time figure in the Tennessee General Assembly.
Building on a Family Legacy
Missy recalls with pride her father’s involvement in the Civil Rights Movement during her childhood. “Let’s celebrate diversity, let’s celebrate being American, let’s celebrate being Tennessean,” she expressed passionately, donning her signature peace sign earrings. Her journey has taken her from studying acting in New York to holding significant roles in higher education and public service. She boasts impressive academic credentials, including a bachelor’s in criminal justice and a master’s in communication.
While Crutchfield has faced obstacles in her professional journey, including audits related to her publication, Be Magazine, she looks back on those experiences as learning opportunities. She noted the magazine was intended more as a passion project for social and environmental advocacy, rather than a business. “I shouldn’t have done it,” she reflected, but added that it helped bring notable speakers like Arun Gandhi to Chattanooga, showcasing the positive impact she’s had despite earlier challenges.
Focus on the Farmers and Local Education
As she ventures into the political landscape, Crutchfield is placing a significant focus on the farming community, particularly the farmers who are the backbone of her rural district. “We need to find a way to make sure that those farmers have insurance,” she insisted, underscoring the importance of their role in food production. The challenges they face—like having to juggle secondary jobs to meet healthcare needs—are on her radar, and she’s eager to work on solutions.
Education is another hot topic for Crutchfield, especially in light of a recent push for school vouchers that could endanger public education. “If we don’t elect new leaders, then these vouchers will be shoved down our throats,” she said with conviction. She advocates for more inclusive school lunch options and wants to ensure mental health resources are readily available for students.
Stance on Gun Control and Women’s Rights
On the issue of gun safety, Crutchfield acknowledges the importance of firearms for rural communities but maintains that there should be stricter regulations. “We have not had enough checks on firearms,” she stated firmly, advocating for background checks and laws to help control access for those who may pose a risk.
The candidate doesn’t shy away from discussing women’s rights either, pointing out that current reproductive laws in Tennessee are falling short of what’s necessary for a woman’s health. “This is abuse. This is violence on the woman,” she argued passionately, emphasizing the need for change, particularly in cases that involve rape or incest.
As the Election Nears
With the election just around the corner, Crutchfield hopes to resonate with voters in her district by showcasing her commitment to uplift all communities. “We can find commonalities,” she reiterated, encouraging residents to come together for a brighter, more inclusive future.
As she prepares for the big day, Crutchfield is focused on uniting people rather than dividing them, emphasizing that every voice matters in shaping the future of Tennessee. The people of Chattanooga have a lot to look forward to as they head to the polls, and Missy Crutchfield stands ready to listen and represent their needs wholeheartedly.
