The Porchlight | September25
From the Chair
The Porchlight is our way of keeping the light on.
For too long, Democrats in places like ours have been told to go quiet, to fold up shop, to wait for someone else to bring the fight to us. But that’s not who we are. This is our home, and we are building something lasting right here.
The Porchlight is where you can always find us. The big dates. The neighborhood gatherings. The work we’re doing shoulder-to-shoulder. And the small, ordinary ways you can plug in and help change the map.
Instead of one long email that comes and goes, we’re turning The Porchlight into something you can carry with you — a post you can read, share, and return to whenever you need it. A reminder that you’re not alone, and that there are Democrats in Anderson County who are standing up, together.
Think of it as a front porch conversation. What’s coming up. What we’ve done. And what we’re building next.
Because the election is on. The primaries have been called. The season of waiting is over.
It’s time to step into the light.
Not signed up for our newsletter? Have them delivered straight to your inbox here.-Chase Lindsey
Chair, Anderson County Democratic Party
The Store Is Open
andersondems.shop is live. Thank you to everyone who placed orders during our initial launch — your support means more than you know. Items are already on their way to your mailboxes, and when they arrive, we want to see them. Snap a selfie, send it in, and we’ll share them here and on our socials.
Every shirt, every mug, every hoodie is more than merch. It’s a stake in the ground. It’s a way of saying that Democrats are here in Anderson County, that we’re alive, visible, and building something together. And every single purchase helps us keep the lights on locally and do the work that no one else will do for us.
New designs are coming soon, but right now, the most important thing is that you make this ours.
The Primaries Are On!
We’ve officially called for local Democratic primaries. That means 2026 is here. No more waiting, no more asking if it’s possible — we’re doing it. Anderson County Democrats are shaping our own ballot and lifting up neighbors who are ready to run.
Now is the moment to decide where you want to fit in. Maybe you’re ready to step up and run. Maybe you know someone who should. Maybe you’re ready to help a candidate knock doors, raise their first dollars, or learn the ropes. Whatever it looks like for you, this is the time to find your reason and take the first step: Fill out the interest form.
neighbor2NEIGHBOR
Our neighbor2NEIGHBOR committee wrapped its first month of distributions, making sure local families have a little extra dignity in their lives. $30 supports a family of four for a month — you can chip in directly, or you can grab a shirt through the store knowing that every purchase helps us keep this work going.
Our neighbor2NEIGHBOR Committee
(Left to Right) Janine Clayton, Kathy Uzzle, Ashley Craven, Leca Buchan, Laura Gift
Because making a difference here at home isn’t something that only happens during election season.
A Quick Tease
And this month, our General Assembly — the countywide gathering of Anderson County Democrats — is back. It’s where we’ll come together, get on the same page, and chart our path into 2026. Details are in the calendar below, but for now just know: the porchlight is lit, and the doors are open.
The porchlight only matters if we gather under it. September is packed with opportunities to show up, connect with neighbors, and start shaping the map together.
September Highlights & RSVP Links
The full September calendar is above — here are the key ways to plug in this month:
Countywide
General Assembly Relaunch
Thursday, September 18 · 6:00 PM
Roane State Community College, City Room
Our countywide gathering of Anderson County Democrats is back. Come hear what’s on the ballot, how to plug in, and how we’re building toward 2026.Dems & Friends Social
Sunday, September 21 · 5:00–7:00 PM
Crafters’ Brew, Oak Ridge
Hosted by District 8 Democrats but open to all — a casual evening to connect with Democrats and friends, welcome new faces, and enjoy good company.Democrats’ Fall Cookout
Sunday, September 28 · 6:00 PM
Melton Lake Park, Oak Ridge
Celebrate the first Saturday of fall with food, community, and plenty of conversation.
District Meetings
District 6: Thursday, September 4 · 5:30 PM at HQ
Districts 4 & 5: Tuesday, September 9 · 6:00 PM at Fiesta Charra, Oliver Springs
District 7: Tuesday, September 30 · 6:00 PM at HQ
Community at HQ
Book Club: Erasing History — Thursday, September 18 · 2:00 PM
Crafters’ Corner: Fridays, September 12 & 26 · 1:00–3:00 PM
If you’d like a copy of the September calendar to hang on your fridge or keep by your desk, you can download it here. We’ll also have printed copies available at HQ during open hours.
East Tennessee Democratic Labor Day Picnic
Labor Day was never meant to be a weekend of sales and cookouts. It was carved out by strikes, by sweat, by people who refused to bow when the bosses and politicians told them to know their place. Every time we gather on this day, we’re standing in that tradition — shoulder to shoulder with coal miners who shut down counties for safety, with teachers who walked out so their students could learn with dignity, with workers who knew their lives were worth more than a profit sheet.
That’s what this year’s East Tennessee Labor Day Picnic in Roane County meant. Not just food on the table, but a fire in our bones.
We heard from Derek Guy, newly announced candidate for District 6 County Commission right here in Anderson County — proof that local Democrats are stepping up and running where it matters. We were fired up by Michaela Barnette, teasing her run against Tim Burchett. We can’t vote for her, but we can sure as hell cheer her on. And we were reminded of what’s possible by Jerri Green, Memphis City Council Member now running to take on the Republican machine for Governor. We know it’ll be Marsha Blackburn — and we know she can be beaten; especially when we have “One Tough Mother” running against her.
This picnic was a reminder that Democrats aren’t going anywhere. We’re not hiding. We’re not waiting for permission.
We’re building something that starts here, in places like Anderson County, and stretches across the state.
And to anyone who says we’re too small to matter, that we should shrink back or stay quiet — this was our answer.
How to Plug In
The Porchlight is about keeping the light on — but it only matters if we keep stepping into it together.
Here’s how you can plug in this month:
Volunteer (or Get Ready To)
It’s too early to hit the doors, but it’s not too early to get moving. We’ll start postcards soon. You can volunteer at HQ. And we’re even getting things together to flex those phone banking and texting muscles — with a couple of nights where we’ll help Get Out the Vote (GOTV) for the special election happening in West Tennessee. (And with the news out of Iowa, we’re pumped.)
Step Up and Run
The primaries are on, and we’re less than one year away from the local primaries in May 2026. That means now is the time to start thinking — out loud — about running for office.
We’ll be rolling out a candidate resource page soon, so make sure you’re signed up for The Porchlight. For now, remember this: what you do and the advice you listen to today matters more than anything.
All information is not good information. We’re working now to bring in the professionals, people who know how to run real campaigns, to host a candidate training series here in Anderson County. Stay tuned.
Support the Work
Every shirt or mug from andersondems.shop helps us keep the lights on.
You can also donate directly to our election warchest or to our HQ fund through ActBlue. However you give, you’re fueling the work here at home — and making sure Anderson County Democrats have the resources we need to win.
-Anderson County Democratic Party Executive Committee
