Civil Miller-Watkins

Civil Miller-Watkins graduated from Bolivar Central High. Miller-Watkins earned a Bachelor of Science in sociology from University of Tennessee at Martin in 1992, as well as a Bachelor of Science in social work in 1994, and a master's degree in education in 2023 from the same university. Her career experience includes working as a middle school teacher. Miller-Watkins was the vice-chair of the Board of Education for Fayette County Public Schools.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Civil Miller-Watkins, and I am a teacher, community leader, wife, mother of 8, Nana of 14, and lifelong advocate for Tennessee families.

I am a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Martin and currently serve as an educator working with students and families in West Tennessee. I previously served as Vice-Chair of the Fayette County School Board and as Chair of the Fayette County Democratic Party. I also serve as Secretary for the Tennessee Democratic County Chairs Association.

Leadership and service have always been important parts of my life. I am a graduate of the WestStar Leadership Program and Leadership Fayette, and I was honored to be part of an Emerge Tennessee cohort that helps prepare women to lead and serve in public office.

I am also the proud mother of six Eagle Scouts. My family believes strongly in service, leadership, discipline, and giving back to the community.

My mother named me “Civil” during the Civil Rights Movement because of the fight for equality and justice taking place in Hardeman County and across West Tennessee. That history shaped my values and taught me the importance of standing up for people whose voices are too often ignored.

I believe leadership begins with listening to people, serving communities, and working together to move Tennessee forward one kitchen table at a time.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Lower Costs. More Opportunity.

Families across Tennessee are working hard, but everyday costs keep going up. Groceries, rent, healthcare, and school costs are putting pressure on working families. I believe people who work hard should have a fair chance to get ahead. I want to help create better-paying jobs, support small businesses, improve public schools, and make healthcare more affordable so Tennessee families can build a stronger future.Protect Democracy. Protect Every Voice.

I believe every Tennessean deserves an equal voice in our democracy. Too many people feel ignored, discouraged, or disconnected from the political process. I have personally seen the impact of redistricting and political decisions that weaken trust in representation. In the Senate, I will work to protect voting rights, increase civic participation, strengthen faith in our elections, and ensure government remains accountable to the people. Democracy works best when every eligible voter can participate fairly and freely.Invest in Rural Tennessee.

Rural communities should not be left behind. Too many families are struggling with hospital closures, weak infrastructure, underfunded schools, and a lack of job opportunities. I want to bring more investment into rural Tennessee by improving healthcare, education, broadband access, roads, and economic development. Where you live should not decide the opportunities you have in life.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about public policies that affect everyday Tennessee families. I support strong public schools, including Title I and special education funding, so every child has the chance to succeed. Public schools should be "A First Best Choice". I care deeply about healthcare access and protecting Medicaid funding that helps keep rural hospitals and clinics open.

I also support broadband and infrastructure investments that help rural communities grow. At the same time, as technology and data centers expand, we must make sure rural and marginalized communities are not sacrificed for corporate growth. Tennessee families should come first.

Civil Miller-Watkins did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign website

Miller-Watkins’ campaign website stated the following:

"Kitchen Table Issues"that Civil will Push For and be a Champion For:

Education:

Making Public Schools a First-Best-Choice

Enacting Common Sense gun laws that make it possible for our children to feel safe, secure and without fear while in school, in the community and at home

Health Care:

A Woman's Right to Choose

Support for the Care Givers who provide care for their family members

Maternal Care, so that fewer women die during and after childbirth

Reducing the effect of Rural Healthcare Desserts

Economy:

Expanding the availability of good paying jobs

Standing with our unions to foster a stronger middle class

Economic policy that creates a foundation of possibility where each person can plant their seeds of promise claiming the American Dream at the level they are willing to work toward

A Vision for a Stronger America:

Voting Rights: I'm a strong supporter of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. It's all about knocking down the barriers that make it hard for some people to vote, fighting against unfair practices that stop people from voting, and keeping our democracy strong. Democracy works best when everyone's voice can be heard.

Balancing the Budget: We need to be smart about how we handle our country's money. I promise to work on balancing the budget by cutting unnecessary spending and making sure we're investing in things that really matter for the wellbeing of all Americans. It's about ensuring a stable and prosperous future for us all.

Border Protection with Humanity: I believe in protecting our borders in a way that's both effective and kind. This means using the latest technology, creating fair immigration rules, and always respecting human rights. It's possible to keep our country safe while also being fair and humane.

Together, we can create an America that stands against hate, values every vote, offers education without a lifetime of debt, handles its finances wisely, and protects its borders with both strength and kindness. Let's work together for a future that's bright for everyone.[6]

—Civil Miller-Watkins' campaign website (2024)[7]

Civil Miller-Watkins did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.