Kristi Burke

Kristi Burke's career experience includes working as an independent muralist, digital content creator, and local organizer.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was raised with a foundation in the church, and taught that the highest command was to care for the vulnerable.

Today, I am running against a system that has inverted that value. I’m running to challenge a political system that claims moral authority while protecting corporate profits at the expense of human dignity.

My journey has been about refining my values, not rejecting them. I realized that if we are truly going to prioritize our neighbors, we must fight for their right to survive.

I know what it’s like to struggle because I’m living it with you. My resume isn't a list of political appointments, it’s a story of American resilience. I’ve worked in the beauty industry, painted large-scale murals, and built a platform on YouTube rooted in critical thinking.

Like so many of you in the 1st District:

I rent my home; I don’t own it.

I don’t have health insurance, navigating the same "pay or pray" system you do.

I’ve spent years working to climb out of debt in an economy designed to keep us underwater.

I am not a polished politician. I am a neighbor who is tired of watching our representation be sold to the highest bidder while we are told to "wait our turn" for dignity. I believe in the radical idea that no one should have to earn the right to survive.

I’m running because justice isn’t a buzzword to me. It’s a moral necessity. I’m here to fight for equity, and give TN-01 a voice that sounds like the people who actually live here.

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?

Human Rights Over Corporate Profits: I believe that essential needs like healthcare, housing, and a clean environment, should never be gatekept by wealth. My campaign is a direct challenge to a system that prioritizes corporate balance sheets over the survival and dignity of East Tennesseans.The Right to Survive: As someone living the "pay or pray" system without insurance, My message is personal. I am not just proposing policy; I am fighting for a world where no one in the 1st District is one medical emergency away from ruin.A Voice for the Neighbors, Not the Highest Bidder: I am running as a neighbor and a worker, not a career politician. My campaign is about shifting power from wealthy donors to the people who actually live, rent, and work in this district, ensuring their voices are finally heard in Washington.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

My core policy focus is systemic change and accountability, centered on four key areas. First, Corporate Accountability and Tax Justice: I will dismantle corporate political power, enforce anti-monopoly laws, and ensure the wealthy pay their fair share. Second, Reclaiming War Powers/Ending Militarism: We must prioritize human needs over military expansion. As I've said, "There's always money for bombs. There's never money for healthcare." Third, Systemic Justice: I advocate for criminal justice reform and replacing agencies like ICE with a system prioritizing human rights. Finally, Local Infrastructure and Environmental Justice: I demand an accountable TVA for East Tennessee, and protection against disproportionate pollution exposure.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Center for Freethought Equality

https://www.take-bac-congress.us/

https://couragefordemocracy.com/