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Photo of Ollie Nelson

Ollie Nelson

DemocraticFirst-time candidate

Ollie Nelson ran for U.S. House Tennessee District 9 in 2026. This is their first run for office.

From the candidate’s public filings

Background

Ollie Nelson (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Tennessee's 9th Congressional District. He did not appear on the ballot for the Democratic primary on August 4, 2022.

Campaign themes

Ollie Nelson did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Ollie Nelson did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

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What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

creating jobs, reform voting process in NC to include gerrymandering, invest more in the coastal areas of NC

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

• Raising Workers’ Wages

• Protecting Workers’ Fundamental Rights

• Supporting Working Families

• Helping More Workers Share in Near-Record Corporate Profits

• Expanding Access to Affordable Housing and Homeownership

• Protecting and Expanding Social Security

• Ensuring a Secure and Dignified Retirement Revitalizing Our Nation’s Postal Service

• CREATE GOOD-PAYING JOBS

• Building 21st Century Infrastructure

• Fostering a Manufacturing Renaissance

• Creating Good-Paying Clean Energy Jobs

• Pursuing Our Innovation Agenda: Science, Research, Education, and Technology

• Supporting America’s Small Businesses

• Creating Jobs for America’s Young People

• FIGHT FOR ECONOMIC FAIRNESS AND AGAINST INEQUALITY

• Reining in Wall Street and Fixing our Financial System

• Promoting Competition by Stopping Corporate Concentration

• Making the Wealthy Pay Their Fair Share of Taxes

• Promoting Trade That is Fair and Benefits American Workers

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Look to God! As Jesus did in human flesh, and as all of God's faithful servants have done through the ages, for I am a christian.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN BY BARRACK OBAMA - The election of Barack Obama as President of the United States is a defining moment in American history. After years of failed policies and failed politics from Washington, this is our chance to reclaim the American dream. Barack Obama has proven to be a new kind of leader–one who can bring people together, be honest about the challenges we face, and move this nation forward. Change We Can Believe In outlines his vision for America.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

HONESTY, DETERMINATION, CARING

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

HONESTY, DETERMINATION, CARING

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

I believe that if elected to Congress, I responsibilities would include keeping in touch with my constituents and educate them on the issues through mailings and websites, hold public hearings, exercises oversight over the bureaucracy, or engages in committee and floor debate on major issues and topics such as immigration, global warming, aging, illegal drugs, and the concerns of small businesses.

What legacy would you like to leave?

tried to help bring equality to all blacks and whites in America, to support endeavors for the forgotten and the disenfranchised, for my teachings and acts of kindliness and braveness.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

As a third grader in Memphis, Tennessee on April 4, 1968, the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. continues to reverberate throughout the nation in large and small ways almost 50 years later. In many ways our nation is still trying to recover from King’s death and the opportunities for racial equality, economic justice and peace — what King referred to as a “beloved community”— that seemed to recede in its aftermath.

Fifty years after King’s assassination, I along with other Afro-Americans to this day struggles for racial equality appear as acute now as they did then, except the juxtapositions between signs of racial progress and the reality of continued racial injustice are even more stark. The “post-racial” symbolism in the election of Barack Obama as the nation’s first black president existed uneasily alongside the harsh reality of mass incarceration of black and brown men and women, boys and girls. Just as 1968 ushered in the last of the long hot summers that began in Birmingham, Ala., in 1963, the deaths of Michael Brown and Freddie Gray triggered urban rebellions in Ferguson, Mo., and Baltimore that recalled the fits of racial unrest that gripped the nation 50 years ago.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I worked temporarily doing retail.

What happened on your most awkward date?

The person lied about what they looked like over the phone. After getting to their home, and chatting for an hour, the date was over before it started.

What is your favorite holiday? Why?

My favorite holiday is Christmas, because that is when my immediate family gets together.

What is your favorite book? Why?

My favorite book is the Bible. The Bible is a dead book to anyone who has not had their spirit regenerated by God. That is what being born-again is about ---- the spirit died with Adam and Eve and God is a Spirit. Our spirit's come alive in Christ.

I love it! It is the complete story of God's creation and man's fall ---- and God's plan and work to redeem us back to himself. He did it through Christ.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Superman

What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?

Hang out with family and play with my dogs.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Gospel - He Promise Me, by Bebe Winnans

What process do you favor for redistricting?

As long as it is not racially disproportionate.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The diversity of the Congress, and that they work at the will of the people.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes, it helps, but it is not totally necessary.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Gun control, world peace, and humanitarian efforts to all Americans or those seeking refuge here.

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Yes, the House Intelligence and Judicial committees.

If you are a current representative, why did you join your current committees?

N/A

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

No! they need more time.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I am against them.

If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?

Yes, as a freshman in Congress, I will have to follow the protocol for new legislators.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Yes, Congresswoman Maxine Waters from CA, for her determination.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

State of the Beach/State Reports/NC/Beach Erosion - Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs) are the foundation of the Coastal Resources Commission's permitting program for coastal development. An AEC is an area of natural importance: It may be easily destroyed by erosion or flooding; or it may have environmental, social, economic or aesthetic values that make it valuable to our state.

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On the 2026 ballot

Compiled from the candidate’s published profile as of September 30, 2026.

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