Ryan Scofield

Ryan Scofield was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee. His career experience includes working as a legal assistant.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am native to the Chattanooga area, having spent most of my life living in East Brainerd. I currently serve as an executive committeeman for both the Hamilton County Democratic Party and Tennessee Democratic Party.

When I am not busy politicking, I work as a Social Security disability legal assistant. As part of my job, I talk with many Tennesseans from all over the ideological spectrum. The one message I hear is that they do not believe the government is working for them. Many cannot afford health insurance. Some are on the verge of homelessness. All I have been able to tell some of these people is that I wish I could do more. After much reflecting, I believe that the best way I can serve my clients is by being their biggest advocate in Nashville.

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?

Medicaid Expansion- too many hardworking Tennesseans go without medical care. Many fall in the dead zone between qualifying and being able to afford a basic healthcare plan.

Looking at this from a fiscal standpoint, we are sending an ungodly amount of money that is not being used for Medicaid. It is wasteful not to accept the federal funds.Respecting a woman’s right to choose- The government should not be governing people’s bodies. I am for removing the government from medical decisions between a doctor and patient. Inserting the government into a medical decision is a slippery slope that should be avoided.Stronger neighborhood schools- Our schools are painfully underfunded. I would work to roll back Governor Lee’s disastrous voucher scheme and allocate that funding back into our community schools. Our government should not be funding private academic institutions.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am very passionate about healthcare. As someone with chronic illnesses, I want to be a voice for those like me. People are without healthcare, rural hospitals are closing leaving many people without access to emergent lifesaving treatment.

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

I look up to my mother who is a hospice nurse. She is not taking care of just the patient, but is taking care of an entire family. Her strong work ethic and big heart are something I try to emulate in what I do.

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

Compassion for those they serve is a must. Too often politicians are so out of touch with their constituents that they lose sight of the struggles many face.

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

Working to improve the lives of their constituents.

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

9/11. It was the day after my tenth birthday. It is forever engrained in my memory.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

“Every Kinda People” by Robert Palmer

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

I believe that the state legislature should listen to the governor’s concerns as legislation is crafted. That being said, what is proposed should not be contingent on what a governor wants.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

The continued declination of rural hospitals and associated reduced access to healthcare.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Not necessarily, no.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

I think that it is very beneficial to have relationships with other legislators from all over the ideological spectrum. People agree on more than they disagree. Forming these relationships create a stronger legislature and a stronger state.

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

I have long admired former Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio. He has a servant’s heart.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Never say never. Right now, I am focused on what I can do for House District 29.

Both sitting legislators 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?

As part of my day job, I have talked with so many people whose stories are my motivation for running. They have a common them of lack of access to healthcare, due to their inability to afford health insurance.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

It should be evaluated on a case by case basis.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

My first bill would expand Medicaid to those who fall between being able to afford insurance and qualifying for Medicaid.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Tennessee Families for Vaccines and Tennessee Advocates for Planned Parenthood

What committees interest you?

Education Administration, Health, and Civil Justice.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe that politicians should be 100% transparent with their constituents and should fight for a more transparent government.

Would a state ballot initiative process be good or bad for your state?

I think it would be very good for our state. This is another way for citizens to have their voices heard.