Our Candidates

In each city council election since 2017, the City Council Movement has worked to identify candidates to support whose values align closely with ours and who commit to a shared platform with the goal of a Knoxville for All. In all elections since 2017 except 2023, CCM-endorsed  candidates have run as a team, supported by City Council Movement members and volunteers, as well as the financial resources raised through our political action committee, the People Power PAC. 

Our 2017 City Council Movement Candidates were Seema Singh (formerly Seema Singh-Perez) for District 3, Amelia Parker for District 4, and two candidates in District 6: Zimbabwe Matavou and Rev. John Butler. Districts 1 and 2 were also on the ballot in 2017, but CCM did not support candidates in those races. 

 Our 2019 City Council Movement Candidates were Nzinga Bayano Amani (previously known as David Hayes) for At-Large Seat B, Amelia Parker for At-Large Seat C, and Charles Al-Bawi for District 5.  At-Large Seat A was also on the ballot in 2019, but CCM did not support a candidate in that race.

Our 2021 City Council Movement Candidates were Nzinga Bayano Amani (previously known as David Hayes) for District 1, Jen McMahon for District 4, and Deidra Harper for District 6. Districts 2 and 3 were also on the ballot in 2021, but CCM did not support candidates in those races. 

In 2023, the City Council Movement did not support a slate of candidates. Instead, we worked with folks across the movement to create a 14 question survey for all candidates for city council. The YES or NO survey asked candidates about addressing poverty, development, affordable housing/utilities, climate, and safety. A YES indicated alignment with movement demands and values. Our many thanks to everyone in the movement and allied organizations who contributed to the creation of the survey. View the results of the 2023 survey here. 

The City Council Movement will support a slate of candidates in 2025 and is currently meeting with individuals considering a run for office next year. CCM provides financial and field support to city council candidates running for office. If you are thinking of running and your values align with ours, send us an email at citycouncilmovement@gmail.com.