Dale Braden, a U.S. Army veteran and Middle Tennessee native, is running for the Republican nomination in the race for Tennessee’s 6th Congressional District.
Braden formally declared his candidacy for the seat last month, according to a filing with the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
After joining the Army when he was 17, Braden went on to work in roles across multiple industries including in the federal government, higher education, manufacturing, non-profits, and, most recently, the healthcare sector, according to his campaign website.
Braden describes himself as a “true conservative” who “believes in common-sense solutions, personal responsibility, and putting America first.”
“Dale proudly emphasizes that he is not a career politician, but a patriot who believes public office is about serving the people, not serving oneself. He’s lived the same struggles that hardworking Americans face every day and has never forgotten where he came from,” Braden’s website reads.
Braden lists 12 “core values and beliefs” on his website he would prioritize if elected to Congress, including the Constitution; 2nd Amendment; Voter ID; Parental Rights; Illegal Immigration; Affordable Healthcare; Lowering Taxes; Law and Order; Strong Military; Protecting the Unborn; Lowering Inflation; and Religious Freedom.
A total of 19 counties – Cannon, Clay, Cumberland, Davidson, DeKalb, Fentress, Jackson, Macon, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Scott, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale, Van Buren, Warren, White, and Wilson – make up Tennessee’s 6th Congressional District.
The district is currently represented by incumbent U.S. Representative John Rose (R-TN-06), who is running in the 2026 Tennessee gubernatorial election.
Braden is one of three Republican candidates who have launched bids to succeed Rose in representing the 6th District.
Van Hilleary, who served as a U.S. representative for Tennessee from 1994-2002 and currently serves as Rose’s Chief of Staff, and Tennessee House Majority Whip Johnny Garrett (R-Goodlettsville) both launched bids for the congressional seat earlier this month.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
Photos “Dale Braden” and “Gainsboro” by Dale Braden.
It might be easier to list those who are NOT running in this election.