Jacob Anders
IndependentQ1 Data centers and the TVA grid (Energy / AI / Environment) – Data center electricity use in the Tennessee Valley has grown roughly sevenfold since 2020, and in the Memphis area, gas turbines powering AI data centers have raised air-quality concerns. What specific policies, if any, would you support to protect Tennesseans’ electricity bills, grid reliability, and air quality as data centers expand?
I support strict data center regulations that will limit their pollution output and protect Tennesseans’ electricity bills. I believe we need to transition to clean renewable energy such as nuclear, solar and wind.
Q2 Childhood vaccination (Public Health / Trust in Science) – According to the Tennessee Department of Health, roughly 80% of Tennessee counties fall below the 95% kindergarten vaccination rate needed to prevent outbreaks of diseases such as measles. What policies, if any, would you support to manage vaccine-preventable diseases in Tennessee?
I support educational initiatives to address vaccine hesitancy. Combatting misinformation in the digital age requires us to be proactive.
Q3 Flooding and extreme-weather resilience (Environment / Climate) – Two years after Tropical Storm Helene, East Tennessee communities are still rebuilding, and a 2026 winter storm left hundreds of thousands of Tennesseans without power. What specific steps, if any, would you take to prepare Tennessee’s communities, infrastructure, and power grid for severe weather?
I support federal investments in grid hardening and modernizing local infrastructure so both rural and urban areas alike can recover quickly and stay powered during these crises.
Q4 Federal science funding and Oak Ridge (Science Funding / Jobs and Workforce) – Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the University of Tennessee, Vanderbilt, and other Tennessee institutions depend on federal research funding. What priorities, if any, would guide your votes on funding for federal science agencies such as the Department of Energy, NIH, and NSF?
I’ve always looked up to scientists, and I support robust funding for the Department of Energy, NIH, and NSF. Scientific research drives innovation and creates high paying jobs, and Washington must be a reliable partner in that progress.
Q6 Trust in science (Policymaking Process / Trust in Science) – Distrust in science has been on the rise among the general public and policymakers, which has been associated with changes in federal funding for scientific research. In order to bridge this gap, how do you think scientists and policymakers can work together to strengthen their communication?
Scientists and policymakers must abandon jargon and practice radical transparency. Since politicians are often owned by their donors, researchers should engage directly with the public to explain how these funds yield benefits.