--- title: "Burke vs. Harshbarger: 2026 Tennessee’s 1st District race" url: "https://www.2026election.com/race/2026-house-tn-01" updated: "2026-08-13" source: "Candidates' campaign sites and Ballotpedia, quoted verbatim" publisher: "Pluribus" --- # 2026 Tennessee’s 1st District race: Kristi Burke (D) vs. Diana Harshbarger (R) Rating: Safe R · Election: November 3, 2026 · Ballot checked: October 9, 2026 · Positions captured: August 13, 2026 The 2026 election for Tennessee's 1st Congressional District features Democratic nominee Kristi Burke and two-term Republican incumbent Representative Diana Harshbarger. The district's filing deadline was reopened until May 15, 2026, following mid-decade boundary updates enacted by the Tennessee state legislature. The contest hinges on starkly contrasting visions for healthcare, economic policy, foreign intervention, and immigration enforcement in East Tennessee. ## Candidates - **Kristi Burke** (Democrat) · [Campaign site](https://www.votekristiburke.com/) · [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Kristi_Burke) - **Diana Harshbarger** (Republican) · [Campaign site](https://www.votediana.com) · [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Diana_Harshbarger) ## Issues ### Healthcare Salience: high Burke views healthcare as an absolute human right that must be guaranteed regardless of wealth, while Harshbarger advocates for free-market solutions, reduced government regulation, and expanded rural access based on her experience as a pharmacist. **Kristi Burke:** Supports universal healthcare as a right Burke frames healthcare as a fundamental human right and a moral necessity, asserting that essential medical care should never depend on personal wealth. Speaking from personal experience navigating the system without insurance, she criticizes federal spending that prioritizes overseas military intervention over domestic health coverage. - Advocates treating healthcare as a human right rather than a market commodity. - Shares personal experience living without health insurance in a 'pay or pray' system. - Criticizes federal spending that prioritizes defense over domestic healthcare infrastructure. > “There's always money for bombs. There's never money for healthcare.” > — Kristi Burke, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Kristi_Burke) > “I am not just proposing policy; I am fighting for a world where no one in the 1st District is one medical emergency away from ruin.” > — Kristi Burke, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Kristi_Burke) **Diana Harshbarger:** Opposes federal overreach in healthcare Drawing on over 30 years as a licensed community pharmacist, Harshbarger advocates for free-market healthcare solutions and reduced government regulation. She focuses on lowering prescription drug costs, increasing price transparency, and expanding healthcare access for rural residents and seniors. - Leverages 30+ years as a community pharmacist to address rural health challenges. - Focuses on lowering drug prices and increasing healthcare access for seniors and rural communities. - Opposes government mandates and federal intrusion into personal healthcare decisions. > “Drawing on over 30 years as a community pharmacist, I understand the unique healthcare challenges faced by rural communities.” > — Diana Harshbarger, via [Campaign site](https://www.votediana.com) > “I am committed to reducing government interference, lowering drug prices, increasing healthcare access for seniors and rural residents, and promoting transparency.” > — Diana Harshbarger, via [Campaign site](https://www.votediana.com) ### Economy, Taxes, and Corporate Power Salience: high Harshbarger prioritizes cutting taxes and federal regulations to stimulate growth, whereas Burke calls for dismantling corporate power, enforcing anti-monopoly laws, and requiring the wealthy to pay higher taxes. **Kristi Burke:** Supports corporate accountability and tax justice Burke advocates for dismantling corporate political power, enforcing anti-monopoly laws, and ensuring that corporations and high earners pay their fair share of taxes. She emphasizes economic justice for workers and renters, pointing to her own struggles paying off debt while living in the district. - Proposes enforcing anti-monopoly laws and curbing corporate political influence. - Demands tax justice to ensure wealthy corporations and high earners pay their fair share. - Focuses on economic relief for workers, renters, and struggling families in East Tennessee. > “I will dismantle corporate political power, enforce anti-monopoly laws, and ensure the wealthy pay their fair share.” > — Kristi Burke, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Kristi_Burke) > “Human Rights Over Corporate Profits: I believe that essential needs like healthcare, housing, and a clean environment, should never be gatekept by wealth.” > — Kristi Burke, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Kristi_Burke) **Diana Harshbarger:** Supports tax cuts and deregulation Harshbarger supports cutting federal regulations, lowering taxes, and negotiating trade deals that protect American workers. She signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge and supported major conservative economic packages in Congress, including the Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023 and the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024. - Signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge with Americans for Tax Reform. - Voted for H.R. 2811 (Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023) to raise the debt limit while capping federal spending and repealing green energy tax credits. - Voted for H.R. 1 (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) reconciliation bill in 2025. > “As your representative, I will fight for economic recovery by cutting regulations, negotiating trade deals that benefit everyday citizens, and lowering taxes.” > — Diana Harshbarger, via [Campaign site](https://www.votediana.com) > “Bidenomics is wreaking havoc on hard-working Americans.” > — Diana Harshbarger, via [Campaign site](https://www.votediana.com) ### Border Security and Immigration Salience: high Harshbarger advocates reinstating Trump-era border wall construction and strict enforcement measures, while Burke calls for systemic justice reform and replacing ICE with a human-rights-focused agency. **Kristi Burke:** Supports immigration reform prioritizing human rights Burke advocates for systemic justice reform, which includes replacing federal enforcement agencies like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with a new framework focused on human rights. - Advocates replacing ICE with a system built around protecting human rights. - Supports comprehensive criminal and systemic justice reform across federal agencies. > “Third, Systemic Justice: I advocate for criminal justice reform and replacing agencies like ICE with a system prioritizing human rights.” > — Kristi Burke, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Kristi_Burke) **Diana Harshbarger:** Supports strict border enforcement policies Harshbarger advocates for completing the southern border wall, defunding sanctuary cities, ending 'catch and release,' and reinstating 'Remain in Mexico.' She supported key legislative measures in Congress including the Secure the Border Act of 2023, the Laken Riley Act, and the 2024 impeachment of DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. - Voted for H.R. 2 (Secure the Border Act of 2023) and S. 5 (Laken Riley Act). - Voted for H.R. 875 to make driving while impaired grounds for non-citizen deportation. - Voted to impeach DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in 2024. > “I am committed to securing our border and restoring law and order by reinstating effective Trump-era immigration policies.” > — Diana Harshbarger, via [Campaign site](https://www.votediana.com) > “This includes completing the border wall, defunding "sanctuary" cities, ending "catch and release," and re-implementing "remain in Mexico."” > — Diana Harshbarger, via [Campaign site](https://www.votediana.com) ### Foreign Policy, Defense, and National Security Salience: medium Harshbarger supports maintaining robust military deterrence against foreign adversaries like China and Russia, whereas Burke opposes military expansion and wants to redirect defense spending to human needs. **Kristi Burke:** Supports ending militarism and reclaiming war powers Burke opposes foreign military expansion and excessive defense spending, calling on Congress to reclaim its war powers. She argues that federal resources should be redirected away from military conflicts toward funding human needs like domestic healthcare and infrastructure. - Calls for reclaiming congressional war powers and limiting foreign military commitments. - Advocates reallocating defense expenditures to fund domestic human needs. > “Second, Reclaiming War Powers/Ending Militarism: We must prioritize human needs over military expansion.” > — Kristi Burke, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Kristi_Burke) > “As I've said, "There's always money for bombs. There's never money for healthcare."” > — Kristi Burke, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Kristi_Burke) **Diana Harshbarger:** Supports peace through military strength Harshbarger champions an 'America First' foreign policy, advocating robust military resources to counter threats from Russia, China, and Iran. She also calls for punitive economic sanctions against China to address pharmaceutical supply chain dependencies and pandemic accountability. - Supports 'peace through strength' by providing the military with necessary tools and training. - Advocates economic sanctions and punitive measures against China. - Seeks to reduce domestic dependency on foreign nations like China for pharmaceutical manufacturing. > “In Congress, I will prioritize providing our military with the necessary tools, training, and resources to safeguard our country from threats posed by adversaries like Russia, China, and Iran.” > — Diana Harshbarger, via [Campaign site](https://www.votediana.com) > “China must be held responsible, not in a meaningless motion passed by members of Congress, but with economic realities.” > — Diana Harshbarger, via [Campaign site](https://www.votediana.com) ### Government Reform and Term Limits Salience: medium Harshbarger emphasizes constitutional term limits to curb career politicians, while Burke focuses on eliminating corporate campaign money and shifting political power to working-class citizens. **Kristi Burke:** Supports removing corporate influence from government Burke focuses political reform on eliminating corporate political influence and campaign money. She pledges to shift power away from career politicians and wealthy donors to working-class neighbors. - Seeks to eliminate corporate political dominance and reduce the power of wealthy donors. - Emphasizes grassroots representation for working people and renters rather than career politicians. > “I will dismantle corporate political power, enforce anti-monopoly laws, and ensure the wealthy pay their fair share.” > — Kristi Burke, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Kristi_Burke) > “My campaign is about shifting power from wealthy donors to the people who actually live, rent, and work in this district, ensuring their voices are finally heard in Washington.” > — Kristi Burke, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Kristi_Burke) **Diana Harshbarger:** Supports federal term limits Harshbarger advocates enacting constitutional term limits for all federal elected officials to prevent career politicians from putting self-interest above public service. She signed the U.S. Term Limits pledge and promotes institutional reform to increase government accountability. - Signed the U.S. Term Limits candidate pledge. - Advocates passing legislation imposing term limits on all federal offices. > “I am dedicated to passing legislation that imposes term limits on all federal offices, putting an end to the era of self-serving politicians who lose touch with the interests of those they represent.” > — Diana Harshbarger, via [Campaign site](https://www.votediana.com) > “Preserving the integrity of our political institutions demands the implementation of term limits.” > — Diana Harshbarger, via [Campaign site](https://www.votediana.com) ### Environment, Energy, and Infrastructure Salience: medium Harshbarger advocates expanding domestic fossil fuel production and cutting environmental permitting restrictions, while Burke focuses on environmental justice and increasing accountability for the Tennessee Valley Authority. **Kristi Burke:** Supports environmental justice and TVA accountability Burke advocates for environmental justice, demanding greater oversight and accountability for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). She focuses on protecting vulnerable East Tennessee communities from disproportionate pollution exposure. - Demands accountability and oversight for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). - Advocates for environmental justice to protect communities from pollution exposure. > “Finally, Local Infrastructure and Environmental Justice: I demand an accountable TVA for East Tennessee, and protection against disproportionate pollution exposure.” > — Kristi Burke, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Kristi_Burke) > “I believe that essential needs like healthcare, housing, and a clean environment, should never be gatekept by wealth.” > — Kristi Burke, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Kristi_Burke) **Diana Harshbarger:** Supports domestic energy production Harshbarger supports boosting domestic energy production, including oil, natural gas, and coal, while streamlining permitting processes for energy infrastructure. She voted for the Lower Energy Costs Act (H.R. 1) and opposed federal environmental regulations like ESG investment rules. - Voted for H.R. 1 (Lower Energy Costs Act) to expand domestic fossil fuel production and reduce pipeline permitting hurdles. - Voted for H.J.Res. 30 to nullify Department of Labor rules allowing ESG factors in retirement plan investments. > “Liberal extremists threaten the future of our country and our way of life with false promises of socialism.” > — Diana Harshbarger, via [Campaign site](https://www.votediana.com) ### Second Amendment and Gun Policy Salience: medium **Kristi Burke:** No documented position in our sources **Diana Harshbarger:** Supports strict protection of gun rights Harshbarger is a firm defender of the Second Amendment, describing gun ownership as a God-given constitutional right necessary for self-defense, recreation, and protection against government tyranny. She opposes gun control legislation proposed by Democrats in Congress. - Opposes federal gun control restrictions and red flag laws. - Frames Second Amendment rights as essential for personal defense, hunting, and resisting government overreach. > “I stand as a staunch defender of your 2nd Amendment rights, essential for self-defense, recreation, hunting, and protection against a tyrannical government.” > — Diana Harshbarger, via [Campaign site](https://www.votediana.com) > “I will continue to stand firm against any attempts to strip law-abiding citizens of their fundamental right to bear arms.” > — Diana Harshbarger, via [Campaign site](https://www.votediana.com) ### Abortion and Reproductive Rights Salience: medium **Kristi Burke:** No documented position in our sources **Diana Harshbarger:** Opposes abortion access Harshbarger is explicitly pro-life, citing her Christian faith as the foundation of her stance. She opposes Democratic initiatives expanding abortion access, particularly late-term procedures, and pledges to uphold the sanctity of life in Congress. - Unwaveringly pro-life based on her religious faith. - Opposes late-term abortion procedures and Democratic reproductive rights legislation. > “Grounded in my faith, I am unwaveringly pro-life.” > — Diana Harshbarger, via [Campaign site](https://www.votediana.com) > “I pledge to uphold the sanctity of life and resist radical, anti-life agendas in Congress.” > — Diana Harshbarger, via [Campaign site](https://www.votediana.com) ### Education Salience: low **Kristi Burke:** No documented position in our sources **Diana Harshbarger:** Supports expanded vocational options and local control Harshbarger emphasizes expanding trade and technical skill opportunities in East Tennessee to support local workforce needs. She advocates for reducing federal government intrusion in K-12 classrooms while empowering families and local educators. - Promotes technical and trade school options to expand career pathways. - Advocates reducing federal oversight and regulation in local schools. > “Northeast Tennessee needs diverse education options, including trade and technical skills schools, to foster economic growth and job opportunities.” > — Diana Harshbarger, via [Campaign site](https://www.votediana.com) > “Let's empower families, teachers, and communities while reducing the intrusion of big government in our classrooms.” > — Diana Harshbarger, via [Campaign site](https://www.votediana.com) ### Veterans Affairs Salience: low **Kristi Burke:** No documented position in our sources **Diana Harshbarger:** Supports expanding veteran services Harshbarger prioritizes supporting military veterans by backing legislation that expands access to healthcare and mental health services. - Supports legislative measures expanding healthcare and mental health resources for veterans. - Highlights veteran support as a core priority in Congress. > “I will continue to back legislation that expands access to healthcare and mental health services for our heroes.” > — Diana Harshbarger, via [Campaign site](https://www.votediana.com) > “Supporting our veterans will remain one of my top priorities in Congress.” > — Diana Harshbarger, via [Campaign site](https://www.votediana.com) ## Polls and markets _Updated Oct 31._ - [Polymarket](https://polymarket.com/event/tn-01-house-election-winner) — TN-01 House Election Winner: Republicans 97.2%, Democrats 3.0% - [Kalshi](https://kalshi.com/events/KXHOUSERACE-TN01-26) — TN-01 House winner?: Diana Harshbarger 98.5%, Kristi Burke 2.3% - [Kalshi](https://kalshi.com/events/KXTNPRIMARY-01D26) — TN-01 Democratic nominee?: Kristi Burke 99.0%, Herman Garcia 1.0%, David Kerr 1.0% [View this race on 2026election.com](https://www.2026election.com/race/2026-house-tn-01)