Meet Heidi
In 2020, Heidi ran for Senate District 20, and became the first person to flip a senate seat in over 2 decades.
Her tenure in the Tennessee Senate has been marked by a profound commitment to understanding and addressing the complex relationship between Nashville and state government. As a leader and a mother, she possesses a keen ability to navigate and resolve conflict, advocating tirelessly for the needs and aspirations of her constituents. Running for reelection, Heidi is determined to continue her work, building on the progress achieved and the positive momentum generated during her time in office. Her campaign is a testament to her dedication to nurturing and protecting Tennesseans, ensuring it’s a wonderful place to live.
Beyond Politics to Family and Community.
A decade ago, Heidi Campbell, alongside her husband Andrew, was fully immersed in the joys of family life, cheering on their children at soccer games and swim meets, and cherishing their life in the Oak Hill community. During this period, a significant challenge arose when a developer aimed to transform a cherished community green space into a commercial strip mall, sparking widespread concern among residents who felt their concerns were falling on deaf ears. Undeterred, Heidi took to the streets, engaging her neighbors in a grassroots campaign aimed at preserving the green space. Her efforts were met with success, galvanizing her commitment to public service.
This victory inspired Heidi to pursue elected office, leading to her role as Vice Mayor and then Mayor of Oak Hill. In her mayoral tenure, she tackled a significant budget shortfall left by her predecessors, demonstrating her commitment to fiscal responsibility by forgoing her own salary.
Throughout her two terms as mayor, Heidi's priority was solving community issues. However, she frequently encountered obstacles posed by the Tennessee General Assembly, which often seemed more inclined towards division than finding solutions. This experience further fueled her resolve to seek change and improvement for her community and beyond.
Championing Change in the Tennessee Senate.
Driven by a vision for more effective and empathetic leadership in the Tennessee legislature, Heidi Campbell embarked on her journey to the Tennessee Senate, securing another victory with the aim to transcend partisan politics and advocate for the needs of working families and small businesses.
During her tenure in the Senate, Heidi has exemplified bipartisan collaboration, particularly in her advocacy for the education sector, staunchly opposing cuts to funding for local schools and championing the rights of public school students, teachers, and their families. Senator Heidi Campbell's policy reform initiatives extend beyond supporting veterans and advocating for improved transportation options, such as rail. Her leadership in the movement to decriminalize cannabis represents a pivotal shift towards reducing incarceration rates and fostering job creation, highlighting her commitment to progressive and impactful legislative changes. Alongside these efforts, Heidi has been a vocal advocate for comprehensive gun reform and public safety measures, emphasizing the importance of protecting communities while respecting responsible gun ownership. Following the tragic incident at the Covenant School, she stood as the first elected official to support the affected families, demonstrating her commitment to public safety and the well-being of her constituents.
Furthermore, Heidi has been at the forefront of advocating for reproductive rights, ensuring that individuals have the autonomy to make informed decisions about their bodies and health. Her stance on reproductive rights reflects a broader commitment to social equity and personal freedom, aligning with her efforts to promote gender equity, LGBTQIA+ liberation, and disability equity.
In addition to her work in these areas, Heidi has dedicated herself to reforming Tennessee's Department of Child Services (DCS). Recognizing the system's challenges, she has worked tirelessly to implement reforms that enhance the welfare and protection of children in the state, ensuring they receive the care and support they need. Her multifaceted approach to policy reform underscores her commitment to addressing a wide range of issues that impact the lives of Tennesseans, from healthcare and social equity to public safety and child welfare.
Additionally, Heidi's legislative focus has consistently been aimed at reducing healthcare costs for families, exposing and challenging government waste in no-bid contracts that favor the well-connected at taxpayers' expense, and safeguarding Tennessee's natural heritage by preventing the clear-cutting of vast tracts of hardwood forests.
A testament to her commitment and collaboration with fellow Democrats, including Representative Gloria Johnson, Heidi's perseverance has led to a remarkable achievement: securing a $180 million budget increase for the Department of Children Services. This victory underscores her unwavering dedication to making a tangible difference in the lives of Tennessee's residents, illustrating her ability to bridge divides and affect substantial legislative progress.
In The Legislature
Sponsored or co-sponsored over 200 legislative proposals in the Tennessee General Assembly
Pioneered as the first female Senator in Tennessee Senate District 20
The only Democratic member on the Transportation Committee, managing the state's unprecedented infrastructure project
Serves on the Tennessee General Assembly’s Fiscal Review Committee
Serves on the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations
