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# 2023 Metro Council Race: At-Large
- URL: https://pamphleteer.co/post/2023-metro-council-race-at-large/
- Published: 2023-06-27T18:51:24.000Z
- Updated: 2026-05-17T10:44:24.000Z
- Description: 🗳 The Pamphleteer's 2023 Metro General Election Guide
- Author: The Pamphleteer
- Tags: Election Guide 2023, Politics, #Import 2026-08-01 20:40

### COUNCIL AT-LARGE CANDIDATES 

At-large council members make up five of Metro Council’s forty seats. At- large council members, just like districted council members, have the ability to bring forward legislation, serve on committees, and cast votes during council meetings. However, rather than just representing one district, at-large members represent every constituent in the county. 

This year, twenty-one candidates are vying for the five at-large seats, two of which are running for reelection as incumbents. This is a four-year position with a two-term limit. Current districted council members *can* run for an at-large seat even if they’re termed out of their districted council member position; in fact, there are three current Metro council members doing just that. To help you get a better sense of who’s running, we’ve provided descriptions of each candidate, plus some useful links with more info on their platforms. 

**Remember, you have the ability to cast a vote for five of these at-large council members no matter where you live within Davidson County.** 

#### ✰✰✰[RUSS PULLEY](https://russpulleyatlarge.com/?ref=pamphleteer.co)

Russ Pulley has been an enduring voice of reason while serving as the representative for District 25, so we can expect him to bring consistency and common sense to the table as a member at-large. When most of his colleagues hopped aboard the defund-the-police train, Pulley, a former FBI agent, supported policing. For example, when a 2020 amendment to increase MNPD’s budget had no sponsor, he stepped up to [carry it](https://www.columbiadailyherald.com/story/news/2020/06/18/activists-union-disappointed-by-nashville-police-budget/41729749/?ref=pamphleteer.co), earning the ire of some activists. He also held the line against Sean Parker’s [BL1471](https://nashville.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=5854306&GUID=5AE7B568-3C09-4563-AF8D-22CDFDCBEE64&FullText=1&ref=pamphleteer.co) which [redefined the term *family*](https://pamphleteer.co/newsletter/no-426-redefining-the-family/). During his time on the council, Pulley has served on the Codes, Fair, and Farmers' Market Committee; the Public Safety, Beer, and Regulated Beverages Committee; and the Health, Hospitals, and Social Services Committee.

##### OTHER INFORMATION

- One-on-one interview [here](https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/editorials/2023/06/20/nashville-election-russ-pulley-for-metro-council-at-large/70313614007/?ref=pamphleteer.co) and [here](https://www.nashvillescene.com/news/pithinthewind/metro-council-at-large-q-a-russ-pulley/article%5Fcb9dcdb2-56d9-57d3-9bd5-1b5f3a5c24e5.html?ref=pamphleteer.co)
- [Campaign website](https://russpulleyatlarge.com/?ref=pamphleteer.co)
- [Candidate's Twitter](https://twitter.com/PulleyRuss?ref=pamphleteer.co)

#### ✰✰✰[BURKLEY ALLEN](https://www.burkley.org/?ref=pamphleteer.co) (incumbent)

One of two incumbent at-large members running for office this year, Burkley Allen has been serving on Metro Council for over a decade. Well-informed, nuanced, and unafraid to stand firm in her principles, Allen engages with the community while grappling with emerging, recurrent issues in our New Nashville, including affordable housing and homelessness. A mechanical engineer by trade, she’s been a strong champion for canopy preservation, reducing light pollution, and other environmental efforts. She has served on the Budget and Finance Committee, the Ad Hoc Affordable Housing Committee, and the Public Works Committee. 

##### OTHER INFORMATION

- One-on-one interview [here](https://www.nashvillepost.com/politics/elections/metro-council-at-large-q-a-burkley-allen/article%5Fa641cbea-f365-11ed-a956-4b7c4026e364.html?ref=pamphleteer.co), and [here](https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/editorials/2023/06/20/nashville-election-burkley-allen-for-metro-council-at-large-seat/70313468007/?ref=pamphleteer.co)
- [Campaign website](https://www.burkley.org/?ref=pamphleteer.co)
- [Candidate's Twitter](https://twitter.com/AllenBurkley?ref=pamphleteer.co)

[](https://twitter.com/IndraniRay2023?ref=pamphleteer.co)

#### [CHRIS CHENG](https://www.votecheng.com/?ref=pamphleteer.co)

A newcomer to the Metro political scene, Chris Chang describes himself as a “practical person.” The Antioch native, former army ranger, and current [business owner](https://www.hotsaucenashville.com/pages/about?ref=pamphleteer.co), plans to improve city policy by putting his experiences, along with his formal education in business and public policy, to use. If elected, he plans to prioritize small business growth, infrastructure, and more investments to build a stronger sense of local community. 

##### OTHER INFORMATION

- [One-on-one interview](https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/editorials/2023/06/20/nashville-election-chris-cheng-for-metro-council-at-large/70313471007/?ref=pamphleteer.co)
- [Campaign website](https://www.votecheng.com/?ref=pamphleteer.co)

#### [INDRANI RAY](https://www.indraniray.com/?ref=pamphleteer.co)

Bellevue resident Indrani Ray is the president & CEO of Harpeth & Blair, LLC, which analyzes data in order to maximize efficiency. Ray, who criticized 2020’s 34 percent property tax increase is running on a platform emphasizing her economic background. In addition to outlining the need for mental health and economic support in order to deter criminal behavior, Ray wants to do a line-item audit of MNPS.

##### OTHER INFORMATION

- [One-on-one interview](https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/editorials/2023/06/20/nashville-election-indrani-ray-for-metro-council-at-large/70313616007/?ref=pamphleteer.co)
- [Campaign website](https://www.indraniray.com/?ref=pamphleteer.co)
- [Candidate's Twitter](https://twitter.com/IndraniRay2023?ref=pamphleteer.co)

#### [JEFF SYRACUSE](https://www.jeffsyracuse.com/?ref=pamphleteer.co)

Like Russ Pulley, Councillmember Jeff Syracuse is another districted representative trying to make the jump to member at-large. Known for his vested interest in the professional music community, Syracuse represented District 15 while maintaining his professional career at [BMI](https://www.bmi.com/?ref=pamphleteer.co). As far as his experience goes, Syracuse served as the President Pro Tempore (i.e., the CM who steps in for the vice mayor if need be) from 2019-2020, and has sat on both the Budget and Finance Committee and the Parks, Library, Arts and Recreation Committee. If elected, he plans to make affordable housing his number one priority.

##### OTHER INFORMATION

- One-on-one interview [here](https://www.nashvillescene.com/news/pithinthewind/metro-council-at-large-q-a-jeff-syracuse/article%5F0f03cd5b-9c7f-52f6-8e61-8fc9555f319d.html?ref=pamphleteer.co), [here](https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/editorials/2023/06/20/nashville-election-jeff-syracuse-for-metro-council-at-large/70313635007/?ref=pamphleteer.co), and [here](https://nashvilledailypodcast.com/metro-council-cut-in-half-episode-1020/?ref=pamphleteer.co)
- [Campaign website](https://www.jeffsyracuse.com/?ref=pamphleteer.co)
- [Candidate's Twitter](https://twitter.com/JeffSyracuseTN?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Eembeddedtimeline%7Ctwterm%5Escreen-name%3AJeffSyracuseTN%7Ctwcon%5Es1%5Fc1&ref=pamphleteer.co)

#### [ZULFAT "Z" SUARA](https://zulfatsuara.com/issues/?ref=pamphleteer.co) (incumbent)

A current member at-large, Zulfat Suara is running for reelection. It is worth noting that Suara is the first Nigerian woman elected to any office in the United States, and the winner of the FBI’s Community Leadership Award. Suara, who is endorsed by Planned Parenthood, is a longtime advocate for affordable housing and higher wages. She has put her experience as an accountant to work when serving on the Budget and Finance Committee; the Affordable Housing Committee; the Education Committee; and the Personnel, Public Information, and Human Relations Committee. 

##### OTHER INFORMATION

- One-on-one interview [here](https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/editorials/2023/06/20/nashville-election-zulfat-suara-for-metro-council-at-large/70313634007/?ref=pamphleteer.co), [here](https://www.nashvillescene.com/news/pithinthewind/metro-council-at-large-q-a-zulfat-suara/article%5Fa9e3a5ac-7f1a-55b9-9454-80050d78a8c7.html?ref=pamphleteer.co), and [here](https://www.npr.org/2023/04/10/1169122131/nashville-councilmember-plans-to-restore-ousted-tennessee-democrat?ref=pamphleteer.co)
- [Campaign website](https://zulfatsuara.com/issues/?ref=pamphleteer.co)
- [Candidate's Twitter](https://twitter.com/zulfat4council?ref=pamphleteer.co)

#### [ARNOLD HAYES](https://www.hayesfornashville.com/?ref=pamphleteer.co)

Equity, police accountability, mental health, and serving the marginalized are the major cornerstones of Arnold Hayes’s campaign. A retired engineer and former MNPS teacher, Hayes has remained civically engaged in Nashville through his involvement with his church, the Nashville Organization for Action and Hope ([NOAH](https://noahtn.org/?ref=pamphleteer.co)), the [Community Oversight Board](https://www.nashville.gov/departments/community-oversight/boards/community-oversight-board?ref=pamphleteer.co), and the NAACP. If elected, Hayes maintains that he’ll strive for civility and compassion while tackling the major inequities that are part and parcel of rapidly developing cities. 

##### OTHER INFORMATION

- [One-on-one interview](https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/editorials/2023/06/20/nashville-election-arnold-hayes-for-metro-council-at-large/70313579007/?ref=pamphleteer.co)
- [Campaign website](https://www.hayesfornashville.com/?ref=pamphleteer.co)
- [Candidate'sTwitter](https://twitter.com/HayesForNash?ref=pamphleteer.co)

#### [YOLANDA HOCKETT](https://yolandahockett.com/?ref=pamphleteer.co)

Yolanda Hockett has worked at the Rite of Passage Davidson County Juvenile Detention Center for almost 30 years and is running to advocate for the youth of Nashville. Hockett ran for District 2 and lost to Councilmember Kyonzté Toombs, whom she appears to have [graciously supported](https://twitter.com/toombsfortwo/status/1158907590434316289?ref=pamphleteer.co) after her defeat. According to some [literature](https://mailchi.mp/785d598e9e65/htnc-letters-from-the-trenches-yolanda-hockett?ref=pamphleteer.co) from her District 2 campaign, Hockett outlined a balanced approach to public safety, one that supported and funded police officers and first responders while calling for transparency and accountability in the field.

##### OTHER INFORMATION

- [One-on-one interview](https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/editorials/2023/06/20/nashville-election-yolanda-hockett-for-metro-council-at-large/70313582007/?ref=pamphleteer.co)
- [Campaign website](https://yolandahockett.com/?ref=pamphleteer.co)

#### [STEPHEN DOWNS](https://www.downs4councilatlarge.com/?ref=pamphleteer.co) 

An Eastside native, Purple Heart recipient, and a retired veteran of the social work and healthcare industries, Stephen Downs hopes to create more equity for Nashvillians. Specifically he outlined his desire to improve opportunities in both private and public education, support first responders, tackle affordable housing issues, and clean up Metro’s infrastructure on his *Tennessean* questionnaire. 

##### OTHER INFORMATION

- [One-on-one interview](https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/editorials/2023/06/20/nashville-election-stephen-downs-for-metro-council-at-large/70313472007/?ref=pamphleteer.co)
- [Campaign website](https://www.downs4councilatlarge.com/?ref=pamphleteer.co)

#### [HOWARD JONES](https://www.votehowardjones.com/?ref=pamphleteer.co)

Howard Jones is hitting the campaign trail with a plan called "[One Nashville](https://www.votehowardjones.com/priorities?ref=pamphleteer.co)" that outlines equity for minorities disproportionately affected during the pandemic. Born and raised in Davidson County, Jones is an educational administrator for MNPS and the senior pastor at Fairfield Missionary Baptist Church. His priorities are equitable housing, education, transit, and better wages.

##### OTHER INFORMATION

- [One-on-one interview](https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/editorials/2023/06/20/nashville-election-howard-jones-for-metro-council-at-large/70313584007/?ref=pamphleteer.co)
- [Campaign website](https://www.votehowardjones.com/?ref=pamphleteer.co)
- [Candidate's Twitter](https://twitter.com/hejonesjr?ref=pamphleteer.co)

#### [QUIN EVANS-SEGALL](https://www.quinforcouncil.com/?ref=pamphleteer.co)

On her *Tennessean* questionnaire, Quin Evans-Segall stated that the way Metro Government currently operates has “failed to rise to the challenges of our growing city.” An attorney and native Nashvillian,Evans-Segall plans to build coalitions, create new laws, and update Metro’s tired systems and procedures. Endorsed by Planned Parenthood, Segal’s top issues seem to revolve around abortion rights, equity, and gun control.

##### OTHER INFORMATION

- One-on-one interview [here](https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/editorials/2023/06/20/nashville-election-quin-evans-segall-for-metro-council-at-large/70313473007/?ref=pamphleteer.co) and [here](https://www.nashvillescene.com/news/pithinthewind/metro-council-at-large-q-a-quin-evans-segall/article%5Ff1f0bd02-1c49-52d7-bcca-7518c56b877c.html?ref=pamphleteer.co)
- [Campaign website](https://www.quinforcouncil.com/?ref=pamphleteer.co)
- [Candidate's Twitter](https://twitter.com/quinevanssegall?ref=pamphleteer.co)

#### [DELISHIA DANIELLE PORTERFIELD](https://www.delishiafornashville.com/?ref=pamphleteer.co)

Though Delishia Danielle Porterfield is currently serving her first term as the council member for District 29, she’s probably most widely known for supporting and nominating Justin Jones as the interim state representative for District 52 after his expulsion. This display of solidarity was significant, considering Porterfield lost to Jones during the primary race for District 52 last year. A champion for progressive values and a staunch supporter of the city’s labor unions, Porterfield is the director of leadership and advocacy at [Stand Up Nashville](https://standupnashville.org/?ref=pamphleteer.co), a local activist group originally co-founded by [Odessa Kelly](https://twitter.com/OdessaKellyTN/status/1672569960172847105?ref=pamphleteer.co). Stand Up lobbies the council often. So often, in fact, that the question of whether there is a [conflict of interest](https://nashville.granicus.com/player/clip/2408?meta%5Fid=111997&ref=pamphleteer.co) between Porterfield’s two jobs has been raised on a few occasions during discussions on the floor. Porterfield has served on the Budget and Finance Committee; the Education Committee; and the Health, Hospitals and Social Services Committee. If elected, we’re sure she’ll continue to push back against the TNGOP in her quest to achieve equity for all.

##### OTHER INFORMATION

- One-on-one interview [here](https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/editorials/2023/06/20/nashville-election-delishia-porterfield-for-metro-council-at-large/70313613007/?ref=pamphleteer.co) and [here](https://www.nashvillescene.com/news/pithinthewind/metro-council-at-large-q-a-delishia-porterfield/article%5F870ba7b8-9561-59fe-941a-f9eb2937b8c4.html?ref=pamphleteer.co)
- [Campaign website](https://www.delishiafornashville.com/?ref=pamphleteer.co)
- [Candidate's Twitter](https://twitter.com/Delishiafornash?ref=pamphleteer.co)

#### [OLIVIA HILL](https://voteoliviahill.com/?ref=pamphleteer.co)

A fourth-generation Nashvillian and Navy combat veteran with over 30 years in the engineering industry, Hill is the first ever transgender woman to run for office in Davidson County. Endorsed by Planned Parenthood, Hill’s top priorities include improving infrastructure and housing the homeless. 

##### OTHER INFORMATION

- One-on-one interview [here](https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/editorials/2023/06/20/nashville-election-olivia-hill-for-metro-council-at-large/70313581007/?ref=pamphleteer.co) and [here](https://fox8.com/business/press-releases/ein-presswire/637327259/olivia-hillthe-first-transgender-woman-to-run-for-office-in-tennessee/?ref=pamphleteer.co)
- [Campaign website](https://voteoliviahill.com/?ref=pamphleteer.co)
- [Candidate's Twitter](https://twitter.com/Oliviafornash?ref=pamphleteer.co)

#### [MARCIA MASULLA](https://www.marciafornashville.com/?ref=pamphleteer.co)

Listing institutions, companies, and entities Marcia Masulla *hasn’t* been a part of may be easier than listing all the things she’s involved with. Masulla did a stint in Mayor Cooper’s office, worked for both the *Tennessean* and *USA Today,* co-founded Nashville Fashion Week, and served on the boards for the Belcourt Theatre, Stand Up Nashville, and [Inclusion Tennessee— just to scratch the surface of her resumé. ](https://www.inclusiontn.org/?ref=pamphleteer.co)She’s currently the CEO of [Roar Nashville](https://twitter.com/roarnashville?ref=pamphleteer.co), a strategic communications firm Her platform, which is endorsed by Planned Parenthood, is centered primarily on LGBTQ+ advocacy and abortion rights.

##### OTHER INFORMATION

- [One-on-one interview](https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/editorials/2023/06/20/nashville-election-marcia-masulla-for-metro-council-at-large/70313612007/?ref=pamphleteer.co)
- [Campaign website](https://www.marciafornashville.com/?ref=pamphleteer.co)
- [Candidate's Twitter](https://twitter.com/Masulla?ref=pamphleteer.co)

#### [JONATHAN WILLIAMSON](https://www.votewilliamson4council.com/?ref=pamphleteer.co)

Another native Nashvillian, Jonathan Williamson’s passion for community involvement started at a young age and, if elected to office, he plans to create more opportunities for Nashville’s youth to serve their city. This includes creating more leadership programming and increasing funding for the arts. An MTSU alumnus with a degree in communication and a passion for African American studies, Williamson plans on being a strong advocate for the black and brown communities in Nashville.

##### OTHER INFORMATION

- [One-on-one interview](https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/editorials/2023/06/20/nashville-election-jonathan-williamson-for-metro-council-at-large/70313637007/?ref=pamphleteer.co)
- [Campaign website](https://www.votewilliamson4council.com/?ref=pamphleteer.co)

#### [CHRIS CROFTON](https://linktr.ee/chriscrofton4council?ref=pamphleteer.co)

A stand-up comedian and author of the *Scene’s* ["The Advice King" ](https://www.nashvillescene.com/arts%5Fculture/adviceking/?ref=pamphleteer.co)column, Chris Crofton decided to throw his hat in the ring to create a equitable Nashville that fights against [fascism](https://www.nashvillescene.com/arts%5Fculture/adviceking/advice-king-what-do-you-mean-by-fascism/article%5Fe7bcdf00-e92f-11ed-87da-23ccc365ae2b.html?ref=pamphleteer.co). A quick look at Crofton’s *Tennessean* questionnaire makes it clear he has no interest in coming to an understanding with the GOP supermajority. We at *The Pamphleteer* believe you have to work with others to get things done, but we digress. 

##### OTHER INFORMATION

- [One-on-one interview](https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/editorials/2023/06/20/nashville-election-chris-crofton-for-metro-council-at-large/70313632007/?ref=pamphleteer.co)
- [Campaign website](https://linktr.ee/chriscrofton4council?ref=pamphleteer.co)
- [Candidate's Twitter](https://twitter.com/thecroftonshow?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor&ref=pamphleteer.co)
- [Sometimes an Instagram picture is worth a thousand words](https://www.instagram.com/thecroftonshow/?ref=pamphleteer.co)

#### RONNIE E. GREER, SR

- [One-on-one interview](https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/editorials/2023/06/20/nashville-election-ronnie-greer-for-metro-council-at-large/70313475007/?ref=pamphleteer.co)

#### TONY CHAPMAN 

- [One-on-one interview](https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/editorials/2023/06/20/nashville-election-tony-chapman-for-metro-council-at-large/70313469007/?ref=pamphleteer.co)

#### BRIAN HELLWIG

- [One-on-one interview](https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/editorials/2023/06/20/nashville-election-brian-hellwig-for-metro-council-at-large/70313580007/?ref=pamphleteer.co)

#### GILBERT RAMIREZ

- [One-on-one interview](https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/editorials/2023/06/20/nashville-election-gilbert-ramirez-for-metro-council-at-large/70313615007/?ref=pamphleteer.co)
- [Internal investigation](https://www.nashville.gov/departments/police/news/el-protector-officer-gilbert-ramirez-decommissioned?ref=pamphleteer.co)

### VOTER INFORMATION

Not sure what council district you're in? Enter your address and find your district [here](https://nashville.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=4ce8f4b5f6594a33a09f55817276dcd3&ref=pamphleteer.co). If you're interested in early voting, there are multiple polling locations open to voters at various times. Visit the early voting schedule [here](https://www.nashville.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/Early%5FVoting%5FSchedule%5FAUGUST%5F3%5F2023%5FElections.pdf?ct=1686168318&ref=pamphleteer.co). On election day, your polling place will be assigned to you and will be open from open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Find your election day voting location [here](https://www.nashville.gov/departments/elections/find-polling-place?ref=pamphleteer.co).

#### IMPORTANT DATES

- July 5, 2023: [Voter registration deadline](https://www.nashville.gov/departments/elections/register-vote?ref=pamphleteer.co)
- July 27, 2023: [Absentee ballot request form deadline](https://www.nashville.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/Absentee%5FRequest%5FAUGUST%5F3%5F2023.pdf?ct=1686079387&ref=pamphleteer.co)
- July 14, 2023: Start of early voting
- July 29, 2023: End of early voting
- August 3, 2023: Election Day

#### OTHER INFO

- List of Candidates: [Metropolitan General Election](https://www.nashville.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/Petition%5FList%5FAugust%5F3%5F2023%5FMetro%5FGeneral%5F6.5.2023.pdf?ct=1685990457&ref=pamphleteer.co)
- List of Candidates: [Metropolitan General Election Certified Write-ins](https://www.nashville.gov/sites/default/files/2023-05/Write-In%5FCandidate%5FList%5FAugust%5F3%5F2023%5FMetro%5FGeneral%5F5.24.2023.pdf?ct=1684950018&ref=pamphleteer.co)
- List of Candidates: [TN House District 51 Special Primary Election](https://www.nashville.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/Petition%5FList%5FTN%5FHouse%5FDistrict%5F51%5FSpecial%5FPrimary%5FElection%5F6.22.2023.pdf?ct=1687453859&ref=pamphleteer.co)
- List of Candidates: [Endorsed by Planned Parenthood](https://twitter.com/quinevanssegall/status/1671639832894795779/photo/1?ref=pamphleteer.co)

✰ ✰ ✰

### PREVIOUS GUIDES

[2023 Vice Mayoral Race🗳 The Pamphleteer’s 2023 Metro General Election Guide![](https://pamphleteer.co/content/images/size/w256h256/2021/10/square-ico.png)The PamphleteerThe Pamphleteer![](https://pamphleteer.co/content/images/2023/06/ge23-vice-mayor-1.jpg)](https://pamphleteer.co/post/2023%5Fvice-mayoral%5Frace/)

[2023 Mayoral Race, Pt. I🗳 The Pamphleteer’s 2023 Metro General Election Guide![](https://pamphleteer.co/content/images/size/w256h256/2021/10/square-ico.png)The PamphleteerThe Pamphleteer![](https://pamphleteer.co/content/images/2023/06/ge23-mayor.jpg)](https://pamphleteer.co/newsletter/2023-mayoral-race-pt-i/)