Building Power in Tennessee
Lead TN is building a bold, people-powered movement to transform who holds power in our state.
For too long, Tennessee has been dominated by leadership that doesn’t reflect the values or lived experiences of its people. Too many races go uncontested. Too many voices go unheard.
We’re changing that.
As a state partner of the Pipeline Fund, we are part of a national effort to build a reflective democracy — one where skilled, diverse community leaders are fully supported to run for office, run strong campaigns, and govern effectively.
We’re building a movement of values-aligned, progressive candidates from every corner of Tennessee — folks who know their communities because they come from them.
And we’re intentional about who we invest in.
For too long, our politics has left too many people out. So we’re focused on lifting up leaders who haven’t always been given a seat at the table — especially:
- Black, Indigenous, and people of color
- Women and gender-expansive leaders
- Working-class folks and union champions
- Advocates for reproductive freedom
- Public education defenders
- Immigrant and marginalized community leaders
That doesn’t mean there’s only one kind of leader we believe in.
It means we know that when everyday people — especially those who’ve been overlooked — step up to lead, we get a government that actually works for all of us.
Because here in Tennessee, taking care of each other isn’t political — it’s who we are.
Our work is simple, but powerful:
Recruit → Train → Win → Govern
We are building a bench of leaders who don’t just run — they win, and they lead with purpose.
A Message from Our Director
“LeadTN is proud to join the Pipeline network as a partner committed to identifying, recruiting, training, and supporting values-aligned candidates to run for office — and win — in Tennessee.
At a time when too many voices are being shut out of power, we’re building a new generation of leaders who believe in strong public schools, fair wages, affordable communities, and the freedom and dignity of every Tennessean.
Our state is strongest when we take care of our neighbors — no matter who they love, where they come from, or what they earn — and we’re working to elect leaders who will fight for that future.”
- Councilwoman Delishia Porterfield - Executive Director
Delishia Danielle Porterfield (she/her) is a mother, educator, lifelong Tennessean and battle-tested legislator dedicated to public service and advocacy. Elected since 2019, she currently serves as a Councilmember At Large for Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County. She is a lead trainer for the Collaborative Governance Academy, where she equips local elected officials and leaders in the movement across the U.S. with tools for power building and co-governance.
Why It Matters
Across the country, more than 70% of local races have gone uncontested — leaving communities without real choice or representation.
At the same time, there are leaders everywhere — in neighborhoods, workplaces, and grassroots movements — who are ready to serve.
The problem isn’t a lack of leaders.
It’s a lack of connection, support, and infrastructure.
Lead TN exists to close that gap.
