Dr. Thomas J. Brooks III, a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist, is running as an Independent candidate in the general election on Nov. 5, challenging the incumbent, Rep. Yusuf Hakeem.
After years of witnessing the challenges faced by disenfranchised communities, Dr. Brooks said he decided to run for office, inspired by the need for change.
“This is not about me,” he noted. “God has a role for all of us. Now is the time. Your priorities will be my priority.”
Born and raised in Nashville, Dr. Brooks has deep roots in his community, and his platform reflects his lifelong dedication to civil rights, health care reform and economic development. With his extensive experience in medicine and community activism, Dr. Brooks aims to bring attention to the needs of District 28, focusing on a range of issues critical to the area.
A cornerstone of his platform is economic development, with an emphasis on supporting locally owned businesses and encouraging community-driven projects. He advocates for the fair distribution of federal funds, ensuring all communities receive equitable resources, as outlined by Title VI.
Another of Dr. Brooks’ key priorities is housing fairness. He plans to establish oversight measures to protect private citizens from being short-changed in property sales, particularly when buyers know the true value of the land.
Dr. Brooks also seeks to address violence and create safe learning environments in Hamilton County’s schools. His proposed reforms include enhancing curriculums to better equip students for post-graduation success, whether through higher education or vocational training.
With decades of medical experience, Dr. Brooks proposes a “Patient Bill of Rights,” emphasizing informed consent and protecting patients from retaliation when challenging medical recommendations. His health care policies also advocate for 24-hour telemedicine access, stronger relationships between patients and doctors, and preventive care.
Additionally, Dr. Brooks pledges to back law enforcement while ensuring their accountability. His crime platform calls for equal application of the law to all citizens, regardless of race or social status, and a commitment to rooting out corruption in the judicial and law enforcement systems.
Dr. Brooks’ personal story is one of perseverance and community advocacy. Growing up in Nashville’s John Henry Hale public housing projects, he went on to receive his education at historically Black institutions, earning a medical degree from Meharry Medical College in 1978.
His medical career brought him to Chattanooga, where he opened his practice in 1982 and helped establish Family Health Services, the state’s first Black-owned multi-specialty health care center.
In addition to his medical achievements, Dr. Brooks has held leadership roles in several civil rights organizations, including the NAACP and Operation PUSH. He co-founded the Hamilton County Human Rights Commission and worked to mobilize African-American voters through the African-American Voters’ Coalition. In 1992, he was honored with the prestigious Economic Development Award by the Tennessee Black Caucus.
“Mentally, we must truly embrace an attitude that demonstrates we understand that every citizen can contribute to our struggle for true social justice and change,” Dr. Brooks stated. “Citizens of the 28th Legislative District can set an example of what all districts and communities across the state can do.”
The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 7. Early voting will be held from Oct. 16-31, and the general election is scheduled for Nov. 5. PAID FOR by COMMITTEE to ELECT Dr. THOMAS BROOKS