MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS News) -The Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council has announced its endorsements for the 2026 General Election, including Democratic congressional candidate Victoria Broderick in Tennessee’s 4th Congressional District.
The statewide labor organization released its list of endorsed candidates Tuesday, Aug. 18, saying those selected have demonstrated support for issues affecting working families, including good-paying jobs, workplace safety, affordable healthcare, public education and the ability of workers to organize.
Among the congressional candidates receiving the organization’s backing is Broderick (photo below and she is on the right), who is seeking election to the U.S. House in Tennessee’s 4th Congressional District, which includes Murfreesboro and portions of Middle Tennessee. The Tennessee AFL-CIO listed Broderick alongside endorsed congressional candidates in several other districts.
Broderick secured the Democratic nomination during the Aug. 6 primary, receiving 37.8% of the vote in a five-candidate field. She received 12,284 votes, followed by Mike Cortese with 28.1%, Joyce Neal with 22%, Tim Lanier with 7.5% and Cliff Huffman with 4.5%. Republican Scott DeJarlais currently serves in the seat that covers all of Rutherford County.
She will appear on the Nov. 3 General Election ballot against incumbent Republican Congressman Scott DesJarlais and independent candidates Jacob Anders and Clay Faircloth. DesJarlais won the Republican primary Aug. 6 with 66% of the vote.
The 2026 campaign represents a rematch between Broderick and DesJarlais. Broderick was the Democratic nominee for the 4th Congressional District in 2024, when DesJarlais won reelection with approximately 70% of the vote compared with Broderick’s 26.8%.
Broderick was born in Tampa, Florida, attended Lincoln County High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Austin Peay State University in 2015. Her professional background includes work in technology and as a sourcing coordinator. She has also been affiliated with the Lincoln County Humane Society, Lincoln County Democrats and the Tennessee Democratic Party Executive Committee.
In announcing its endorsements, the Tennessee AFL-CIO said working people across the state continue to face rising costs and challenges involving wages, workplace protections and collective bargaining. The organization said its endorsed candidates were selected because of their positions on issues affecting workers and families.
The Tennessee AFL-CIO stated that it plans to work with its affiliated unions during the election cycle to support candidates it believes will prioritize working people and strengthen Tennessee communities.
The organization's endorsement list also includes candidates for U.S. Senate, governor, additional U.S. House districts and numerous Tennessee General Assembly races. Early voting for the Nov. 3 General Election is scheduled for Oct. 14 through Oct. 29.