About Laura
I am Laura Bohling, your Democratic candidate for
Tennessee State House District 34
I was born in Chicago, Illinois, and grew up in Northwest Indiana. Football brought my family to Tennessee, where I now reside in Christiana with my husband Jim, my son James, and our dog Ivy. Jim and I have two amazing daughters as well, Hannah and Rachel.
I was elected to serve Rutherford County as an elected official in 2010, as Circuit Court Clerk - and as a Republican.
I was fortunate enough to lose re-election for my public office in 2014. Yes, I say fortunate because this loss motivated me to dive even deeper into studying government processes and the political landscape. During my term as Circuit Court Clerk, I saw clearly the disparity that exists in the criminal justice system. Losing reelection was my cue to double down on learning -- about people, justice, equality and how government could make life better for everyone. My journey to learn more about the issues that everyday Tennesseans care about the most, and about politics in general, led me to the Democratic Party.
I am Laura Bohling, your Democratic candidate for District 34 State House.
Many people are afraid of the words “Democrat" or "democratic.” Some are afraid of that word because of derogatory names that have been associated with the Democratic Party. Since I had already been called all sorts of names when I was running for re-election, this one doesn’t bother me at all: I'm proud to be a Democrat. The party isn't perfect, but there are many people like me working to push forward progressive values, ideals, and policies in our communities and in the Democratic party. In the end, if we stay the course, I know we will win.
Others are afraid of the word “Democrat” because Rutherford is a “red county” and people think if they reveal their support for public education, gun safety, expanded Medicaid, affordable housing initiatives, racial justice, and a thriving wage - their family and friends will find out that they are Democrats and then "they will call me all those names.” Did you know that 40% of Rutherford County reliably votes for Democratic candidates? I'm in good company and I’m good with being called a Democrat.
But there are more reasons I think it is important to proudly say I am a Democrat.
My husband and I have been married for nearly 34 years (good number, eh) – but since he’s a man and I’m a woman, that’s not too unusual. There are people in Tennessee who fear their marriage rights, gained less than a decade ago, are in jeopardy. In Tennessee, these same people can still lose their jobs, and their housing or even be prohibited from participating in sports. As a Democrat, I am fighting for their right to live, love and play authentically.
My white skin means that I automatically have a sense of security in Rutherford County (and our entire country), where more than 75% of the residents have the same skin color as I do. People cannot change their skin color: when they walk out their doors they face challenges that I cannot fully understand. As a Democrat, I am fighting for their right to exist in their own power, space and peace.
I am obviously a woman and have always been a woman. My means and status have allowed me to make choices throughout my life easily, without challenge. I don’t even pretend to understand all the differences in human beings. Still, as a Democrat, I am fighting for the rights of humans to exist in their humanness and make their own decisions about their bodies without interference or intrusion from government officials.
My husband Jim and I were fortunate to land on our feet after several challenges – the steel mills closing in the 80s, the housing crash and recession of 2008, and the challenges and heartaches of the pandemic – because we have well-paying jobs and access to resources and networks that helped us navigate the job market. Early in my career, I was a proud member of the United Food and Commercial Workers. This experience led me to become a strong supporter of unions, their advocacy for economic justice, and their determination to improve the lives of working families. Sadly, a Republican supermajority has turned Tennessee into a destination state for low-paying employers. As a Democrat, I am fighting for all people to have a thriving wage for their labor and more than adequate support in times of hardship or disability.
I am committed to fighting for a future where all people who live and work in Tennessee have access to the tools and support they need to pursue the possibilities of life. I will fight not only for what is reasonable and rational, but for what is just, and for policies and laws that support and protect the rights of all Tennesseans, especially those communities most marginalized and harmed by extremist state legislators and the laws and policies they have enacted.