As the number of lawmakers with direct ties to production agriculture continues to shrink, who will step up to speak for rural America? Farm Journal is proud to present Ag Vote 2026: Who Speaks for America’s Farmers?, delivering in-depth reporting from now through Election Day. Tune in for LIVE election night coverage Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. Central on Farm Journal TV, Farm Journal Now, AgWeb.com and YouTube.
Tennessee’s 6th Congressional District, spanning 17 counties from Central to East Tennessee, has long relied on direct representation on the House Agriculture Committee through incumbent Rep. John Rose. However, with Rose stepping aside to run for governor, the district’s agricultural community faces a potential shift in federal agricultural oversight.
Competing for the open seat are Republican nominee Johnny Garrett and Democratic nominee Mike Croley.
State Rep. Johnny Garrett, a Goodlettsville attorney who has served in the Tennessee House of Representatives since 2019 and held the position of House majority whip, earned the Republican nomination. Garrett holds a bachelor’s degree in general business from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and earned his law degree from the Nashville School of Law. In private practice, he represents individuals, entrepreneurs and small to medium-sized businesses. While his legislative focus in the General Assembly has emphasized conservative state policy, public safety and fiscal conservatism, his platform notes the general importance of supporting local farmers and passing a federal farm bill.
Democratic nominee Mike Croley is a U.S. Navy veteran, former Tennessee state park ranger and public servant residing in Crossville. He has worked in environmental stewardship, public policy and government service, including a role with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Croley holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering science from Vanderbilt University and a master’s degree in public policy from Tennessee Tech University.
Top Positions and Priorities
We reached out to both candidates with questions about their campaign. At publication, we have only received a response from Croley.
You are running for a seat that has previously held representation on the House Agriculture Committee. Do you hope to serve on that committee if elected?
Croley: Absolutely. Agriculture is central to Tennessee’s economy, and our farmers deserve a strong voice on that committee. With my background in land conservation, environmental management and public policy, I want to help craft policies that make family farms more profitable, protect our natural resources and strengthen rural communities. This district has many rural communities that are struggling, and I would rather listen to the people on the ground than let corporations dictate policy.
What is your primary message to farmers, growers and ranchers, and why should they trust you in Washington?
My message is straightforward: You should be able to make a good living in America without having to sell your family farm to survive. I’m not going to pretend I know more about farming than the folks who do it every day. What I bring is a career in public service, experience working with land and natural resources, and a commitment to listening. Having worked a rotation with the Department of Agriculture, I know how frustrating government bureaucracy can be and that those doing the work often have the least influence over decisions. I will fight for fair markets, lower operating costs like diesel and fertilizer and stronger rural communities.
What are your top agricultural policy positions?
First is fair and competitive agricultural markets. That means enforcing antitrust laws and addressing consolidation in sectors like meatpacking and processing so independent producers can compete.
Second is passing a strong Farm Bill that secures accessible crop insurance, disaster assistance, agricultural research and voluntary conservation programs.
Third is investing directly in rural America. Our district covers 17 counties, and infrastructure issues — ranging from basic utilities to affordable healthcare, broadband, roads and bridges — must be addressed. If young families can’t afford to live and work here, we risk losing the next generation of farmers.
What are two specific changes you would like to see for American agriculture?
First, stronger federal enforcement of competition laws in agricultural markets where a handful of large companies dominate processing and purchasing. Farmers need more choices for where to sell their products and greater price transparency.
Second, making USDA programs more accessible for small and beginning farmers. That includes simplifying applications, expanding access to affordable loans for those without large amounts of equity and expanding voluntary conservation assistance programs.
Do you have a personal story related to farming or agriculture that shaped your perspective?
When I started as a state park ranger, I managed a garden-to-table restaurant that relied on a large garden on the property. Taking on the responsibility of keeping that garden healthy forced me to learn the hard work required to produce food. The weeds don’t care if you’re having a bad day — the work has to get done. It gave me a deep appreciation and awe for what family farmers do every day.
How will you champion agricultural producers across party lines in Congress?
Agriculture shouldn’t be a partisan issue; everyone depends on the people who grow our food. During my 10 years in the Navy, I learned how to work with people from all backgrounds to accomplish a mission. At NOAA, we had a saying: ‘You can get a lot done if it doesn’t matter who gets credit.’ I’ll work with anyone willing to improve conditions for producers, maintain open doors for local farmers and cooperatives and evaluate every piece of legislation by asking: Does this actually help the people growing our food and raising livestock?
Is there an additional issue impacting rural communities in your district that you would like to highlight?
The loss of working farmland to urban sprawl and the financial strain on family farms. As urban centers expand, development pressure builds while farmers face soaring input costs and unpredictable markets. Additionally, rural healthcare is directly tied to agriculture. When a rural hospital closes, it impacts farm families, agricultural workers and the broader local economy. Our producers shouldn’t have to choose between financial security and preserving their family’s legacy.
