In this blog post, we examine the policies and positions of Maryam Abolfazli, the Democratic Party candidate running to represent Tennessee Congressional District 5 in the U.S. House of Representatives. Also in this series, we profile Republican candidate Andy Ogles.

This post is part of a series of blogs examining where 2024 Southeastern candidates for state and federal offices stand on key energy and climate issues.

Note: The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy does not support or oppose candidates or political parties. Links to reports, candidate websites and outside sources are provided as citizen education tools.

In this blog post, we examine the policies and positions of Maryam Abolfazli, the Democratic Party candidate running to represent Tennessee Congressional District 5 in the U.S. House of Representatives. Also in this series, we profile Republican candidate Andy Ogles. Election Day is November 5, 2024.

Maryam Abolfazli was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. After working with the United Nations to rebuild Afghanistan’s water infrastructure after years of war, she pursued a master’s degree in Public Affairs from Columbia University. Abolfazli continued her career working in international development as the Middle East North Africa Director for Eurasia Foundation. Since returning to Nashville in 2018, she has served as Chair of the Metro Human Relations Commission and founded the volunteer-led civic engagement organization, Rise & Shine TN. 

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency

In an answer to The Tennessean’s candidate questionnaire, she applauded President Biden for “making the largest investment in green energy in history.”

Climate Change

When asked about how the U.S. should approach foreign policy with China, Abolfazli highlighted that in order to address climate change, China has to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Electric Transportation

Maryam Abolfazli singled out the car battery manufacturing plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee, where Ultium Cells is producing batteries for General Motors electric vehicles, as an example of local manufacturing the US government should protect. 

Energy Equity and Energy Burden

We were unable to confirm the candidate’s position on this energy-related issue in published media, public records, or the campaign website.

High-Risk Energy 

We were unable to confirm the candidate’s position on this energy-related issue in published media, public records, or the campaign website.

Voting Information

Election Day is November 5. Here are important dates and deadlines to consider, from the Tennessee Secretary of State:

• Aug. 7, 2024: First day to make an absentee ballot request
• Oct. 7, 2024: Voter registration deadline 
• Oct. 16, 2024: In-person early voting begins
• Oct. 29, 2024: Absentee ballot request deadline
• Oct. 31, 2024: In-person early voting ends 
• Nov. 5, 2024: General Election Day 
• Nov. 5, 2024: Absentee ballot return deadline 

For more information about being a Tennessee voter, including registering, finding your polling place, and requesting an absentee ballot, visit proudvoter.org.