Jason Martin is a candidate for governor of Tennessee from the Democratic Party. Martin was ahead of Memphis City Council member JB Smiley, Jr. with a small margin.

Martin had 39.4% to Smiley’s 38.7%, as results continued to be tallied in the Democratic stronghold of Shelby County. While a winner in the race is yet to be announced, Martin declared victory at a speech outside the state Capitol Thursday evening.

Dr Jason Martin is a Nashville physician who grew up in Southern Alabama, a region resembling many of our rural areas in Tennessee. He is 46 years old. 

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His many aunts, uncles, and grandparents helped raise Martin, as per martinfortn.com

Dr Martin and his wife Dr Jennifer Martin have three daughters together, Lilly, Ansley, and Laney.

After being accepted to the University of South Alabama’s medical school, Dr. Martin went on to Vanderbilt University for his residency and fellowship.

Dr. Martin was asked to stay for an additional year to oversee the residency programme at the Nashville Veteran Affairs Medical Center after completing his final year as a resident. Dr. Martin decided to continue his commitment to serving the community by working with Nashville General Hospital and Meharry Medical College to train future medical professionals. He also served those who had served the United States in the armed forces.

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Dr Martin spearheaded the fight for Tennessee’s healthcare in  rural communities after twelve rural hospitals closed in Tennessee.

Martin, a vocal opponent of the state’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, officially announced his bid for the Democratic nomination for governor in 2022. He hopes to unseat Republican governor Bill Lee the following year.

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Along with his regular patient care, the doctor is now hoping to enter politics in order to save even more lives.

In an exclusive interview with The Tennessean, he said, “Fend for yourself seems to be the governor’s general response to COVID. “I think it’s costing people lives.”