Former Child Bride Turned TN Housing Commissioner Announces State House Campaign

Eva Romero, a Republican candidate for Tennessee's District 60, aims to restore bipartisan tradition and focus on local issues.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:36pm

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Eva Romero, a former child bride who became an entrepreneur, realtor, and governor-appointed housing commissioner, has announced her campaign for the Tennessee State House in District 60. Romero, a mother of five and proud Old Hickory Village resident, is running on a platform of fixing roads, funding schools, and ensuring families in the district have a voice in state government.

Why it matters

District 60 has traditionally been represented by pragmatic, bipartisan leaders, but the current seat has become consumed by partisan politics, leaving local issues like infrastructure, education, and public safety unaddressed. Romero's campaign aims to restore the district's moderate, get-things-done approach.

The details

Romero, who escaped poverty and forced marriage at 14, has become a successful businesswoman and community leader. As a realtor and co-founder of a dental practice, she has deep ties to the district. Romero's key priorities include supporting a constitutional amendment to ban state property taxes, implementing license plate reader technology to improve public safety, funding road and infrastructure projects, and holding the local school board accountable for poor student performance.

  • Romero announced her campaign on March 21, 2026.
  • The Tennessee State House election in District 60 is scheduled for November 2026.

The players

Eva Romero

A former child bride who escaped poverty and forced marriage at 14 to become an entrepreneur, realtor, and governor-appointed housing commissioner. She is the Republican candidate for Tennessee State Representative in District 60.

Darren Jernigan

The former representative for District 60, known for his pragmatic, bipartisan approach to serving the community.

Bill Lee

The Governor of Tennessee, who appointed Romero as a Commissioner on the Tennessee Housing Development Agency.

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What they’re saying

“Our neighbors are sitting in traffic, watching their schools struggle, and worrying about crime — and they feel like their voice in the state House has gone silent.”

— Eva Romero, Republican Candidate for Tennessee State House District 60

“While the current seat has become consumed by partisan spectacle, roads go unfunded, neighborhood projects are shelved, and families feel unheard.”

— Eva Romero, Republican Candidate for Tennessee State House District 60

“Cooperation, not confrontation, is how you fix roads, fund classrooms, and keep families safe.”

— Eva Romero, Republican Candidate for Tennessee State House District 60

What’s next

The Tennessee State House election in District 60 is scheduled for November 2026.

The takeaway

Romero's campaign represents an effort to restore the bipartisan, community-focused approach that has historically defined representation in District 60, moving away from the partisan gridlock that has left local issues unaddressed in recent years.