Pete Drew

Charles E. "Pete" Drew (born October 14, 1938) is an American politician and perennial candidate who served as a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives from 1983 to 1989, representing the 15th district. Though elected as a Democrat, he swapped parties during his tenure to become a Republican.

Since leaving the Tennessee House, he has run for several other offices, including as a Democrat, Republican, and independent.

Early life and career

Charles E. "Pete" Drew was born on October 14, 1938 He then attended radio broadcast school and Cooper's Business School, where he studied auto body repair.

Drew held several positions over his career. At the time of his election to the Tennessee House of Representatives, he was a Plexiglas processor, before entering real estate and consultancy. He later worked as a construction site manager.

He served on the Knox County Commission between 1976 and 1982.

In 1985, Drew swapped parties and became a Republican. He won his 1986 re-election campaign, making him one of only five Black Republicans elected to any state legislature in the country.

In 1988, Drew was defeated by Democratic challenger Joe Armstrong in his bid for re-election to a fourth term.

Tenure In the 1984 and 1985 legislative sessions, Drew introduced "The Balanced Treatment for Creation-Science and Evolution-Science Act," describing the measure as an effort to provide "teaching that puts God back in the classroom." The bill's 1985 version was indefinitely deferred by the House Education Committee after a 15-4 vote, with fellow Democrat Stephen Cobb calling it a "misuse of the power of the state."

In 1987, he became president of the Tennessee State Black Caucus.

Drew announced his last challenge to Armstrong in the 2016 election. Since the previous cycle, Armstrong had fallen under investigation for federal tax evasion charges. Drew won notable support, including the endorsement of the Tennessee Right to Life PAC.

Drew ran and lost again for the District 15 seat against Sam McKenzie in 2022. Drew has also run multiple times to return to the Knox County Commission, including a 2008 attempt as a Democrat.

Personal life

Drew is married to his wife Joyce, and he has 12 children. They attend Honey Rock Victorious Church in Knoxville. He has served as a director for the Project Respect Youth Program, a youth abstinence initiative.