John Gillespie (born January 17, 1987) is an American politician. A Republican, he has represented the 97th District in the Tennessee House of Representatives since January 2021.
Electoral history
- Gillespie was re-elected in 2022
Career
Gillespie's professional career began in the world of finance. After working for two local banks in Tennessee, he transitioned into a position where he writes and researches grants for Trezevant Manor,..
In 2023, Gillespie supported a resolution to expel two of three Democratic lawmakers from the legislature for violating decorum rules.
Tennessee House of Representatives
Running in a contested primary election on August 6, 2020, Gillespie received the Republican Nomination for Representative of the 97th House District when he defeated Brandon Weise 78.3% (3,626 votes) to 21.7% (1,007 votes). Gillespie then faced Gabby Salinas in the General Election on November 3, 2020 which Gillespie won 50.8% (14,712 votes) to 49.2% (14,246 votes).
Legislation sponsored by Gillespie includes:
- House Bill 22 â Increases the penalty for drag racing from a Class B to a Class A misdemeanor.
- House Bill 549 â Allows families of deputy jailers who are killed in the line of duty to receive compensation.
- House Bill 628 â Funds services for victims of abuse, neglect, financial or sexual exploitation of elderly or vulnerable persons as well as educational programs to prevent such abuse, neglect or exploitation.
- House Bill 629 â Requires persons reporting known or suspected cases of abuse, neglect or exploitation of an adult to also notify the district attorney general in all such cases.
- House Bill 630 â Modifies the reporting requirements for the vulnerable adult protective investigative teamâÂÂs annual report to the chairs of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees
- House Bill 718 â Enacts the âÂÂSafe Seniors Act of 2021,â taking dangerous individuals who abuse elderly and vulnerable populations off the streets.
Activity as member of the 112th General Assembly
As a member of the 112th General Assembly, Gillespie is serving on the following committees:
- Member, Children and Family Affairs Subcommittee
- Member, Civil Justice Committee
- Member, Education Administration Committee
- Member, Finance, Ways, and Means Committee
- Member, Higher Education Subcommittee
Personal life
Gillespie, the son of Elizabeth and Trow Gillespie, is a native of Memphis, Tennessee. A graduate of High Point University in North Carolina, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. He is a longtime parishioner of Saint John's Episcopal Church.
References