John Gillespie (Tennessee politician)
John Gillespie 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
- Gillespie was re-elected in 2024
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% to 21.7%. Gillespie then faced Gabby Salinas in the General Election on November 3, 2020 which Gillespie won 50.8% to 49.2%.Legislation sponsored by Gillespie includes:
- House Bill 22 – Increases the penalty for drag racing from a Class B to a Class A misdemeanor.
- House Bill 549 – Allows families of deputy jailers who are killed in the line of duty to receive compensation.
- House Bill 628 – 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 – 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 – Modifies the reporting requirements for the vulnerable adult protective investigative team’s annual report to the chairs of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees
- House Bill 718 – Enacts the “Safe Seniors Act of 2021,” 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