John Gillespie

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 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% (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 – 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

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.