John Gillespie (Tennessee)

John Gillespie, is an American politician in the Tennessee House of Representatives representing the 97th House District, serving since November 2020.[1] Gillespie is a member of the Republican Party.

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).[2]

In the Tennessee House of Representatives, Gillespie serves on the Civil Justice Committee, the Education Administration Committee, the Finance, Ways, and Means Committee as well as the Children and Family Affairs Subcommittee and the High Education Subcommittee.[3]

Since he was elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives in November of 2020, Gillespie has sponsored one piece of legislation, HB0022, which would amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39 and Title 55 relative to drag racing. If passed and signed into law, this legislation would increase the penalty for drag racing from a Class B misdemeanor to a Class A misdemeanor.[4]

In addition to serving in the Tennessee House of Representatives, 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 a senior living facility.

Gillespie, the son of Elizabeth and Trow Gillespie, is a native of Memphis, TN. A graduate of High Point University in North Carolina, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He is a longtime parishioner of Saint John's Episcopal Church[5]