Written by: JR Robinson

John Gillespie is a rising star in Tennessee politics, currently serving his second term as the State Representative for House District 97, which encompasses most of East Memphis and parts of Cordova. As a native Memphian and dedicated public servant, Gillespie has made a significant impact on his community through his work in the Tennessee House of Representatives and his involvement in various local organizations.

Early Life and Education

Born and raised in Memphis, John Gillespie is the son of Elizabeth and Trow Gillespie. Growing up in a family that valued community service and civic engagement, John developed a strong sense of responsibility towards his hometown from an early age. This foundation would later shape his career and political aspirations.

Gillespie pursued his higher education at High Point University in North Carolina, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. This academic background provided him with a solid understanding of government processes and policy-making, which would prove invaluable in his future political career.

Professional Career

After graduating from college, John Gillespie began his professional journey in the banking sector. He started his career at First Tennessee Bank, where he worked as a Financial Service Representative. In this role, Gillespie gained firsthand experience in customer service and financial operations, serving as the face of the bank and opening new accounts for clients.

Later, Gillespie moved to Evolve Bank and Trust, where he worked in the mortgage division. His responsibilities included reviewing home loans to ensure compliance before families closed on their new homes. This experience gave him valuable insights into the financial challenges faced by many families in his community.

Before his election to the Tennessee House of Representatives, Gillespie served as the Grant Coordinator at Trezevant Episcopal Home. In this position, he honed his skills in grant writing, research, event planning, and major gift solicitation. This role allowed him to contribute directly to the well-being of seniors in his community while developing crucial fundraising and organizational skills.

Entry into Politics

John Gillespie's interest in politics and public service was evident early in his career. He served as Assistant Campaign Manager for former Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell's successful 2010 campaign. This experience provided him with valuable insights into the political process and campaign management.

In 2020, Gillespie decided to take his commitment to public service to the next level by running for the Tennessee House of Representatives. He won the Republican primary with an impressive 78.2% of the votes, defeating his opponent Brandon Weise. In the general election, Gillespie faced a close race against Democratic candidate Gabby Salinas, ultimately securing victory with 50.8% of the votes.

Legislative Priorities and Achievements

Since taking office, John Gillespie has established himself as a mainstream conservative with a strong focus on public safety issues. He has earned a reputation in the House for his dedication to addressing crime and improving the quality of life for his constituents.

Public Safety

One of Gillespie's most significant legislative achievements was his sponsorship of Tennessee's "Truth in Sentencing" law. This legislation requires violent felons to serve their entire prison sentence, demonstrating Gillespie's commitment to keeping dangerous criminals off the streets and ensuring justice for victims.

Gillespie has also introduced several bills aimed at enhancing public safety:

• House Bill 22, which increases the penalty for drag racing from a Class B to a Class A misdemeanor.
• House Bill 718, known as the "Safe Seniors Act of 2021," which aims to protect elderly and vulnerable populations from abuse and exploitation.

Support for Law Enforcement

Recognizing the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers, Gillespie sponsored House Bill 549, which allows families of deputy jailers killed in the line of duty to receive compensation. This legislation demonstrates his commitment to supporting those who risk their lives to keep communities safe.

Protecting Vulnerable Populations

Gillespie has shown a particular interest in protecting elderly and vulnerable individuals. He sponsored several bills addressing this issue:

• House Bill 628, which 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.
• House Bill 629, which requires persons reporting known or suspected cases of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an adult to also notify the district attorney general.
• House Bill 630, which modifies the reporting requirements for the vulnerable adult protective investigative team's annual report to the chairs of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees.

Committee Assignments

As a member of the 112th General Assembly, John Gillespie serves on several important committees, demonstrating his diverse interests and expertise:

• Vice Chairman of the Criminal Justice Committee
• Member of the Education Administration Committee
• Member of the Health Committee
• Member of the Children and Family Affairs Subcommittee
• Member of the Civil Justice Committee
• Member of the Finance, Ways, and Means Committee
• Member of the Higher Education Subcommittee

These committee assignments allow Gillespie to have a significant impact on a wide range of issues affecting his constituents and the state of Tennessee as a whole.

Community Involvement

Beyond his legislative duties, John Gillespie is deeply involved in his community. He serves on the Memphis-Shelby County Crime Commission Board of Directors, further demonstrating his commitment to addressing public safety concerns.

Gillespie is also a member of the Phoenix Club of Memphis, where he has helped raise funds for the Boys and Girls Club. This involvement showcases his dedication to supporting youth programs and creating opportunities for young people in his community.

As a longtime member of Saint John's Episcopal Church on Central Avenue, Gillespie maintains strong ties to his faith community. This connection to his local church underscores his commitment to values-based leadership and community service.

Vision for Tennessee

John Gillespie's vision for Tennessee is centered on creating safer communities, fostering economic growth, and improving educational opportunities. He understands that reducing crime is crucial for boosting long-term economic growth in Memphis and works tirelessly to address this issue.

Gillespie's approach to governance is characterized by a willingness to work across party lines to achieve results for his constituents. He has earned a reputation as a pragmatic problem-solver who is more interested in finding effective solutions than engaging in partisan politics.

John Gillespie represents a new generation of political leaders who are deeply committed to their communities and focused on addressing the most pressing issues facing their constituents. His background in finance, experience in the nonprofit sector, and dedication to public service have equipped him with a unique set of skills and perspectives that he brings to his role as a State Representative.

As he continues to serve the people of Tennessee's 97th District, John Gillespie remains committed to his core priorities of enhancing public safety, supporting economic development, and improving educational opportunities. His work in the Tennessee House of Representatives and his active involvement in community organizations demonstrate his unwavering dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of those he represents.

With his strong track record of legislative achievements, commitment to bipartisan cooperation, and deep roots in his community, John Gillespie stands as a model of effective and principled leadership in Tennessee politics. As he moves forward in his political career, many observers expect him to continue making significant contributions to the betterment of his district and the state as a whole.