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John Gillespie
Office history
Current office and 2026 campaign
John Gillespie is a Republican member of the Tennessee House of Representatives representing District 97, which includes most of East Memphis and parts of Cordova 137. He assumed office on January 12, 2021, succeeding Jim Coley 4. His current term is scheduled to end on November 3, 2026 1.
Gillespie is seeking re-election to the Tennessee House of Representatives for District 97 as a Republican 1. He is listed on the ballot for the Republican primary election scheduled for August 6, 2026 1. In his campaign communications, he self-describes violent crime combatting as his top priority and states that his work focuses on community safety, supporting small businesses, and improving schools 8.
During his tenure, Gillespie has served as Vice Chairman of the Finance, Ways, and Means Committee and is a member of the Health Committee 910. He sponsored legislation known as the MSTF Accountability Act, which passed the House with 74 ayes and 21 noes before heading to the Senate 6. Gillespie was previously re-elected in 2022 4.
Background and education
John Gillespie was born on January 17, 1987, in Memphis, Tennessee 45. He is a native Memphian and the son of Elizabeth and the late Trow Gillespie 910. Gillespie self-describes as having two brothers, two nieces, and a nephew, and he is engaged to be married to Mackenzie Daniel, a college counselor 9.
Gillespie earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from High Point University in North Carolina 12910. He is a longtime member of Saint John the Divine Episcopal Church 10.
Career
John Gillespie earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from High Point University 129. Prior to his legislative service, he worked as a financial professional 1. He is a native Memphian and the son of Elizabeth and the late Trow Gillespie 910.
Gillespie self-describes his career focus as supporting small businesses and combating violent crime, which he states is the greatest challenge facing Memphis 8. He serves as Vice Chairman of the Finance, Ways, and Means Committee and is a member of the Health Committee 910.
Office history
John Gillespie was first elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives in 2020, representing District 97, which includes most of East Memphis and parts of Cordova7. He assumed office on January 12, 2021, succeeding Jim Coley4. Members of the Tennessee House serve two-year terms3. Gillespie was re-elected to a second term in 20224.
As of 2026, Gillespie is serving his third term in the Tennessee House of Representatives9. He currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Finance, Ways, and Means Committee and is a member of the Health Committee9. His legislative priorities include combating violent crime, supporting small businesses, and improving schools8.
Gillespie is on the ballot for re-election to represent District 97 in the Republican primary scheduled for August 6, 20261. The outcome of this upcoming election is unknown1.
Legislative record and accomplishments
Gillespie has identified combating violent crime as his top priority, a stance he self-describes on his campaign website 8. In support of this goal, he sponsored legislation requiring violent felons to be registered sex offenders 7. He also supported the Memphis Safe Task Force Accountability Act, which passed the Tennessee House with 74 ayes and 21 noes before heading to the Senate; Gillespie was among two Republican members demanding greater transparency from entities involved in the task force 6.
In terms of legislative service, Gillespie serves as Vice Chairman of the Finance, Ways, and Means Committee and is a member of the Health Committee 9. He also sits on the Finance, Ways, and Means Subcommittee and the Population Health Subcommittee 10. His policy focus includes fighting to make communities safer, supporting small businesses, and improving schools 8.
Family
Gillespie is a native Memphian and the son of Elizabeth and the late Trow Gillespie 910. He has two brothers, two nieces, and a nephew 910. He is engaged to be married to Mackenzie Daniel, who works as a college counselor 9.
Sources
Public filings
Candidates and officeholders are required by law to file campaign finance reports and statements of economic interest. The sites below don't support direct links to an individual record — search by last name on each.
Tennessee — campaign finance (search)
- State offices (Governor, US Senate, US Rep, TN Senate, TN House, State Executive Committee) — Tennessee Registry of Election Finance. Click Search for Candidates and PACs, enter last name “Gillespie”, and submit.
- County and municipal offices (County Mayor, Commissioner, Sheriff, School Board, court clerks, municipal alderman, etc.) — most major TN counties use the EasyVote portal. Select the relevant county and search by candidate name (“Gillespie”).
Tennessee — statement of interest
- Required for state and local officials and candidates — Tennessee Ethics Commission Conflict of Interest Search. Enter last name “Gillespie”and, if needed, select the applicable position.