John Ray Clemmons

Current office and 2026 campaign

John Ray Clemmons currently serves as a Democratic member of the Tennessee House of Representatives for District 55, having assumed office on November 4, 2014 ¹. His current term is scheduled to end on November 3, 2026 ¹. As of May 2026, Clemmons is running for re-election to represent the district in the Tennessee House of Representatives ¹. He is listed as a candidate in the Democratic primary election scheduled for August 6, 2026 ¹.

Background and education

John Ray Clemmons was born in Lebanon, Tennessee, on July 14, 1977 ². He later made Nashville his home city ³.

Clemmons earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Columbia University, completing his studies there between 1995 and 1999 ³. He subsequently attended the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law at the University of Memphis, where he received his Juris Doctor in 2006 ³.

Career

John Ray Clemmons was born in Lebanon, Tennessee, on July 14, 1977 ². He earned a Bachelor of Arts in history from Columbia University between 1995 and 1999 ³. He subsequently attended the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law at the University of Memphis, where he received his Juris Doctor in 2006 ³.

In his professional life prior to and alongside his legislative service, Clemmons co-founded the boutique civil litigation firm Clemmons & Clemons, PLLC, with a lifelong friend in 2013 ⁵. He continues to practice law at this Nashville-based firm ⁵.

Office history

John Ray Clemmons began his legislative service in the Tennessee House of Representatives on January 4, 2014, representing District 55 ⁴. He assumed office formally on November 4, 2014, following a prior assumption date of January 13, 2015 noted in some records ¹². His current term is scheduled to end on November 3, 2026 ¹.

In addition to his role as a representative, Clemmons has served as the Democratic Caucus Chair for the Tennessee State House of Representatives since 2023 ³. He is currently running for re-election in the Democratic primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 ¹.

Legislative record and accomplishments

John Ray Clemmons has served in the Tennessee House of Representatives since assuming office on January 13, 2015 ². He represents District 55 and is a member of the Democratic Party ¹. In addition to his legislative duties, he practices law with the Nashville firm Clemmons & Clemons, PLLC, which he co-founded in 2013 ⁵.

Clemmons holds the position of Democratic Caucus Chair in the Tennessee State House of Representatives, a role he has held since 2023 ³. He previously served as a Representative for District 55, succeeding Gary Odom ². His legislative career began after he was first elected to the chamber, with his term officially starting in early 2014 according to some records ⁴, though he assumed office in January 2015 ².

Specific details regarding notable bills sponsored, specific vote records, or detailed committee assignments are not provided in the available source materials. The candidate’s policy positions are not explicitly detailed in the provided texts beyond his party affiliation and leadership role within the Democratic caucus ¹³.

Business interests and wealth source

John Ray Clemmons is an attorney and co-founder of Clemmons & Clemons, PLLC, a boutique civil litigation firm based in Nashville ⁵. He established the practice in 2013 alongside his lifelong friend, J. Michael Clemons ⁵¹¹. The firm operates from offices on Union Street in downtown Nashville and provides services in business litigation, alternative dispute resolution, and general civil litigation ⁶⁷⁹.

Clemmons serves as a Rule 31 Listed General Civil Mediator and has represented clients in both state and federal courts across Tennessee, including the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ⁵¹⁰¹¹. His legal practice focuses on business litigation, with Super Lawyers repeatedly recognizing him as a "Rising Star" in this area ⁶¹². He also represents corporate and individual clients on issues such as civil rights, contracts, and banking disputes ⁸¹¹.

Clemmons holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, having been admitted to the Tennessee Bar in May 2007 ⁵¹⁰. He previously earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Columbia University in 1999 ⁵¹⁰. As a co-owner of the firm, his professional income derives from legal services provided to private clients ⁶⁹.

Family

Clemmons is married to Tamara Baxt ². Together they have three sons named John, Finn, and Henry ³. The family also includes two guinea pigs, Frankie and Martha ⁵.

Sources