← Back to Shelby County, Tennessee: Election on 2024-08-01
Contest for State Representative District 97
primary - Partisan - State Representative
About this office
The Tennessee House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the state legislature, with 99 members elected from single-member districts to two-year terms. Representatives pass state laws, originate revenue bills, approve the state budget, and — with the Senate — confirm gubernatorial appointments and propose constitutional amendments.
Term length: 2 years.
This role calls for
- Integrity — Acts in the interest of constituents and the public good rather than for personal gain, and remains independent of undue influence from donors, lobbyists, and party leadership.
- Understanding of the constituency — Grasps both the economic-development needs of the district and the day-to-day concerns of individual residents — safety, healthcare, education, infrastructure.
- Persuasion — Engages, listens to, and persuades both fellow legislators and constituents. Can change minds and explain votes honestly.
- Legislative craft — Reads, drafts, and amends statute with care. Understands how specific bill language translates to outcomes, and knows the body of law being modified.
- Coalition-building — Finds common ground across partisan and factional lines, brokers compromises that hold, and forms working majorities even when consensus is hard to reach.
Derived from the office's statutory duties and operational reality. Candidate summaries below map each candidate's documented experience to these requirements.
State Representatives are responsible for representing their district in the Tennessee House of Representatives, participating in legislative sessions, and voting on state laws and policies.
Campaigns
Democratic Primary
1 candidate
Jesse Huseth, a lifelong resident of Memphis, is a suitable candidate for State Representative District 97. His deep roots in the community, experience as a teacher in Shelby County Schools, and commitment to ensuring opportunities for all citizens align with the responsibilities of the role. His role as a teacher has given him insights into the needs of students and parents, which could inform his decisions on state laws and policies. His active presence on social media and campaign platforms also indicates his willingness to engage with constituents.
Republican Primary
2 candidates
Christina Oppenhuizen, a local small business owner and single mom from Memphis, is a suitable candidate for State Representative District 97. Her focus on protecting Biblical Principles and Constitutional Rights aligns with the responsibilities of the role, which include representing her district in legislative sessions and voting on state laws and policies. Her belief in the power of the people to reform laws also indicates her commitment to active representation.
John Gillespie, with a background in nonprofit development and a B.A. in Political Science, is well-suited for the role of State Representative District 97. He has extensive experience in legislative committees, serving as Vice-Chairperson for the Criminal Justice Committee and a member of the Education Administration and Health Committees. Gillespie has also been a House member of the 112th and 113th General Assemblies and served on the Board of Directors for the Memphis Shelby County Crime Commission. His community involvement and legislative experience make him a strong candidate for the role.
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