{"campaigns":[{"candidatename":"Jesse Huseth","chatgptsummary":"A lifelong Memphian and University of Memphis graduate, the candidate\u2019s background centers on local community ties rather than state-level policy expertise. His professional experience includes teaching for Shelby County Schools and founding a local business, providing direct insight into educational needs and small business operations within the district. This tenure offers practical perspective on constituent concerns regarding student opportunities and local economic development. However, the biography lacks specific details regarding legislative process knowledge, budget literacy, or prior public service roles.","notes":"","party":"D","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nJesse Huseth is a Democratic candidate running for election to the Tennessee House of Representatives to represent District 97 [1]. He appears on the ballot for the Democratic primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1]. The general election for this seat is set to occur on November 3, 2026 [1].\n\nAs of May 2026, Huseth has not received endorsements from Democratic or progressive organizations [2]. He previously served as the Democratic nominee in District 97 during the 2024 election cycle, where he faced incumbent Republican John Gillespie [4]. In that prior contest, Gillespie retained the seat after Huseth conceded defeat [4].\n\n## Background and education\n\nJesse Huseth is a native of Memphis [8]. He self-describes as a lifelong Memphian and family man [9]. Professionally, he is a small business owner with a background in public education [3]. Prior to his political campaigns, Huseth worked as a teacher for Shelby County Schools [8].\n\nSpecific details regarding his birth year, religious affiliation, or the specific institutions from which he earned degrees are not provided in the available sources.\n\n## Career\n\nJesse Huseth is a small business owner and former educator [3]. He owns JH Snacks LLC, a Memphis-based business that he describes as a testament to his work in entrepreneurship and business management [14][15]. Prior to his business career, Huseth worked for several automotive dealerships, including Jim Keras Chevrolet and Roadshow BMW/Mini, and held positions at Youth Villages [15].\n\nHuseth also has a background in public education, having served as a teacher in Shelby County Schools [3][8]. He holds a Bachelor\u2019s degree in English with a focus on technical writing and editing from the University of Memphis, which he earned between 2005 and 2011 [15].\n\n## Office history\n\nJesse Huseth served as a teacher in Shelby County Schools prior to entering electoral politics [8]. He is a small business owner by profession [3].\n\nIn the 2024 general election for the Tennessee House of Representatives District 97, Huseth ran as the Democratic nominee against incumbent Republican Representative John Gillespie [5][7]. The district covers parts of East Memphis, Bartlett, and Cordova [11]. On November 5, 2024, Gillespie defeated Huseth to retain the seat [4][6].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nJesse Huseth has not held elected office prior to his 2026 campaign for Tennessee House District 97 [1]. Consequently, he does not have a legislative record of sponsored bills, votes, or committee assignments in the Tennessee General Assembly. His policy positions are defined by his platform as a candidate rather than enacted legislation.\n\nHuseth self-describes as a small business owner and former educator who advocates for increased funding and resources for teachers and students [3]. He states that he champions women's healthcare rights and supports ensuring access to affordable healthcare for all residents [3]. Regarding public safety, Huseth emphasizes the importance of state government promoting effective measures that prioritize local autonomy and practical solutions [3].\n\nDuring his 2024 campaign for District 97, Huseth pledged a \"pragmatic\" approach to statehouse politics in contrast to incumbent John Gillespie\u2019s focus on fighting crime [7]. He was identified as a candidate targeted by national and state Democrats who sought to dent the Republican supermajority in the Tennessee General Assembly [5]. Huseth received an endorsement from Future 901, which cited his background as a teacher at Shelby County Schools and a small business owner as qualifications for looking out for working families [9]. He was also designated as a DLCC Spotlight candidate during that cycle [10].\n\n## Documented disputes and controversies\n\nDuring the 2024 general election for Tennessee House District 97, incumbent Republican Rep. John Gillespie defeated Democratic challenger Jesse Huseth [4]. The race was characterized by contrasting platforms, with Gillespie focusing on \"fighting crime\" and Huseth pledging a \"pragmatic\" approach to statehouse politics while emphasizing support for working families and public education funding [7][8]. Gillespie retained the seat in this contest [6].\n\nIn October 2024, blogger Brian Hornback published an article on his site titled \"Lawless Jesse Huseth,\" alleging that Huseth was exempt from Tennessee election laws regarding campaign finance disclosures [12]. The post cited Tenn. Code Ann. \u00a7 2-19-120 and argued that Huseth\u2019s expenditures for communications advocating his election violated state statutes [12].\n\nAlso in 2024, a website titled \"Anti-Cop Jesse Huseth\" was established to oppose Huseth\u2019s candidacy, describing him as funded by individuals supportive of \"defunding the police\" and gender reassignment surgery for minors [13]. The site cited an Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tweet retweeted by Huseth, an endorsement from The Equity Alliance, and campaign finance records as evidence of his support base [13].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nJesse Huseth self-describes as a small business owner and lifelong Memphian [3][9]. He has worked in public education as a former teacher for Shelby County Schools [3][8]. The Tennessee Lookout identifies him as a businessman during his 2024 campaign for the Tennessee House of Representatives District 97 seat [7][8].\n\nSpecific details regarding Huseth\u2019s business interests, such as the names of his companies, ownership stakes, or sources of personal wealth, are not provided in the available sources. There is no information in the source material regarding sales of businesses or significant financial-disclosure facts beyond his general professional background [1][3][8].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Jesse Huseth - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Jesse_Huseth)\n[2] [Endorsements for Jesse Huseth - Tennessee Democratic Party Candidate](https://bluevoterguide.org/TN/candidate_Jesse_Huseth/548372)\n[3] [Jesse Huseth - Candidates - Run For Something](https://directory.runforsomething.net/candidate/9f402a07eab23f85cde4076b45f92d9e/huseth-jesse/)\n[4] [John Gillespie wins Tennessee House District 97 after Jesse Huseth concedes](https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/politics/elections/tennessee-house-district-97-whos-on-the-ballot/522-9c110695-4ac6-4711-bc41-63b8accbe478)\n[5] [In two purple districts, blue challengers hope to unseat red incumbents - Memphis Local, Sports, Business & Food News | Daily Memphian](https://dailymemphian.com/article/47164/noah-nordstrom-jesse-huseth-seek-unseat-mark-white-john-gillespie-tennessee-general-assembly)\n[6] [Jesse Huseth - Memphis Local, Sports, Business & Food News | Daily Memphian](https://dailymemphian.com/index/tag?tag=Jesse+Huseth)\n[7] [Former educator, businessman faces crime-focused incumbent in district 97 \u2022 Tennessee Lookout](https://tennesseelookout.com/2024/10/08/former-educator-businessman-faces-crime-focused-incumbent-in-district-97/)\n[8] [State House District 97 (2024-Election Voter Guide) \u2013 Tennessee Lookout](https://tennesseelookout.com/race-details/state-house-district-97/)\n[9] [Jesse Huseth for TN House District 97 \u2014 Future901](https://future901.com/blog/jessehuseth2024)\n[10] [Jesse Huseth - Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee](https://www.dlcc.org/candidates/jesse-huseth/)\n[11] [The Race for Tennessee House District 97: Jesse Huseth's Vision for Change - Richard Massey](https://justmymemphis.com/view-post/2438)\n[12] [Lawless Jesse Huseth](https://lawlessjesse.com/)\n[13] [Jesse Huseth: Supported by Defund the Police - Anti-Cop Jesse Huseth](https://anticophuseth.com/)\n[14] [Jesse Huseth in Memphis, TN](https://justmymemphis.com/Jhhuseth?about=)\n[15] [Jesse Huseth Email & Phone Number | JH Snacks LLC Business Owner Contact Information](https://rocketreach.co/jesse-huseth-email_22575250)","firstname":"Jesse","lastname":"Huseth","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"Eww4u07DCt"},"token":"jesse_huseth"},{"candidatename":"John Gillespie","chatgptsummary":"Gillespie serves as Vice-Chair of the Criminal Justice Committee and holds membership on Education Administration and Health committees, providing direct exposure to policy judgment on criminal justice, education, and health matters within Tennessee statutory frameworks. His committee assignments facilitate budget literacy through legislative process involvement in drafting and amending bills related to these sectors. As a member of the 112th and 113th General Assemblies, he engages in constituent relations for District 97. Bio does not indicate prior experience coordinating with county officials or managing complex state budgets beyond committee participation.","notes":"","party":"R","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nJohn Gillespie is a Republican member of the Tennessee House of Representatives representing District 97, which includes most of East Memphis and parts of Cordova [1][3][7]. He assumed office on January 12, 2021, succeeding Jim Coley [4]. His current term is scheduled to end on November 3, 2026 [1].\n\nGillespie 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].\n\nDuring his tenure, Gillespie has served as Vice Chairman of the Finance, Ways, and Means Committee and is a member of the Health Committee [9][10]. 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].\n\n## Background and education\n\nJohn Gillespie was born on January 17, 1987, in Memphis, Tennessee [4][5]. He is a native Memphian and the son of Elizabeth and the late Trow Gillespie [9][10]. 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].\n\nGillespie earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from High Point University in North Carolina [1][2][9][10]. He is a longtime member of Saint John the Divine Episcopal Church [10].\n\n## Career\n\nJohn Gillespie earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from High Point University [1][2][9]. 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 [9][10].\n\nGillespie 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 [9][10].\n\n## Office history\n\nJohn Gillespie was first elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives in 2020, representing District 97, which includes most of East Memphis and parts of Cordova[7]. He assumed office on January 12, 2021, succeeding Jim Coley[4]. Members of the Tennessee House serve two-year terms[3]. Gillespie was re-elected to a second term in 2022[4].\n\nAs of 2026, Gillespie is serving his third term in the Tennessee House of Representatives[9]. He currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Finance, Ways, and Means Committee and is a member of the Health Committee[9]. His legislative priorities include combating violent crime, supporting small businesses, and improving schools[8].\n\nGillespie is on the ballot for re-election to represent District 97 in the Republican primary scheduled for August 6, 2026[1]. The outcome of this upcoming election is unknown[1].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nGillespie 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].\n\nIn 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].\n\n## Family\n\nGillespie is a native Memphian and the son of Elizabeth and the late Trow Gillespie [9][10]. He has two brothers, two nieces, and a nephew [9][10]. He is engaged to be married to Mackenzie Daniel, who works as a college counselor [9].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [John Gillespie - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/John_Gillespie)\n[2] (source #2 not in master list)\n[3] [Tennessee House of Representatives District 97 - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Tennessee_House_of_Representatives_District_97)\n[4] [John Gillespie (Tennessee politician) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Gillespie_(Tennessee))\n[5] [John Gillespie (Tennessee politician) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Gillespie_(Tennessee_politician))\n[6] [John Gillespie - Memphis Local, Sports, Business & Food News | Daily Memphian](https://dailymemphian.com/index/tag?tag=John+Gillespie)\n[7] [John Gillespie wins Tennessee House District 97 after Jesse Huseth concedes](https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/politics/elections/tennessee-house-district-97-whos-on-the-ballot/522-9c110695-4ac6-4711-bc41-63b8accbe478)\n[8] [Home - John Gillespie for Tennessee House District 97](https://repjohngillespie.com/)\n[9] [About - John Gillespie for Tennessee House District 97](https://repjohngillespie.com/about/)\n[10] [Representative John Gillespie \u2014 Tennessee House Republican Caucus](https://tnhousegop.org/members/representative-john-gillespie/)","firstname":"John","lastname":"Gillespie","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"1TJ5SGdWu8"},"token":"john_gillespie"}],"choices":null,"description":"","district":null,"districtgroup":null,"districtgroupname":null,"districtname":null,"job_type":"state_representative","o.office":null,"office":"state_house_97","officedescription":"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 \u2014 with the Senate \u2014 confirm gubernatorial appointments and propose constitutional amendments.","officequalities":"- **Integrity** \u2014 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.\n- **Understanding of the constituency** \u2014 Grasps both the economic-development needs of the district and the day-to-day concerns of individual residents \u2014 safety, healthcare, education, infrastructure.\n- **Persuasion** \u2014 Engages, listens to, and persuades both fellow legislators and constituents. Can change minds and explain votes honestly.\n- **Legislative craft** \u2014 Reads, drafts, and amends statute with care. Understands how specific bill language translates to outcomes, and knows the body of law being modified.\n- **Coalition-building** \u2014 Finds common ground across partisan and factional lines, brokers compromises that hold, and forms working majorities even when consensus is hard to reach.","officeterm":2,"officetitle":"State Representative","partisan":1,"pgr":"primary","quantity":1,"referendum":"","source":null,"title":"Tennessee House District 97"}