Campaign Announcement

John Gillespie today announced his candidacy for State Representative in House District 97. Gillespie is running in the Republican Primary. District 97 includes parts of Bartlett, Cordova, and East Memphis.

Gillespie says a desire to do more for his hometown drove him to seek the legislative seat. “I believe the state government can do better by Shelby County. As your Representative, I will work with urban, suburban, and rural legislators to make sure our part of Tennessee is not left behind when it comes to public education and economic development,” remarked Gillespie.

A graduate of High Point University in North Carolina, Gillespie is a native Memphian. He serves as Grant Coordinator at Trezevant Episcopal Home where he writes and researches grants, plans events, and solicits major gifts. Gillespie began his career in banking and finance starting as a customer service representative at a local bank before working his way up to the mortgage division
at another Memphis financial institution.

State Representative Jim Coley recently announced his decision to retire at the end of his current term in 2020. Coley has represented HD 97 since 2006. “John Gillespie represents the future of the Republican Party. His background in finance
is impressive. We need more legislators with John’s knowledge of budgeting and finance,” stated Coley.

Gillespie is a fiscal conservative who believes state government should focus on the basics such as high-quality local schools, public safety, and good roads. He supports expanding pre-K programs to help children get a better start in school. Gillespie is pro-life and a member of the NRA. His previous campaign experience includes serving as Assistant Campaign Manager for former Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell’s 2010 election.