Pray Tennessee Archive
Revisit the officials previously highlighted through Pray Tennessee and learn more about the men and women who help lead Tennessee.
06/05/26 - Senator Kerry Roberts
Senator Kerry Roberts is a Republican representing Tennessee’s 25th Senate District, serving since 2011. He focuses on fiscal conservatism, government accountability, and higher‑education oversight. Roberts is known for his work on tax policy, regulatory reform, and strengthening Tennessee’s colleges and universities, as well as his advocacy for rural communities across Middle Tennessee.
06/04/26 - Senator Shane Reeves
Senator Shane Reeves is a Republican representing Tennessee’s 14th Senate District, serving since 2018. A healthcare executive by background, he focuses on healthcare policy, public safety, and economic development. Reeves is known for legislation addressing opioid abuse, improving rural healthcare access, and supporting workforce growth across Middle Tennessee.
06/03/26 - Senator Bill Powers
Senator Bill Powers is a Republican representing Tennessee’s 22nd Senate District, which includes Montgomery, Stewart, and Houston counties. Elected in 2019, he focuses on economic development, infrastructure, and supporting military families in the Fort Campbell region. Powers is known for prioritizing job growth, transportation improvements, and policies that strengthen West and Middle Tennessee communities.
06/02/26 - Senator Mark Pody
Senator Mark Pody is a Republican representing Tennessee’s 17th Senate District, serving since 2017 after previously serving in the Tennessee House. In office, he is known for sponsoring socially conservative legislation, focusing on issues such as abortion, religious liberty, and education policy. Pody is also active on fiscal matters, advocating for limited government and reduced regulatory burdens across his Middle Tennessee district.
06/01/26 - Senator Charlane Oliver
Senator Charlane Oliver is a Democrat representing Tennessee’s 19th Senate District, elected in 2022. In office, she focuses on voting rights, economic equity, affordable housing, and strengthening protections for working families. Oliver is known for her advocacy on civil rights issues and her efforts to expand opportunities for underserved communities in Nashville.
05/29/26 - Senator Becky Massey
Senator Becky Massey is a Republican representing Tennessee’s 6th Senate District, serving since 2011. In office, she focuses on disability advocacy, child welfare, and public safety. Massey is known for bipartisan work on issues affecting vulnerable Tennesseans, including improving services for individuals with disabilities, strengthening protections for children, and supporting community‑based programs across Knox County.
05/28/26 - Senator Jon Lundberg
Senator Jon Lundberg is a Republican representing Tennessee’s 4th Senate District, serving since 2017 after a decade in the Tennessee House. In office, he focuses on education policy, public safety, and strengthening economic development across Northeast Tennessee. Lundberg is known for his work on school governance, higher‑education oversight, and legislation aimed at supporting families and local communities.
05/27/26 - Senator J Adam Lowe
Senator J. Adam Lowe is a Republican representing Tennessee’s 1st Senate District, elected in 2022. In office, he focuses on conservative fiscal policy, education reform, and limiting government regulation. Lowe is known for advocating parental rights in schools, supporting small businesses, and promoting economic growth across Southeast Tennessee.
05/26/26 - Senator Sara Kyle
Senator Sara Kyle is a Democrat representing Tennessee’s 30th Senate District, which includes parts of Shelby County. First elected in 2014, she is known for championing consumer protection, women’s rights, and social equity. In office, Kyle focuses on expanding access to healthcare, supporting working families, and strengthening civil rights protections across Tennessee.
05/25/26 - Senator Ed Jackson
Senator Ed Jackson is a Republican representing Tennessee’s 27th Senate District, which includes Madison, Crockett, Gibson, and Haywood counties. First elected in 2014, he focuses on economic development, education, and supporting small businesses. Jackson is known for his pragmatic approach to rural issues and his advocacy for workforce training and job growth across West Tennessee.
05/22/26 - Senator Joey Hensley
Senator Joey Hensley is a Republican representing Tennessee’s 28th Senate District, serving in the Senate since 2013 after a decade in the Tennessee House. In office, he is known for sponsoring socially conservative legislation, including bills related to LGBTQ issues, education policy, and religious‑based exemptions. He also frequently engages in debates on health and welfare policy, drawing on his background as a physician.
05/21/26 - Senator Dewey Crowe
Senator Dewey “Rusty” Crowe is a Republican representing Tennessee’s 3rd Senate District, which includes Washington, Unicoi, and Carter counties. He has served in the Senate since 1991, making him one of its longest‑tenured members. In office, he is known for his work on health policy, veterans’ issues, and government operations, chairing the Senate Health and Welfare Committee and serving on multiple oversight and education committees.
05/20/26 - Senator Heidi Campbell
Senator Heidi Campbell is a Democrat representing Tennessee’s 20th Senate District, first elected in 2020. She is known for flipping the seat after more than two decades of Republican control. In office, she focuses on issues affecting Nashville’s relationship with state government, supports environmental protection, and advocates for community‑driven policymaking.
05/19/26 - Senator Richard Briggs
Senator Richard Briggs is a Republican representing Tennessee’s 7th Senate District, serving since 2014. In office, he’s known for a pragmatic, policy‑driven approach, often focusing on public health, veterans’ issues, and government accountability. Briggs is a cardiothoracic surgeon and a retired U.S. Army colonel, having served more than 30 years, including combat tours in Desert Storm, Afghanistan, and Iraq, where he worked as a trauma surgeon and received the Bronze Star.
05/18/26 - Senator Janice Bowling
Senator Janice Bowling is a Republican lawmaker who has represented Tennessee’s 16th Senate District since 2012. Before joining the Senate, she worked as a special education teacher, earning a B.S. in Elementary and Special Education, and later served for many years as a Tullahoma alderman. In the legislature, she is known for her conservative positions and her strong advocacy for rural communities, particularly her efforts to expand high‑speed internet access.
05/15/26 - Senator Paul Bailey
Senator Paul Bailey represents Tennessee’s 15th District in the State Senate, where he focuses on economic development, transportation, public safety, and strengthening rural communities. A business owner and lifelong Tennessean, he is known for his work on infrastructure policy and his leadership on committees shaping the state’s transportation and commerce priorities. Bailey emphasizes fiscal responsibility, community investment, and practical, solutions‑driven legislation.
05/14/26 - Lt Governor Randy McNally
Randy McNally serves as Tennessee’s Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the Senate, a role he has held since 2017. A longtime public servant, he has represented East Tennessee in the state legislature for decades, known for his focus on fiscal responsibility, public safety, and government accountability. McNally has played a key role in shaping state budget policy and major legislative initiatives, earning a reputation as a steady, detail‑oriented leader in Tennessee government.
05/13/26 - Kristi Kristy
Kristi Kristy represents District 9 on the Knox County Board of Education. Known for her focus on academic excellence, student safety, and strong support for teachers, she works to ensure that district policies reflect the needs of families and classrooms. Kristy emphasizes transparency, accountability, and community engagement as she advocates for high‑quality educational opportunities across Knox County Schools.
05/12/26 - Travis Wright
Travis Wright serves on the Knox County Board of Education representing District 8. He is known for his practical, community‑focused approach to decision‑making and his commitment to strong academic standards. Wright emphasizes responsible budgeting, support for teachers, and policies that keep students’ needs at the center of board discussions. He works to strengthen communication between schools, families, and the broader community to ensure continued progress across Knox County Schools.
05/11/26 - Steve Triplett
Steve Triplett serves on the Knox County Board of Education representing District 7. Known for his steady, community‑focused leadership, he works to support strong academic outcomes, responsible budgeting, and policies that keep students and teachers at the center of decision‑making. Triplett emphasizes transparency, collaboration, and maintaining high standards across Knox County Schools.
05/08/26 - Betsy Henderson
Betsy Henderson represents District 6 on the Knox County Board of Education. Known for her focus on academic achievement, fiscal responsibility, and strong support for teachers, she works to ensure students have access to high‑quality educational opportunities. Henderson emphasizes transparency, parent engagement, and policies that strengthen Knox County Schools while keeping students at the center of decision‑making.
05/07/26 - Lauren Morgan
Lauren Morgan serves on the Knox County Board of Education representing District 5, elected in 2024 as part of a new wave of board leadership. A strong advocate for public education and community engagement, she focuses on supporting teachers, improving student outcomes, and strengthening collaboration between families and schools. Morgan emphasizes transparency, accountability, and student‑centered decision‑making as she works to advance the goals of Knox County Schools.
05/06/2026 - Katerine Bike
Katherine Bike serves on the Knox County Board of Education representing District 4. A longtime advocate for strong public schools, she focuses on supporting teachers, improving academic outcomes, and ensuring families have a voice in district decisions. Blake emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and student‑centered policies as she works with educators, parents, and community partners to strengthen Knox County Schools.
05/04/26 - Patricia Fontenot-Ridley
Patricia Fontenot‑Ridley represents District 3 on the Knox County Board of Education, elected in 2024 for a term through 2028. A former teacher with more than 30 years of classroom experience, she is committed to strengthening partnerships between parents and educators and addressing challenges such as socioeconomic barriers and high‑stakes testing. Her focus is on supporting students, protecting teachers, and rebuilding teamwork across the school community.
05/01/26 - Anne Templeton
Anne Templeton represents District 2 on the Knox County Board of Education, elected in 2024 for a term through 2028. A longtime advocate for public education, she previously served as PTA president at Beaumont Magnet School and as Board President of the Shora Foundation, supporting arts education and after‑school programs. With a decade of community leadership in Knoxville and a professional background in marketing and large‑scale event planning, Templeton emphasizes collaboration among families, educators, and administrators to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.
04/30/26 - John Butler
Rev. Dr. John A. Butler represents District 1 on the Knox County Board of Education, serving since 2022 and running for re‑election in 2026. A longtime education advocate, he has focused on improving academic achievement, strengthening 21st‑century curriculum, and supporting high‑quality staff. During his tenure, Knox County Schools advanced from a “District in Need of Improvement” to an “Advancing” district under state evaluation. Butler continues to champion accessible, high‑quality education for all students in the communities he serves.
04/29/26 - Dr. Jon Rysewyk
Dr. Jon Rysewyk is Superintendent of Knox County Schools, Tennessee’s third‑largest district, serving about 60,000 students across more than 90 schools. A University of Tennessee graduate with a Doctorate from East Tennessee State University, he has over 26 years of experience in education, from teacher and principal to Chief Academic Officer. Since becoming Superintendent in 2022, he has led with a student‑centered approach focused on foundational skills, great educators, career readiness, and success for every student. Under his leadership, the district has seen sustained academic growth and continued progress toward its Every Student Future Ready 2030 Strategic Plan.
04/28/26 - Larsen Jay
Larsen Jay is serving his second term as At‑Large Commissioner (Seat 10) on the Knox County Commission, representing all county residents. First elected in 2018 and re‑elected in 2022, he previously served as Commission Chairman. A University of Tennessee graduate with degrees in Arts and Business Administration, Jay spent nearly 15 years in film and television production, earning multiple Telly Awards and an Emmy. After surviving a near‑fatal accident, he founded Random Acts of Flowers, a national nonprofit delivering recycled flowers to healthcare patients. As Commissioner, he focuses on fiscal responsibility, education, public safety, veterans’ support, and infrastructure, and is currently running for Knox County Mayor.
04/27/26 - Andy Fox
Andy Fox serves as the 9th District Commissioner on the Knox County Commission, elected to his first term for 2024–2028. Representing South Knoxville, he works to stay accessible and responsive to residents through his office at the City County Building. Fox focuses on supporting county services, addressing community needs, and ensuring constituents have a clear line of communication with their local government.
04/24/26 - Amelia Parker
Amelia Parker is an At‑Large City Council member in Knoxville, currently serving her second term. She represents City Council on the Knoxville Community Media Board and serves on the University of Tennessee College Scholars Board. A Knoxville‑raised community advocate, she holds degrees in race and ethnicity studies, human rights law, and gender and the law. Her career includes work in human rights, legal advocacy, and grassroots organizing, and she previously led Statewide Organizing for Community eMpowerment (SOCM).
04/23/26 - Adam
Thompson
Adam Thompson is the 8th District Commissioner on the Knox County Commission, serving his first term from 2024–2028. A 6th‑generation Corryton farmer with a degree in Animal Science from the University of Tennessee, he is active in community discussions on land use and development. As commissioner, he prioritizes responsible growth, support for education and law enforcement, and maintaining the rural character of the district.
04/22/26 - Debbie Helsley
Debbie Helsley is an At‑Large City Council member for Knoxville and currently chairs the Beer Board. A South Knoxville native, she brings decades of experience from her career at Bell South/AT&T and her long leadership tenure with the Communications Workers of America. She has served on the Civil Service Merit Board, United Way Board, and multiple community leadership programs. Elected in 2023, she remains active in neighborhood and community service organizations across Knoxville.
04/21/26 - Rhonda Lee
Rhonda Lee serves on the Knox County Commission representing District 7. She is an attorney specializing in criminal defense and serves on several county committees, including Finance, Legislative Affairs, and the Beer Board. A longtime Powell resident and 8th‑generation Tennessean, she has a background in law, real estate, homebuilding, and community service, and remains active in local business associations and volunteer work.
04/20/26 - Lynn Fugate
Lynne Fugate is Knoxville’s Vice‑Mayor and an At‑Large City Council member, currently serving her second term. She also represents City Council on the City’s Pension Board and is the CEO of the Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians. With a background in banking and extensive nonprofit and civic leadership, she has been active in education, community development, and regional organizations throughout Knoxville.
04/17/26 - Terry Hill
Terry Hill serves as the 6th District Commissioner of Knox County, elected to her first term in 2024. A Master of Social Work and longtime clinical social worker with Knox County Schools, she spent 30 years in public service, including six years on the Knox County Board of Education. Hill has also taught at UT Knoxville and Tennessee Wesleyan and served as an expert witness for the U.S. Department of Justice. She remains active in community organizations and is the mother of two daughters and grandmother of three.
04/16/26 - Denzel Grant
Denzel Grant represents District 6 on the Knoxville City Council, elected in 2025. A father, U.S. Army combat veteran, and nonprofit leader, he grew up in Austin Homes and brings lived experience to his work on equity, safety, and opportunity. He founded Turn Up Knox, a community‑based violence‑prevention initiative, and prioritizes homeownership, small disadvantaged businesses, youth development, and fair investment in historically underserved neighborhoods.
04/15/26 - Angela Russell
Angela Russell is serving her first term as Knox County Commissioner for District 5, representing residents since 2024. A lifelong Knox County native, she focuses on fiscal responsibility, transparent leadership, and community‑minded development. She also supports public safety and constructive approaches to homelessness
04/14/26 - Charles Thomas
Charles Thomas serves as the Knoxville City Council member for District 5, first elected in 2019 and reelected in 2023. A Middle Tennessee native and longtime Knoxville attorney, he brings over 30 years of legal experience to public service. His work on council focuses on balancing neighborhood, business, and environmental interests to support sustainable, community‑centered development.
04/13/26 - Shane Jackson
Shane Jackson is the 4th District Commissioner of Knox County, serving his first term from 2024 to 2028. A husband, father, veteran, and community banker, he brings over 20 years of financial experience and a strong understanding of East Tennessee’s housing and economic landscape. His priorities include strengthening public schools, expanding parks and greenways, and planning for sustainable, community‑focused development.