The race for Tennessee State House District 97 attracted significant attention in Memphis and Shelby County as incumbent Republican Rep. John Gillespie faced Democratic challenger Jesse Huseth. Now there is a re-match November 3, Early Voting October 14-29
The district, which includes much of East Memphis and portions of Cordova, has become increasingly competitive in recent election cycles.
The Candidates
John Gillespie (Republican)
John Gillespie has represented District 97 since 2020. A Republican from Memphis, Gillespie has emphasized public safety, crime reduction, fiscal conservatism, and business-friendly policies during his time in the Tennessee House. His campaign highlighted support for tougher criminal penalties,
additional law enforcement resources, school safety measures, and economic development initiatives.
Jesse Huseth (Democrat)
Jesse Huseth, a businessman and former educator, challenged Gillespie on a platform centered on education funding, public safety reform, and community investment. Huseth argued for increased support for public schools, expanded career and technical education opportunities, and local criminal justice investments such as a Shelby County crime lab. He also advocated several firearm safety measures.
Key Issues in the Race
Crime and Public Safety – Crime emerged as one of the dominant themes of the campaign.
Gillespie focused on enforcement-oriented policies, highlighting legislation aimed at increasing penalties for violent offenders and expanding law enforcement resources. He argued that violent crime remained Memphis’ most pressing challenge.
Huseth also prioritized public safety but proposed a different approach, including investments in crime-solving infrastructure such as a local crime lab and measures related to firearm safety and licensing requirements.
Education – Education served as another major point of contrast.
Huseth called for increased investment in public schools and workforce training programs. He criticized what he viewed as insufficient long-term investment in education and opposed Governor Bill Lee’s school voucher initiatives.
Gillespie emphasized school safety, parental involvement, and support for career and technical education.
Why District 97 Matters
District 97 has become one of the more closely watched legislative districts in Tennessee. Political observers have noted demographic and electoral shifts that have made the district more competitive than many other districts in the state. Both parties viewed the seat as strategically important in the broader balance of power within the Tennessee General Assembly.
Election Outcome
In the November 2024 general election, incumbent John Gillespie defeated Jesse Huseth, receiving approximately 51.7% of the vote compared with Huseth’s 48.3%. The race was relatively close, reflecting the competitive nature of the district.
Conclusion
The Gillespie-Huseth contest highlighted two different visions for District 97 and Memphis. Gillespie emphasized law enforcement, public safety, and conservative governance, while Huseth focused on education investment, pragmatic policymaking, and alternative approaches to public safety. While
voters ultimately returned Gillespie to office, the close margin underscored the district’s continuing importance in Tennessee politics.
2018
In 2018 Republican Rep. Jim Coley (2007-2021) 54.9% against Democrat Allan Creasy. When Rep. Coley was elected in November 7, 2017, he succeeded Rep. Tre Hargett, 37th Secretary of State of Tennessee, becoming Secretary of State January 15, 2009.
2020
With Rep. Coley not seeking re-election, John Gillespie garnered 78.2% of the Republican Primary votes, in November Gillespie faced Gabby Salinas. Gillespie won the General election50.8% to 49.2%.
2022
August 4, 2022 Republican Primary Gillespie was unopposed, On November 8, 2022 Gillespie beat Democrat Toniko Harris 56.7% (12,083 votes) to 48.3% (9,219 votes)
2024
August 1, 2024 Gillespie beat challenger Christina Oppenhuizen 95.4% (4,914 votes) to 4.6% (236 votes) November 5, Gillespie earned 51.7% (16,368 votes) to Democrat Jesse Huseth 48.3% (15,292 votes)
2026
August 6, 2026 Gillespie earned 5,760 votes in the Republican Primary. Huseth earned 5,667 votes in the Democrat Primary. Let’s now move to November 3, 2026, Early Voting October 14-29.
