Human Events editor Kenny Cody announced his candidacy for Tennessee’s 11th House District during an appearance on Human Events Daily this week, touting a campaign rooted in populist conservatism public service, and opposition to illegal immigration and crime.
Speaking with Human Events Daily host Jack Posobiec, Cody confirmed he is running to succeed outgoing state Rep. Jerry Fajor following the lawmaker’s retirement. The district includes all of Cocke County along with portions of Hamblen and Jefferson Counties. The Republican primary is scheduled for August 6.
Cody, a longtime East Tennessee resident, said his decision to run followed years of involvement in local politics and community service. He previously served as a schoolteacher at Cosby High School and Cosby Elementary School and has spent the last seven years as chairman of the Cocke County Republican Party.
"I grew up in these mountains,” Cody said, describing himself as a native Appalachian committed to what he called “mountain conservative Christian values.” He pointed to the community’s response to Hurricane Helene as a defining moment, saying churches and local government worked together to recover from the disaster.
During the interview, Posobiec described Cody as a “rock-ribbed populist,” noting that his writing frequently criticizes establishment Republicans. Cody embraced the label, saying populism is a way to listen to voters who feel ignored by political elites.
“Low-propensity voters, working-class voters, people who feel like they’ve never been heard,” Cody said. “That’s who I want to represent.”
Cody also emphasized support for President Donald Trump and said the former president has repeatedly shared his work on social media. He claimed Trump personally reads articles and has even sent annotated copies back to writers whose work he supports.
On policy, Cody said he would back federal efforts to combat crime in Tennessee cities such as Memphis and Nashville, including the use of the National Guard if local officials refuse assistance. He criticized sanctuary-style policies and said illegal immigrants who commit crimes should be deported.
“Americans come first. Tennesseans come first,” Cody said, adding that protecting families, supporting law enforcement, and keeping jobs from being outsourced overseas would be central to his legislative agenda.
Cody said his campaign will focus heavily on direct voter contact in the months ahead. Voters can follow the campaign on social media under “Cody War Room TN” or visit VoteKennyCody.com for more information.
Speaking with Human Events Daily host Jack Posobiec, Cody confirmed he is running to succeed outgoing state Rep. Jerry Fajor following the lawmaker’s retirement. The district includes all of Cocke County along with portions of Hamblen and Jefferson Counties. The Republican primary is scheduled for August 6.
Cody, a longtime East Tennessee resident, said his decision to run followed years of involvement in local politics and community service. He previously served as a schoolteacher at Cosby High School and Cosby Elementary School and has spent the last seven years as chairman of the Cocke County Republican Party.
"I grew up in these mountains,” Cody said, describing himself as a native Appalachian committed to what he called “mountain conservative Christian values.” He pointed to the community’s response to Hurricane Helene as a defining moment, saying churches and local government worked together to recover from the disaster.
During the interview, Posobiec described Cody as a “rock-ribbed populist,” noting that his writing frequently criticizes establishment Republicans. Cody embraced the label, saying populism is a way to listen to voters who feel ignored by political elites.
“Low-propensity voters, working-class voters, people who feel like they’ve never been heard,” Cody said. “That’s who I want to represent.”
Cody also emphasized support for President Donald Trump and said the former president has repeatedly shared his work on social media. He claimed Trump personally reads articles and has even sent annotated copies back to writers whose work he supports.
On policy, Cody said he would back federal efforts to combat crime in Tennessee cities such as Memphis and Nashville, including the use of the National Guard if local officials refuse assistance. He criticized sanctuary-style policies and said illegal immigrants who commit crimes should be deported.
“Americans come first. Tennesseans come first,” Cody said, adding that protecting families, supporting law enforcement, and keeping jobs from being outsourced overseas would be central to his legislative agenda.
Cody said his campaign will focus heavily on direct voter contact in the months ahead. Voters can follow the campaign on social media under “Cody War Room TN” or visit VoteKennyCody.com for more information.
