On January 16th, 2026, I announced my intent to run on the Republican ballot for the Tennessee State House of Representatives, District 11, which encompasses all of Cocke County and parts of Jefferson and Hamblen Counties. After conversations with my wonderful fiancée, Katilyn Webb, my family, my friends, and prayer with my Savior, Jesus Christ, I am now running to represent the place where I was born and raised.
I have been involved in local politics for most of my adult life, writing national conservative political commentary, supporting President Donald Trump's agenda, assisting Republican campaigns, and serving as Chairman of the Cocke County Republican Party for the past 7 years. My answer to questions about my political future was always: If and when the right opportunity arises to serve my home, I will become the man who is actually in the arena, as President Teddy Roosevelt once said.
Now is that time.
Over the past 30 years, this area has made me who I am. From playing and watching sports, living in the Great Smokies, worshipping the Lord in our local churches, and spending time with the men and women who mean the most to me, the hills of District 11 molded me into the man I am today.
After graduating from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and earning my master's and educational specialist degrees from Tusculum University and Lincoln Memorial University, I returned home to serve in the Cocke County school system. I have stood in the hallways of our public schools as a social studies and English teacher at both the elementary and high school level in Cosby, Tennessee. I have coached girls' and boys' basketball and football, and worked with community service groups, conservative advocacy organizations, and non-profits to address the challenges and celebrate the successes of families in District 11.
Our next and current generations deserve a voice that is fresh, energized, and prepared to listen to the concerns and ideas that will facilitate development for our region. I plan to be that man for them.
For the past two years, I have been inspired more than ever by conservatives like President Trump and our dearly departed friend, Charlie Kirk.
I witnessed President Donald Trump, the man supported since 2015 and turned me into the America First conservative I am today, impeached, indicted, and shot, because they hate that he represented everything the progressive left hates.
They tried to kill our President, and they assassinated the most critical voice of his agenda, Charlie Kirk, in cold blood because he stood for his faith in God and the America First agenda before all else. Conservatives like me, and so many others, exist because of men like Charlie Kirk.
In the past year, I have come to realize that, regardless of any demographic, what matters is the leadership shown by men like Charlie Kirk and President Donald Trump. Leadership does not have an age — it only has an impact.
Three issues, of the many that come to my mind when I think about what I will prioritize when I get to the state house:
Strengthening public safety: In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene's flooding in September 2024, our state government must ensure that public safety measures are fully supported. Funding for our emergency services, law enforcement, and civil servants has to be a priority in the 115th General Assembly. Our men and women who put their lives on the line for our protection deserve the full support of their members of the State Legislature, and I plan to provide it.
Reducing government regulation: In our state, we must ensure that the money earned by hardworking East Tennesseans and their families stays in their pockets. By cutting red tape and deregulating restraints on hunting, fishing, agriculture, education, and small businesses, and advocating for lower taxes, we can spur job growth across every sector of our District's economy and create the best opportunities possible for our District's next and current generations. Locals deserve an advocate at the state level, so Nashville knows District 11's needs, and I will prioritize being that voice.
Putting our families first: Now more than ever, the nuclear family is under attack. As your State Representative, I will ensure that indoctrination of our children by the progressive left is halted, prevent men from playing in women's sports, push for anti-abortion policy to protect the unborn, push back against damaging DEI policies, and ensure Tennessee children have the best environment possible to thrive by advocating for legislation that is tough on crime.
Whether it be the unity I witnessed by our District's civil service members, volunteers, churches, and local government officials in the aftermath of the flooding from Hurricane Helene, the love of the outdoors our District's sportsmen show when it comes to hunting and fishing, or the passion of our District's families when it comes to regional pride, there are so many reasons why I know I want to represent my homeland and its people in the 115th General Assembly.
Nashville is in great need of some Smoky Mountain conservatism, and I plan to provide it by representing the best interests of the people of Cocke, Jefferson, and Hamblen Counties. I am the Tennessee First, Trump-supporting, Christian conservative in this race running to represent all citizens of House District 11.
I am going to need your help, but I am going to earn every vote by taking nothing for granted. I will see you all very soon when I knock on your door and ask for your support.
God bless District 11, the great state of Tennessee, and the United States of America.
Find out how to help at Kenny Cody for Tennessee State House.
