Jon Henry

Jon Henry was born in Carthage, Tennessee. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1990 to 2017. He earned a high school diploma from Smith County High School. He earned a graduate degree from Troy University in 2012 and a graduate degree from Marine Corps University. His career experience includes working as a teacher.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a conservative Christian and a retired 27-year SgtMaj in the United States Marine. We live in rural Tennessee, where we have a cow/calf operation, and I work as a Leadership Instructor for a large national retail operations business. My wife and I have been married for 36 years and have two children and two grandchildren. Our son and his wife serve in the United States Air Force. We entered this race in May of 2025 and we base our grassroots campaign on hard work and connecting with as many as possible throughout the 6th District. Before we began this race, I was the Chairman of the Smith County Republican Party in Carthage, TN. I also served as the Commander of the American Legion Post 57 in Carthage Tennessee for 5 years until this race began. I serve on the executive committee of the Smith County Cattleman's Association.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Our campaign is dedicated to saving what's left of small and mid-size farms today. Four large packers/processors control 85% of the meat/protein market today. We feel the monopolization of the meat industry has negatively affected farms for the last 40 years. This cannot continue and farmland must be preserved.Our second message is to make policies to re-shore vital industries in America. Everything the US must have to sustain itself must be manuafactured within our country and not be beholden to overseas industry. We must reshore vital industries to provide jobs and ensure our national security by not depending on other countries for important products.Our campiagn has been focused on education in America. Scores continue to decline and more and more we hear parents who are worried children are not being properly prepared for careers in the US. Education must be returned to the teachers and not the US Education Department who pushes unapproved cirriculmn to States tied to federal funds and testing scores. Each state should be responsible for educating its citizens. Cirruculmn is a major focus and teachers using lesson plans approved by local school boards must be required as we work to bring critical thinking and civics back to the classroom.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Agriculture, Education, Small Business

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

General Michael Flynn, National Security Advisor, President Trump 45

Video for [the profile publisher]

Video submitted to BallotpediaReleased March 29, 2020

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Jon Henry and I am a strong conservative running for US Senate for the state of Tennessee. I was raised in the small farming community of Riddleton, Tennessee. We learned hard work on the farm. I am proud of my upbringing and it was to my advantage when I joined the Marine Corps at 19 years old. I served in the Marine Corps for 27 years. During my years as an enlisted Marine, I was an adult learner taking college classes at night and on weekends. I earned an Associates, Bachelors, and two Graduate degrees.I am running for Senate because I believe I bring a wealth of knowledge to the US Senate based on my common sense upbringing, military experience, worldwide service and tireless work ethic. I feel I represent a true Tennessean who loves and has served his country and will bring honor if I am able to represent Tennessee as a US Senator. I look forward to the chance to meet you and hear your concerns and serve you with spirituality, courage and integrity.Tennessee needs a veteran in the US Senate.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

My top priority is the safety and security of the American people. A US Senator must always be vigilant ensuring policies support that safety. Americans must be protected at all costs from enemies both foreign and domestic.Our freedoms should not be compromised; right to defend oneself, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion are but a few rights the government should always protect.The government is not a revenue producing entity and therefore every tax dollar taken from Americans' pay in order to operate the US government must be managed in a responsible, thoughtful manner by mature leaders who make policy.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

As a retired Marine Sergeant Major proper foreign policy and the use of our military are forefront in what I believe are characteristics of a strong, responsible democracy. Relatively speaking, we live in a very young country compared to many in the world and our freedom must always be taken seriously. As we have seen repeatedly throughout the course of American history we have had to defend our freedom and protect those too weak to defend their own. It takes men and women who are willing to protect that freedom to stand up and serve. With that, we must take care of our veterans. They have served our country and deserve to be taken care of as they get older. The Veterans Administration needs to be staffed with some of our best and brightest professionals.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Jesus Christ, for obvious reasons, and my Dad. My Dad raised my siblings and I going to church and I always remember him being a hard worker. Even today, I look back and admire him for raising us the best way he knew. He has always said, "it's not the money you make, but the money you spend that makes a rich man". He taught me to be responsible with money. Also, I must say I look up to my stepmother because after my Mom left she and father married some years later and she was put in a position that was tough. Seven children and yet she found a way to get a college education which I credit my adult learning from her example.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

The bible for timeless philosophical lessons on life. Sun Tzu "Art Of War" (specifically Leadership), Simon Sinek "Leaders Eat Last"

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Unselfishness, humility, courage and inititive. Also, lead by example. Don't ask folks to do something you haven't done yourself.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Self-Discipline, moral courage, honesty, integrity, hard work ethic

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

It is a responsibility to know and stay in touch with those you serve. I have heard so many times folks believe politicians have forgotten who they serve.

What legacy would you like to leave?

That my children are proud of me like I'm proud of my Father.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The Vietnam War, I was in grade school the first I remember it being reported on the news.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I worked on the family farm but as a tax-paying citizen, I first worked for the local stockyard for 4 years before joining the Marines.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Mindfullness by Ellen Langer, "Raising Awesome Kids in Troubled Times" Sam and Jeri Laing

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

The Conversation by Hank Williams Jr and Waylon Jennings

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Making the most of the time I have.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

The technologies of the future will require US citizens to adapt to ways we must be ready to succeed. Cyber technologies will continue to progress in sophistication and our institutions of higher learning will need to lead.

What qualities does the U.S. Senate possess that makes it unique as an institution?

In my opinion, the Senate is the firewall between the House of Representatives and the President. After a bill passes in the House, it is imperative Members of the Senate exercise sound judgement, proper research skills and possesses a certain understanding of how history applies to a certain bill.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for senators to have previous experience in government or politics?

The more experience one has in life is the most beneficial quality one can bring to the role of Senator. Being a fellow citizen and understanding constituents priorities and how to solve problems are attributes as important as previous government or political experience. Years of experience, based on a number of examples in history, can create an infallible mindset in some leaders that the common man may see as out of touch with constituents.

What do you think of the filibuster?

Only use as a last resort and then only when one knows the delay will change the final vote count. Not simply because the minority does not have a supermajority.

What criteria would you apply when deciding whether to confirm presidential appointees?

Validated experience in the area to which one is appointed. When appointed by the President that person should be the best in that area of expertise.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other senators?

Yes, of course. The human dynamic is complex and we all come from different cultures but that should not stop civil discourse. Things are not always personal when we disagree, as a Senator its professional when we disagree. That is part of building mature, professional relationships.

If you are not a current senator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, Armed Services Committee, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee

Is there a particular senator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Tennessee's second Senator, Andrew Jackson and more recently Senator Bill Frisk.