Jordan Henderson

Jordan Henderson was born in Maryville, Tennessee. He served in the U.S. Air National Guard from 2008 to 2018. Henderson earned a high school diploma from William Blount High School, a bachelor's degree from Bethel University in 2013, and a bachelor's degree from King University in 2021. His career experience includes working as a teacher and police officer.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised in Blount County, Tennessee. I am a Republican candidate for the Tennessee House of Representatives because I want to ensure that freedom and families thrive in Blount County, and Tennessee, for generations to come. I am a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, a medically retired Knoxville Police Officer, and currently serve as a high school criminal justice teacher. My wife, Whitney, and I are raising our son, Jackson, and we are active members of Foothills Church.

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?

I am running to protect the hometown that raised me. Every decision that I make will be rooted in what is best for Blount County, our families, and our future.Our children shouldn't have to leave Blount County to chase opportunity. We must lead in a way that keeps the American Dream alive and well at home.As a veteran, former police officer, and teacher, I have spent my life serving others. I am stepping up because I believe that we need common-sense, transparent, and accessible leadership; we also need fresh eyes on the challenges that we currently face and for those that are on the horizon.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Public safety, education, infrastructure, growth, and transparency.

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

I believe that it is important for elected officials to lead with integrity, courage, professionalism, transparency, accountability, and common-sense.

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

The core responsibilities for someone elected to the TN State House of Representatives is to listen to their constituents, protect their district, and coordinate with other levels of government to ensure that government works as efficiently as possible.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I hope to be remembered as someone who truly cared about others, about our community, and about our country— and showed it through service, sacrifice, and mentorship.

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

I remember the OJ Simpson murder trial. I was between four and five when that occurred. The most significant historical event of my life thus far is the September 11th terrorist attacks. That day solidified my desire to serve our nation and our neighbors.

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

My first job was at Chicfila. I started a few months after my fifteenth birthday and worked there for almost two years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Band of Brothers by Stephen Ambrose. I love history and Ambrose did a magnificent job of telling the stories of Easy Company ,and the personal bonds of its men, during a time period in which the landscape of the world was very much at risk.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Tennessee is going to continue to grow. As we grow, we must ensure that infrastructure, education, public safety, healthcare, and economic needs are properly forecasted so that we do not sacrifice our quality of life as we grow.

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

I believe that life-experience and character is more important than previous political experience.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

As an old-school Republican, I deeply believe in being fiscally conservative and keeping taxes as low as possible. We must be constantly vigilant for legislation and policies that leads to fraud, waste, and abuse of taxpayer dollars.