Robert Jones

Robert Jones earned a high school diploma from St. Andrew's Sewanee School, a bachelor's degree from East Tennessee State University in 2006, a graduate degree from Austin Peay State University in 2014, and a Ph.D. from the University of Newcastle in 2020. His career experience includes owning a business.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a historian, educator, business owner, archaeologist, nonprofit leader, husband, and father who believes public service should be measured by actions rather than rhetoric.

I hold a Ph.D. in Classics, a master’s degree in Military History, an M.B.A., a bachelor’s degree in Corporate Finance, and a certificate in Strategic Management. I teach history and have participated in archaeological research both in the United States and abroad.

Outside the classroom, my life has taken a less conventional path. I founded my first business at 17, have helped build and operate veterinary practices with my wife, direct a farm-animal sanctuary, graduated from auction school, and earned a third-degree black belt in Hapkido.

I am also a father, and that role has increasingly shaped how I think about the future we are leaving behind.

I entered this race as an Independent because I believe public service should belong to the public. I accept no campaign donations and have no political party directing my decisions. My goal is simple: listen, study the evidence, serve honestly, and remain accountable to the people of Tennessee.

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?

The government should work for the people—not political parties, wealthy donors, or special interests. I am running as an Independent and accept no campaign donations because I believe representation should never depend upon who can contribute the most money or provide the most political influence. Every Tennessean deserves an equal voice, regardless of party, wealth, geography, or background. Independence is more than a label to me; it means being accountable to the people I represent, evaluating each issue on its merits, and being willing to challenge any party or administration when the evidence and interests of Tennesseans demand it.Representation should not end when an election is over. Public servants should continuously listen to the people they represent, explain their decisions, and remain accountable for the results. I created and signed the Public Service Pledge committing myself to principles including equal representation, evidence before opinion, transparency, fiscal responsibility, civil discourse, and accountability. I have also proposed an Accountability Framework to give Tennesseans a direct and transparent voice in their Senate office. I will not promise to always agree with every constituent, but I will promise to listen, explain my reasoning, show my work, and give the public the tools to hold me accountable.Unity does not require uniformity. Tennesseans will disagree on politics, religion, culture, and policy, but disagreement should never prevent us from recognizing one another as members of the same community. “Unity through Community” means expanding the conversation rather than shrinking it—listening to people we disagree with, protecting the rights we expect for ourselves, and searching for common ground without demanding conformity. I believe a senator represents every Tennessean, including those who voted against them. Good government should bring competing perspectives to the same table, evaluate ideas through evidence and their real-world consequences, and work toward solutions that serve the whole state.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about policies that improve people's ability to build stable, healthy lives. That includes affordability, accessible healthcare with a greater emphasis on prevention, strong public education and workforce development, infrastructure, and animal welfare. I am particularly interested in long-term economic and fiscal stability rather than short-term political victories. I also believe emerging challenges—from artificial intelligence and data centers to energy demand and environmental sustainability—require thoughtful, evidence-based policy that encourages innovation while protecting individuals, animals, communities, and future generations.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I do not actively seek political endorsements. This is intentional and reflects the same principle behind my decision not to accept campaign donations: representation should not create special access or political debts. Under my proposed Accountability Framework, every Tennessean has an equal voice in my office regardless of whether they endorsed me, donated to a political organization, supported another candidate, or voted for me at all. I welcome support from individuals and organizations, but I do not believe their support should purchase greater influence. If elected, my responsibility is to represent all Tennesseans equally—not simply the people or organizations that helped elect me.