Conservative leader, Army veteran, and lifelong community advocate Chris Hughes today announced his candidacy in the GOP Primary for State Representative in Tennessee House District 45. Hughes is running for the open seat formerly held by Representative Johnny Garrett, pledging principled, accountable leadership rooted in service, not ambition. Hughes is promoting an America First, Tennessee Strong agenda that largely mirrors President Trump’s goals.
For more than 40 years, Hughes has called the Sumner County community home. A graduate of the University of Tennessee’s Rocky Top Battalion and a former United States Army Captain, Hughes has consistently answered the call to serve first his country, then his county, and always his community. When conservative values came under attack, Hughes did not sit on the sidelines. He served as a Tennessee Republican Party State Executive Committeeman, led reforms to protect conservative candidates, and twice represented Tennessee as a delegate for President Donald J. Trump, standing firmly with the America First movement.
Raised in Sumner County public schools, Hughes later gave back through two terms on the County Commission. During his tenure, he earned Legislator of the Year honors, never voted to raise taxes, and worked responsibly with educators to plan for strong, growing schools. Hughes’ service extends well beyond elected office. He has been a Sunday school teacher, youth sports coach, PTO representative, Rotarian, and Chamber of Commerce member roles that reflect a leader who listens, understands, and shares the lived experiences of the people he represents.
“As your State Representative, my priorities will be clear,” Hughes said. “I will strengthen Tennessee’s power grid, reward teachers who stay and serve, work to eliminate property taxes, protect our natural resources, cut unnecessary licenses and fees, grow small businesses, fight animal abuse, and ensure our National Guard has what it needs when duty calls.”
Hughes also pledged to fight woke ideology, push back against federal overreach, pursue term limits, protect property owners, and put Tennesseans, not lobbyists or political insiders, first.
“Guided by my faith and accountable to Tennessee families,” Hughes added, “I will always fight for Tennessee values, American principles, and the freedoms our state was founded to protect.”
To learn more about Chris Hughes and his policy positions, visit www.chrishughestn.com
