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Wlaf1450By Dennis Powers
JACKSBORO, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF)- During the recent campaign for House District 36, a number of claims were made about my record that did not accurately reflect the facts.
TOP PHOTO: Dennis Powers during the legislative session at Nashville in April.
First, I never sent a negative mailer. Every piece of mail produced by my campaign was positive and focused on the work done for Campbell, Union, and Claiborne counties. I sent a total of eight mailers. Any negative mailers that appeared were produced and paid for by independent third-party groups. Under state and federal campaign finance laws, candidates and their campaigns are prohibited from coordinating with or contacting those independent groups.
Second, on the gas tax, I voted No on final passage of House Bill 534. The official House roll call on April 19, 2017, shows me among the 37 members who voted No. On the later motion to concur in Senate amendments, I formally requested under House Rule 31 that my original “aye” be changed to “not voting.” That change accurately reflects my position. I did not support the gas tax and the increase was 4 cents per gallon on gasoline, not 30 percent.
Over sixteen years I worked to deliver results for our district and state. These included funding for highways and local roads, rural broadband, the community college and TCAT in Union County, a new Roane State laboratory in Campbell County, new TCAT facilities in Jacksboro, the statewide released-time Bible instruction bill, the Breast Cancer Prevention Act regarding dense breast tissue, Lynn’s Law protecting intellectually disabled adults, the Chance Carlton Act providing death benefits for fallen electrical linemen, and House Bill 1710 requiring local governments to verify citizenship or lawful presence for public benefits in order to protect taxpayer dollars.
I have represented the people of Campbell, Union, and Claiborne counties for sixteen years. My focus has always been on the needs of our rural communities—protecting our values, supporting our schools and local economies, and working for practical results rather than headlines. The work I did and the votes I cast were grounded in the communities I grew up in and continue to call home.
I received 12 Conservative Excellence and Achievement Awards from the American Conservative Union and ranked among the most conservative members of the General Assembly. My wife, Tracy, also devoted 26 years as a director at Roane State Community College, assisting countless students.
At the end of my service, Tennessee stands as the third-lowest taxed state in the nation, the lowest-debt state, a state that reduced next year’s budget by more than 9 percent, the state ranked first as least vulnerable to federal overreach, and the fourth most affordable state in the country.
Campaigns often involve sharp rhetoric. What matters more is the actual record of service and the results delivered for the people of Tennessee. That record stands on its own.
The voters have made their decision, and I respect it. I am grateful for the trust placed in me over the years and for the many friends and neighbors who stood with me. My faith remains strong and I will continue to pray for the success of our communities and for those who will now carry the responsibility of representation forward.
State Rep. Dennis Powers represents the 36th House District, which includes Campbell, Union and parts of Claiborne County. He is the Full Chairman of the Public Acts Committee in Tennessee House of Representatives. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-08/17/2026-6AM)