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By Dennis Powers
NASHVILLE, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF)- In the 230-year history of the State of Tennessee, no one has served longer in the Tennessee House of Representatives from the 36th District than I have had the fortune to do. Elected in 2010, I have represented Campbell, Union, and Claiborne counties for 16 years—the longest continuous tenure in the history of this district. That historic distinction is not a personal accolade; it is a solemn responsibility earned through the trust of the people I have been privileged to serve, grounded in nearly 39 years of marriage to my wife Tracy and our shared love of the Lord, to whom we have continually looked for guidance and wisdom throughout this journey.
TOP PHOTO: Dennis Powers and his wife Tracy Powers.
My path to the legislature was shaped by the values instilled in me growing up in LaFollette and the practical experience of a 37-year career in insurance, along with earlier work in the trades, nuclear operations, and community service. Sports played a formative role as well. Growing up I played baseball, football, basketball, golf, and tennis. I was part of the 1965 State Championship team, and those experiences taught me teamwork, discipline, and how to compete with confidence. The competitive spirit and resilience I developed on the field and court have served me well both in life and in the legislature, where persistence and preparation matter every day.
A graduate of LaFollette High School and the University of Tennessee, I learned early the importance of hard work, integrity, and looking out for neighbors. Those principles guided me when I first sought this office and have guided every decision since.
Over eight terms, I have focused on the issues that matter most to rural East Tennessee: strong schools, good roads, safe communities, and limited, accountable government. I helped expand dual enrollment and Tennessee Promise opportunities, supported the creation of new TCAT and community college facilities in our region, and worked to raise teacher pay while protecting local control of education. Virtual school students gained the right to participate in athletics and extracurriculars. Funding for rural roads and infrastructure improved. I consistently backed measures to strengthen immigration enforcement, protect the unborn, uphold Second Amendment rights, and support law enforcement, veterans, and first responders.
In recent years I have been privileged to chair the House Private Acts Committee, ensuring local governments have a clear and constitutional path to address their unique needs. Earlier I chaired the Banking and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee and served on key committees dealing with commerce, state and local government, and transportation. Along the way I have sponsored more than 100 bills, many of which became law, and I have maintained one of the most conservative voting records in the General Assembly.
None of this work happens in isolation. It rests on the daily partnership with constituents, local officials, school leaders, business owners, 4-H youth, veterans’ groups, and faith communities. Tracy and I have been blessed to walk this path together, rooted in our faith and our deep love for this district.
Longevity in public office is a responsibility, not a reward. Being the longest-serving representative from District 36 in the history of our state means showing up, listening, and staying true to the people who sent you. As my time in the House draws toward its close, I am grateful for the trust placed in me and proud of the progress we have made together. The work of strengthening our communities continues, and I remain committed to supporting the next generation of leaders who will carry it 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. He also serves on the Business and Utilities Subcommittee, the State and Local Government Committee, Commerce Committee, Department and Agencies Sub-committee and Calendar and Rules Committee. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-08/25/2026-6AM)