The Gist
State Representative, 77th District
Photo of Rusty Grills
Rusty GrillsOfficial portrait — Tennessee General Assembly

Rusty Grills

Candidate for State Representative, 77th District

RepublicanIncumbent

Background

Occupation
State representative; farmer
Lives in
Newbern
Campaign website
rustygrillsfortn.com

Elected to the House in 2019 and representing District 77 (Dyer, Lake and part of Obion counties); chair of the House Business & Utilities Subcommittee. A ninth-generation farmer from Newbern who served on the Dyer County Commission from 2010 to 2020.

Report

Photo: Official portrait — Tennessee General Assembly

Documented positions

Taxes & budget

  • Supports keeping Tennessee among the lowest-taxed states

    Rusty Grills for State Representative

    Campaign website · Rusty Grills for State Representative · rustygrillsfortn.com

    “Keeping Tennessee as one of the lowest-taxed states in the nation is extremely important to me.”
    Report

Public safety

  • Opposes red flag gun laws

    Rusty Grills for State Representative

    Campaign website · Rusty Grills for State Representative · rustygrillsfortn.com

    “I’ve opposed red flag laws and have protected your constitutional liberty.”
    Report

Education

  • Supports local control of education and teacher freedom

    Rusty Grills for State Representative

    Campaign website · Rusty Grills for State Representative · rustygrillsfortn.com

    “I’ve always supported policies that prioritize local education and give teachers freedom in the classroom.”
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Economy & jobs

  • Sponsored ban on calling cell-cultured food meatIn office

    Prime sponsor of HB0804 in the 114th General Assembly (2025-2026). Enacted (Public Chapter 450).

    Legislation sponsored by Representative Rusty Grills, 114th General Assembly

    Government record · Tennessee General Assembly · Bills Sponsored: HB0804 · wapp.capitol.tn.gov

    “prohibits labeling a cell-cultured food product as meat or a meat food product.”
    Report

Health & human services

  • Supports Tennessee's permanent ban on abortion

    Rusty Grills for State Representative

    Campaign website · Rusty Grills for State Representative · rustygrillsfortn.com

    “I support the permanent ban on abortion and believe in preserving the family unit.”
    Report

Government & transparency

  • Sponsored limits on the governor's emergency powersIn office

    Prime sponsor of HB0324 in the 114th General Assembly (2025-2026). Enacted (Public Chapter 153): emergency orders may not contravene or suspend the Tennessee Constitution.

    Legislation sponsored by Representative Rusty Grills, 114th General Assembly

    Government record · Tennessee General Assembly · Bills Sponsored: HB0324 · wapp.capitol.tn.gov

    “rules issued by the governor under the governor's emergency management powers from contravening, suspending, or conflicting with a provision of the Tennessee Constitution”
    Report

All sources (10)

Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.