Rex Wagner for District 24

Over twenty-five years ago, I opened a law practice that focused on representing working people and disabled citizens of Southeast Tennessee. A law practice is a small business, although a lot of people don’t look at it that way. It has all the responsibilities of a small business but also many obligations that go along with holding a professional license to serve the public and represent clients in state and federal courts. It is a small business, but with a lot of rules, regulations, and procedures. I have been interested in the issues faced by state legislatures for a long time. When I was a student at Cleveland State, our local state representative spoke to one of my classes. He described the work of a legislator. He made it sound interesting even though many of the issues were routine or not well known. I realized how state government impacts many aspects of our daily lives.

This year I have become a candidate for the Tennessee House of Representatives in District 24, where I have lived almost all of my life. District 24 includes the City of Cleveland and a large portion of western Bradley County. The state legislature consists of a House of Representatives and the Senate, which pass the laws that operate our state government, regulate commerce, set criminal penalties, and many other things. The legislature also adopts a budget and sets tax rates.

A lot of people have asked why I am seeking this position. I simply want to serve my community by advocating for our local needs and helping establish solid and workable public policy across Tennessee. I am not doing this to someday run for another elected office or any other reason. I am running to do the work of being a legislator. I enjoy reading laws, writing legislation, analyzing problem situations, and determining solutions. Many people would find this boring. I think it is very interesting. I also want to see policies and programs put into place that help people build a better life for themselves and their families.

We need policies that support and strengthen families because family is one of the foundations of our country. Human life is unique and precious. All men and women are created in God’s image. There needs to be a focus on increasing the respect for the preciousness of life from beginning to end. As a representative, I will work to protect faith, family, life, liberty, and jobs.

I was educated at Hopewell School, Bradley Central High School, Cleveland State Community College, and graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a degree in criminal justice. I received my law degree from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. Education has had a huge impact on my life. I will work to improve all educational opportunities, whether public, private, charter or home school. Our high schools, community colleges, vocational schools, and universities need to be focused on training our citizens to work in the economy, including adults that need additional training.

Before law school, I worked at Bowater for over ten years. I have been an active supporter of the Cleveland State Community College Foundation, Civitan Club, and the Boy Scouts of America. I also completed the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Cleveland program.

I am a seventh-generation East Tennessean. I was born, raised, and educated in District 24. It is a great place to live and work. I know this community well. As your state representative, I will work hard to represent all the people of District 24. I would appreciate your vote on Election Day on August 4th. Early voting starts on July 15th and ends on July 30th. 36 // July 2022