Scarbrough seeks second term
Rep. Rick Scarbrough
Rick Scarbrough was elected state representative for District 33 after successful campaigning on those priorities.
After completing his first term – in which he was recognized as “Freshman of the Year” by the Tennessee Journal – Scarbrough is running for re-election.
“Serving the people of Anderson County in the House is one of the greatest honors of my life,” Scarbrough said.
“I am proud of the work we have accomplished, but I know there is so much more we can do.”
Scarbrough was elected in 2024, defeating 14-year incumbent John Ragan in the Republican Primary.
He went on to win the House seat in the November general election with 67.7% of the vote, runnng against Democrat Anne Backus.
Scarbrough says he quickly established himself as a leader in Nashville on issues to keep communities safe.
He successfully sponsored legislation to tighten the laws and enable tougher punishments for harassment and racketeering, as well as making it harder for violent criminals to get out of jail.
On the education front, Scarbrough supported legislation emphasizing innovation, accountability, and transparency.
He also supported teacher bonuses, and the largest financial investment in local schools in the state’s history. For his efforts, he was given a score of 100 from Tennesseans for Student Success.
High-paying jobs have been in the news regularly during Scarbrough’s first term. He has championed Oak Ridge’s role in the future of nuclear power, and supported small businesses.
“Our community deserves steady leadership,” Scarbrough said. “I want to keep fighting to ensure we have safe communities, great schools, and high-paying jobs. I look forward to continuing to do that with dedication and integrity.”
Scarbrough has served as executive director of the University of Tennessee’s Law Enforcement Innovation Center.
Before joining the University, he served 23 years with the Clinton Police Department, the last 16 as chief of police.
He began his law enforcement career serving six years at the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department. He holds bachelors’ and masters’ degrees in organizational management from Tusculum College.
Rick and his wife Mollie, a pharmacist and co-owner of Hoskins Drug Store, have two daughters and five grandchildren.
