Grit And Grace On The Ballot

A parking-lot workout during COVID turned into a 1,000-person half marathon and, eventually, a run for state office. We’re joined by Jessica Means, a Sullivan County commissioner and candidate for Tennessee State Representative District 1, for a candid conversation about what pushed her into the public square and what she wants to fight for next in Northeast Tennessee. Jessica walks us through her personal story and the “grit and grace” behind her campaign: raising a large family, running a small construction business, teaching fitness classes, homeschooling, and learning county government from the inside. From there, we dig into the values that shape her leadership, including her biblical worldview, her pro-life convictions, and her belief that the family is worth defending in law and culture. If you care about conservative principles, constitutional limits, and how a voting record matches real-world outcomes, this part will get you thinking. We also tackle local policy issues with big ripple effects: small business growth, support for local farms, food supply security, and why she wants to ban lab-grown meat in Tennessee. Jessica shares her concerns about data mining centers and AI infrastructure, especially the impact on electricity demand, water use, and whether everyday residents get stuck with the costs. We close with practical voting information for District 1 and how to get involved. Subscribe for more Northeast Tennessee conversations, share this with a neighbor who votes locally, and leave a rating and review so more people can find the show.To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com.