Image Credit: courtesy of Dennis H. Beavers
Press Release –
ATHENS, Tenn. — Conservative businessman, farmer, and former USDA Tennessee State Executive Director Dennis H. Beavers has officially announced his campaign for Tennessee State Senate District 1.
Pledging to bring an outsider’s focus to Nashville, Beavers launched his bid with a commitment to fighting for stronger schools, better roads, support for local farmers, safer communities, and more good-paying jobs across the region.
District 1 includes Bradley, McMinn, Meigs, and Rhea counties.
Beavers enters the race as a results-driven outsider focused on the everyday needs of families rather than political games. A lifelong East Tennessean with deep roots in agriculture and business, he noted that voters across the district are ready for leadership that listens, respects their values, and delivers tangible results.
“I’m running because the people of District 1 deserve a strong, authentic voice who understands their values and their everyday challenges,” Beavers said. “Families want safer communities, better opportunities for their children, and a state government that puts the taxpayer first. For too long, the working-class families of our rural counties have watched their hard-earned tax dollars get diverted away from the things that matter most to their local communities.”
Stronger Schools, Smarter Priorities
A central pillar of Beavers’ campaign is restoring accountability and fairness to Tennessee’s education system. Beavers has emerged as a vocal critic of the millions of dollars given away on school vouchers with zero accountability. He argues that public funds must be safeguarded and used to lift up all students, rather than leaving rural districts behind.
Beavers emphasized that Tennessee must strengthen public education while simultaneously protecting parental rights and local control.
“Our students need excellence in the classroom and real preparation for the future,” Beavers said. “That means focusing on reading, math, writing, discipline, and critical thinking, while expanding support for workforce training and technical programs that lead directly to high-paying jobs.”
Roads, Bridges, and Rural Infrastructure
As East Tennessee continues to experience growth, Beavers warned that state leaders have neglected critical infrastructure needs across rural communities.
“Too many roads and bridges in our region have been ignored for too long,” Beavers said. “We need to invest heavily in our counties, improve transportation safety, and upgrade our infrastructure—and we must do it by managing our state budget properly, without raising taxes on hard-working families.”
Standing Up for Farmers
Raised on a family farm in the Clear Springs community of McMinn County, Beavers understands firsthand the economic pressures facing modern Tennessee agriculture.
“Farmers feed this country, and they deserve leaders who will actually fight for them in Nashville,” Beavers said. “I’ll work to expand market opportunities, strengthen rural lending options, and cut the red tape to help the next generation stay on the family farm.”
Mental Health and Public Safety
Beavers also highlighted the intersection of public safety and rural healthcare, noting that Tennessee must improve access to mental health treatment to support local law enforcement.
“Our sheriffs and first responders should not have to carry the burden of a broken mental health system alone,” Beavers said. “We need real, localized solutions that protect families, support law enforcement, and provide actual care for individuals in crisis.”
Jobs and Economic Growth
Beavers concluded by stating that District 1 is primed for new investment and stronger wage growth.
“We have the most hardworking people and the finest communities in the state,” Beavers said. “With the right leadership that prioritizes rural economic development over big-city corporate handouts, we can attract new industry, grow our small businesses, and create better-paying jobs right here at home.”
About Dennis Beavers
Dennis Beavers and his wife, Kristi, own and operate a beef and hay farm in McMinn County. He brings more than 26 years of private-sector experience in consulting and insurance. He previously served on President Donald Trump’s campaign staff before being appointed USDA Tennessee State Executive Director, serving from 2017 to 2019.
He is a graduate of McMinn County High School, Hiwassee College, and the University of Tennessee.
Beavers has acquired an official endorsement from The Tennessee Conservative.
For more information, visit the campaign’s Facebook page or contact dennish.beavers@gmail.com.
3 Responses
Ok…..I always try to give the benefit of the doubt to a political newcomer who ‘claims’ the Christian, conservative mantel. But, there are some issues that at least in my mind are ‘conflicting’ here. Maybe, he has good intentions but is he a ‘Chamber of Commerce’ Republican? Because he claims to have ideas on providing “more jobs”, when a REAL conservative knows, if government will get out of the way and take FEWER dollars from their plebes, that will stimulate the economy and provide jobs! Our current Chamber Governor thinks he can GIVE away the store and build his resume when all he is doing is SELLING US ALL OUT! How will Mr. Beavers, actually VOTE as a state senator when billions of tax payer dollars are handed out like candy to BIG CORPORATIONS like In-and-Out Burgers, StarBucks, Ford and billion dollar financial companies, just to PROMISE a few jobs? And, secondly…..a sign in a CVS yard, really? Are you aware of their stances on prescription drugs? Have you rec’d money from CVS? If so, maybe you need to check your conservative mantel at the door! Are you aware of their BIG CORPORATE practices that run the small pharmacies out of business? Mr. Beavers, PLEASE don’t be a Chamber of Commerce politician! Please do NOT try so hard to please potential voters that you STEP ON them, all to check the box on your next campaign!
Who’s his opposition?
Incumbent Senator Adam Lowe.