Jon Henry Wins Straw Poll In Jackson County TN-06 Republican Primary

Image Credit: Henry for Congress / Facebook

Note from The Tennessee Conservative: Any editorial statements in this column are the sole opinion of the author; they do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the staff of this publication.

Submitted by Connor B. –

Jon Henry, a candidate in the Republican primary for Tennessee’s 6th Congressional District, received strong support in a recent straw poll held at the Jackson County Reagan Dinner. According to results shared from the event, with roughly 100 votes cast, Henry received approximately 65% of the vote. State Rep. Johnny Garrett received 9%, and former U.S. Rep. Van Hilleary received 26%. 

While some news coverage has focused primarily on Garrett and Hilleary due to their fundraising totals, Henry’s performance in Jackson County indicates notable grassroots support in the district. 

Candidate Background 

Jon Henry is a retired U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Major with 27 years of service, including combat deployments in Desert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He earned a Bronze Star and other honors, later completing a PhD in Organizational Leadership from Johnson University. He has served as Smith County GOP Chairman and ran for U.S. Senate in 2020. 

Henry has received endorsements from Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn and local Turning Point chapters, including Turning Point Overton County. 

Garrett, a current state representative, and Hilleary, who previously served in Congress from 1995 to 2003 and as chief of staff to Rep. John Rose, have led in campaign fundraising. As of March 2026, Garrett reported approximately $1.7 million raised and Hilleary over $1.1 million, compared to Henry’s roughly $67,000. 

Context of the Race 

The TN-06 primary follows redistricting that altered the district boundaries. The seat is open because incumbent Rep. John Rose is running for governor. The district leans strongly Republican, making the GOP primary the key contest. 

Straw polls, such as the one in Jackson County, provide informal indicators of sentiment among local Republican activists but do not predict final primary outcomes. Henry’s result highlights his appeal in rural areas of the Upper Cumberland region, where issues such as border security, agriculture, and fiscal policy often resonate. 

Outlook 

With the primary approaching, the race features four candidates with differing backgrounds and resources. Garrett and Hilleary have emphasized their legislative and congressional experience and alignment with former President Trump’s agenda. Henry has focused on his military service and outsider perspective.

Jackson County’s straw poll adds one data point to a competitive primary. Voter turnout and preferences across the full district will determine the nominee on August 6. The winner is expected to be the strong favorite in the November general election.