Russell Jackson "Rusty" Grills | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Tennessee House of Representatives from the 77th district | |
| Assumed office January 14, 2020 | |
| Preceded by | Casey Hood (interim) Bill Sanderson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 1, 1981 Newbern, Tennessee |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Christina Marie "Christi" (née Bennett Grills) |
| Children | 2[1][2] |
| Residence(s) | Newbern, Tennessee |
| Education | Homeschooled |
| Website | Official website Campaign website |
Russell Jackson "Rusty" Grills (born October 1, 1981) is an American politician from the state of Tennessee. A Republican, Grills has represented the 77th district of the Tennessee House of Representatives, covering Dyer, Lake, and Obion Counties along the Mississippi River, since 2020.[3][4]
In July 2019, Republican Bill Sanderson resigned from the 77th district of the Tennessee House of Representatives, and fellow Republican Casey Hood was appointed to the seat. Grills, then a farmer and a Dyer County Commissioner, announced he would run against Hood in the November special primary election for the remainder of Sanderson's term. In a four-candidate race, Grills convincingly ousted Hood with 56% of the vote, and went on to easily win the December general election over Democrat Michael Smith and three independents.[5][6] Grills assumed office on January 14, 2020.
Grills served on conservative grassroots advisory council advocating for Tennessee Governor Bill Lee.
In 2023, Grills supported a resolution to expel three Democratic lawmakers from the legislature for violating decorum rules. The expulsion was widely characterized as unprecedented.[7]
Grills lives in Newbern with his wife, Christina "Christi" Marie née Bennett Grills (a registered nurse), and their two children.[8] Grills was homeschooled.[9]