State House of Representatives – 13th District

Robert Stevens

Robert Stevens

Republican

Tell us about your campaign.

I am running for a third term to serve District 13 in the Tennessee House of Representatives. District 13 covers the western fifth of Rutherford County, which includes parts of La Vergne, Smyrna, Murfreesboro, Rockvale and Eagleville. In the state house, I have consistently supported and co-sponsored legislation that cracks down on illegal immigration because I believe that Tennessee should lead the nation in the fight against those who illegally enter our country and state. I believe that we need to do everything we possibly can in the next legislative session to reduce costs for families, which includes a serious look at lowering or eliminating the sales tax on groceries and limiting how much local governments can increase property taxes at one time. I am Pro-Life and want Tennessee to be the most Pro-Life state in the nation. I have consistently supported policies to advance the Pro-Life cause, including sponsoring and passing legislation to reduce the cost of adoption. The first right our founders listed is the right to life, and we must protect life as a state. I am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and believe that we must defend our rights to own and carry firearms. I have consistently supported legislation that protects and expands our Second Amendment rights. The Second Amendment was adopted to ensure that we as citizens can protect ourselves and our property and also defend against a tyrannical government. We must continue to enhance sentences for violent criminals to keep them off the streets. I have consistently supported policies to increase penalties for violent crimes, including this past year enhancing sentences for offenders who cause fatalities in hit-and-run auto accidents. People in our communities should feel safe at all times. I would appreciate your vote and support. If I can be of any assistance or answer any questions, please feel free to contact me.

In your own words, describe the responsibilities of the office you are seeking.

The primary responsibility of the Tennessee legislature is to pass a budget each year. It is imperative to remain aware of the state's revenues and expenditures, and also to be sure that Rutherford County receives its fair share of projects within those funds. This is true even for those who do not serve on the finance committees. We must ensure that the budget stays in check and that we do not spend more than we collect. Each Member of The General Assembly proposes new state laws and policies by sponsoring bills while we are in session each year from January through April. Each Member is assigned to several committees and reviews the proposals to determine if they should advance. We are responsible for studying the issues before us and making decisions on whether each bill is in the best interest for the state. Finally, legislative offices also help constituents who have issues with state agencies get those issues resolved, and we make departments such as the Department of Transportation aware of road issues that need to be addressed. Listening to constituents' concerns and feedback and then forwarding it on to the proper office are important roles of legislators.

What are your priorities for this office?

With the increased cost of living, we have to look for ways to reduce taxes and government spending. The first idea is to reduce or remove the sales tax on groceries to reduce costs for families. We also need to consider limiting how much local property taxes can be increased to keep costs down, especially for our seniors and those on fixed incomes. I want Tennessee to continue leading in the fight against illegal immigration. I want our state to be the most Pro-Life state in the union, which includes reducing barriers for adoption. I also support legislation that will advance Second Amendment freedoms in our state and that cracks down on violent crime.

Describe your qualifications for this office.

I have served as the current District 13 representative since 2022. Prior to election to the state house, I served for 12 years on the Rutherford County Commission. Professionally, I am an attorney with a practice that focuses on estate planning and probate. I also have a small travel business through which I take small groups to primarily European destinations and help people plan their own trips. I am a past-president of the Smyrna Rotary Club and am active with numerous non-profits in Rutherford County. I am a member of the Rutherford County Republican Party, the Stones River Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, and Smyrna Church of Christ.