Senator

Robert Jones

Robert Jones

Independent

Tell us about your campaign.

I am a small business owner and the executive director of a nonprofit in Jonesborough, Tennessee. I have a background in business, history, and archaeology including a M.B.A. from East Tennessee State University, a M.A. (Military History) from Austin Peay State University, and a Ph.D. (Classics) from the University of Newcastle. I started my business life at 17 by running a small snack shop in a seasonal Tennessee mountain retreat. To date, I have been involved in projects all around the spectrum, and all around the world. From auctioning real estate, grocery delivery, precious metals, auto restoration, drone mapping, geophysics, and nitrogen in tires; to veterinary medicine, wildlife rehabilitation and conservation, and app development. I have published work in both fiction and non-fiction and have taught courses and seminars on wide ranges of topics. I’ve been a life-long volunteer that embodies the Tennessee spirit. Whether through activities in my communities or teaching self-defense in my spare time, I have always tried my best to lift others up. This is my expectation of myself in public office.

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

No response provided

What are your priorities for this office?

The government should work for the people—not political parties, wealthy donors, or special interests. I am running as an Independent and accept no campaign donations because I believe representation should never depend upon who can contribute the most money or provide the most political influence. Every Tennessean deserves an equal voice, regardless of party, wealth, geography, or background. Independence is more than a label to me; it means being accountable to the people I represent, evaluating each issue on its merits, and being willing to challenge any party or administration when the evidence and interests of Tennesseans demand it. Representation should not end when an election is over. Public servants should continuously listen to the people they represent, explain their decisions, and remain accountable for the results. I created and signed the Public Service Pledge committing myself to principles including equal representation, evidence before opinion, transparency, fiscal responsibility, civil discourse, and accountability. I have also proposed an Accountability Framework to give Tennesseans a direct and transparent voice in their Senate office. I will not promise to always agree with every constituent, but I will promise to listen, explain my reasoning, show my work, and give the public the tools to hold me accountable. Unity does not require uniformity. Tennesseans will disagree on politics, religion, culture, and policy, but disagreement should never prevent us from recognizing one another as members of the same community. “Unity through Community” means expanding the conversation rather than shrinking it—listening to people we disagree with, protecting the rights we expect for ourselves, and searching for common ground without demanding conformity. I believe a senator represents every Tennessean, including those who voted against them. Good government should bring competing perspectives to the same table, evaluate ideas through evidence and their real-world consequences, and work toward solutions that serve the whole state.

Describe your qualifications for this office.

I am a historian, educator, business owner, archaeologist, nonprofit leader, husband, and father who believes public service should be measured by actions rather than rhetoric. I hold a Ph.D. in Classics, a master’s degree in Military History, an M.B.A., a bachelor’s degree in Corporate Finance, and a certificate in Strategic Management. I teach history and have participated in archaeological research both in the United States and abroad. Outside the classroom, my life has taken a less conventional path. I founded my first business at 17, have helped build and operate veterinary practices with my wife, direct a farm-animal sanctuary, graduated from auction school, and earned a third-degree black belt in Hapkido. I am also a father, and that role has increasingly shaped how I think about the future we are leaving behind. I entered this race as an Independent because I believe public service should belong to the public. I accept no campaign donations and have no political party directing my decisions. My goal is simple: listen, study the evidence, serve honestly, and remain accountable to the people of Tennessee.