President Donald Trump has endorsed Republican candidate Kenny Cody in the race for Tennessee House District 11, giving the former Cocke County GOP chairman a major boost in the open-seat contest following State Representative Jeremy Faison’s (R-Cosby) retirement.
In a statement on Truth Social announcing his endorsement, Trump praised Cody as a “MAGA Warrior” and highlighted his background as an educator, civic leader, conservative columnist for the publication Human Events, and activist.
“It is my Great Honor to endorse MAGA Warrior, Kenny Cody, who is running to represent the fantastic people of Tennessee’s 11th State House District,” Trump wrote.
🚨 HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT:
I am so honored to say that OUR CAMPAIGN has now been ENDORSED by the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, DONALD J. TRUMP!
"Kenny Cody has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next State Representative from Tennessee’s 11th House District – HE WILL… pic.twitter.com/d5hiuYtz8k
— Kenny Cody (@KDCodyTN) May 21, 2026
The president said Cody “has dedicated his life to serving his Community” and would fight to promote East Tennessee’s “Mountain Values” in the State House of Representatives.
“In the State House, he will fight tirelessly to Promote East Tennessee’s “Mountain Values,” Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Advance MADE IN THE U.S.A., Champion American Energy DOMINANCE, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Military/Veterans, Promote School Choice, Safeguard our Elections, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment,” Trump said.
“Kenny Cody has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next State Representative from Tennessee’s 11th House District – HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” Trump concluded.
Cody responded to the president’s endorsement, calling it “the honor of a lifetime.”
“I have been a loyal supporter of President Trump for nearly a decade now, and I plan on continuing to be if you send me to Nashville as your next State Representative,” he added.
Cody announced his candidacy for the District 11 seat in January after Faison revealed he would not seek reelection. The district includes Cocke County and portions of Hamblen and Jefferson counties.
The Republican primary for Tennessee House District 11 is scheduled for August 6.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network.
