Rusty Grills
Serving District 77 – Dyer, Lake and part of Obion
Address: 425 Rep. John Lewis Way N. Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 615-741-0718
Email: rep.rusty.grills@capitol.tn.gov
No stranger to Farm Bureau or agriculture, Chairman of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee Rusty Grills has deep roots in West Tennessee agriculture. The eldest of four children, Rusty Grills is the ninth generation to be a part of his family’s farming and row crop operation where they manage over 3,000 acres. From 2010 to his election to the State House in 2020, Chairman Grills served on the Dyer County Commission and continues to be involved in his local county Farm Bureau. He and his wife, Christi, have two daughters and attend Lenox Baptist Church. Chairman Grills has served in the legislature for four years, being sworn in midway through the 111th General Assembly after winning his special election.
What inspired you to run for your office?
I have always been involved in my community and had been in prayer for some time about what God’s next move for me would be. I had been approached by some folks in my community about running for the state legislature, but at that time neither of our current elected officials were retiring and I didn’t see myself running against either incumbent. I had been at a Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Summer Conference meeting and was talking with some friends about if they could ever see me serving in the state legislature. I kid you not, no more than two weeks after that conference, I got a call from someone saying former State Representative Bill Sanderson was going to resign the following day, and if I wanted to run for office, this was my chance. I knew this was a sign from God, simply because my exact prayer had been, “Lord, if you want me to do this, I want you to make it so abundantly clear I cannot miss what you’re trying to tell me”. Lo and behold, I think a phone call from a trusted friend is a pretty clear sign. The rest is history.
Do you have any role models in your legislative career?
When I was first sworn in, I joined the House Ag Committee where I sat beside the late State Representative Mike Carter. He was a huge asset to me during my first session. We didn’t get to serve together long, but he was so instrumental. He was full of wisdom and advice and never shied away from a tough conversation. I really miss him, it’s very unfortunate he’s gone. There is more than one though, all of our leadership has been great to work with as I’ve grown into my position.
As Chairman of a committee with competing interests, how do you handle conflict?
You have to have a moral compass, you have to understand your allegiance is to God first, and then the Constitution. When you look at the issue from that world view, you understand what is right and wrong based on principles and don’t get hung up on the emotions. When you get hung up in the emotions, you are always going to make an irrational decision – doesn’t mean it will be the wrong decision, but an irrational one, nonetheless. Decisions of this weight with what we do in Nashville have to be ones of principle, not emotion.
What role does Farm Bureau play in the legislative process?
Farm Bureau helped me grow into my voice. Before I got involved with my county’s Young Farmer and Rancher program, and this may be hard to believe, but I was the more reserved and quieter one out of my four siblings. Farm Bureau helped me find my voice, so I think they play an incredibly important role in the legislative process.
What’s the best way for a constituent to get in touch with you?
I want to take a moment to give some credit to my legislative assistant, Kyle. He is the voice or face you see or hear anytime you need anything from my Nashville office, and he is amazing. He keeps the wheels turning for me both in and out of session. Contacting my office would be the easiest way to get ahold of me if a constituent needs assistance. If I’m in the field or out of service, I’ll get back with you as soon as I can if it’s something Kyle can’t take care of, which is few and far between.
