NEXT MILESTONE
Voter registration deadline
October 5, 2026
Lifelong neighbor. Community servant. Pastor. Educator. Husband. Father.
JD Estep
JD Estep · Claiborne County Mayor
A lifetime of service. A vision for tomorrow.
A lifelong neighbor, educator, and community servant. Ready to listen. Ready to serve.
Candidate for Claiborne County Mayor
- Rooted in Claiborne County
- 20+ years of service
- Listening comes first
Why JD
Your neighbor. Ready to serve.
JD brings a lifetime of local service and more than 20 years of experience educating, leading people, managing responsibilities, and working with families across our region.
Rooted Here
A lifelong Claiborne County resident whose family, work, ministry, and service are centered here.
Proven Leadership
More than 20 years of educating, leading people, managing budgets, planning events, and working across different organizations.
Experience With People
JD has served students, farmers, families, emergency callers, employees, church members, and community organizations.
Prepared for County Government
JD understands county government works through budgets, departments, elected officials, boards, and partnerships. He will respect each responsibility, ask direct questions, and make decisions based on facts.
YOUR VOICE MATTERS
Every community has a voice. Tell me what you believe deserves attention and what we must protect as Claiborne County moves forward.
Your vote matters
Register to vote, check your registration, find your polling place, and view upcoming campaign events.
Special election
The road to Election Day
32 days until Election Day
Verified against the Claiborne County Election Commission website September 30, 2026. Election Day polls are open 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Early-voting days and hours are still listed as coming soon; confirm the schedule with the Election Commission before visiting.
VOTER REGISTRATION
October 5, 2026
EARLY VOTING
October 14, 2026–October 29, 2026
ELECTION DAY
November 3, 2026
Polls open 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
View listed early-voting locations — hours and active sites for this election still need confirmation.
View the Election Commission’s confirmed dates
VIEW FULL ELECTION TIMELINEFamily · Faith · Education · Service
Meet JD
JD brings more than 20 years of experience educating, leading, and managing. Since 2014, he has served Claiborne High School as an agricultural teacher and FFA advisor, teaching agriculture and leadership skills. He has also served as a pastor since 2015.
JD is married to Whitney and is the father of Izabelva, Zayvalee, and J.
From farm work and emergency communications to education, ministry, and community organizations, JD's career reflects a lifelong willingness to serve.
Agriculture and education
Before joining Claiborne High School, JD served UT Extension in Hancock County as an agriculture and 4-H agent and county director. He was named the 2009 State Outstanding Young Extension Worker.
Public safety experience
JD's earlier public-safety experience includes work as a 911 call taker and dispatcher.
Community management
Since 2023, JD has served as treasurer and CEO for Harrogate and Meador Cemeteries, managing staff, training, and finances.
Professional preparation
JD holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Tennessee, along with professional teaching and OSHA 10/30 trainer credentials.
“Service starts by being present, listening, and treating people with respect.”
In JD’s own words
Why I'm Running
For a long time, I was focused on the responsibilities already before me: my family, ministry, students, and career in education.
After thought, prayer, and conversations with those closest to me, I believe this is the right time to serve Claiborne County in a different way.
I am not running because I have always wanted elected office. I am running because I care deeply about this county, believe I can help, and feel called to serve now.
I will listen first, remain accessible, make responsible decisions, and work to earn the trust of residents across Claiborne County.
— JD
A clear standard for service
Community Priorities
Leadership starts with listening, working together, and remembering who is being served.
Listening to residents
Public service begins by hearing the people who call Claiborne County home.
Supporting families and local communities
Strong families and connected communities are the foundation of our county.
Encouraging responsible growth
Claiborne County should welcome opportunity while protecting what makes it home.
Strengthening cooperation
Progress takes people working together with respect across the county.
Using county resources responsibly
Every decision should remember who is being served and steward resources carefully.
Listening across Claiborne County
What I’m Hearing
I have spent my life in Claiborne County, and I know many of the challenges our communities face. I am listening because your experience matters, and good leadership requires hearing how these issues affect your family, work, and community.
- Roads and infrastructure
- Agriculture
- Small businesses and jobs
- Public safety and county services
- Property rights
- Responsible growth and county finances
These are early themes from community conversations, not a poll or a final platform. No names or personal details are shared here.
TELL JDOn the campaign trail
Events
Campaign events will be announced soon. Follow JD on Facebook for the latest updates.
Follow JD on FacebookBe part of the campaign
Get Involved
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