NEXT MILESTONE
Office vacancy and candidate qualifying begins
September 1, 2026
Lifelong neighbor. Community servant. Pastor. Educator. Husband. Father.
JD Estep
A Lifetime of Service. A Vision for Tomorrow.
JD Estep is a lifelong Claiborne County resident, pastor, educator, husband, father, neighbor, and friend who is ready to listen and serve.
Candidate for Claiborne County Mayor
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
81 days until Election Day
Preliminary special-election timeline. Dates and details will be updated when published by the Claiborne County Election Commission.
VOTER REGISTRATION
October 5, 2026
EARLY VOTING
October 14, 2026–October 29, 2026
ELECTION DAY
November 3, 2026
Family · 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.
On the campaign trail
Events
Campaign events will be announced soon. Follow JD on Facebook for the latest updates.
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