Mayor Ridley named Republican Statesman of the Year, 2026
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Bledsoe County Mayor Gregg Ridley has been named the 2026 Statesman of the Year for the 4th Congressional District. US Representative Scott DesJarlais made the presentation of the crystal obelisk at the annual Tennessee Republican Statesmen’s Dinner held in Nashville.
Ridley has served as Bledsoe County’s Mayor for 20 years. In 2011, he served as a field representative for the Congressman.
“I always received solid advice and council on what our constituents were saying and what they needed,” said Congressman DesJarlais.
“He has been an excellent mayor for the hard working people of his county,” he said. “Mayor Ridley is a rock-solid Republican and he was that way long before Tennessee became the Red State that it is today. He’s a proud conservative and principled Republican, he knows how to work with everyone. There is not one citizen in Bledsoe County who has not benefited from Gregg’s leadership and future generations will continue to benefit from his vision and service for decades to come.”
Congressman DesJarlais added what is most important to Gregg is his faith and his family. He and his wife, Becky, have been married for over 40 years, raised two sons, and have four grandchildren.
“He is an example to all of us of what it means to be a citizen servant,” said Congressman DesJarlais.
“I am forever grateful for his guidance, his leadership, and most importantly, our friendship,” he added.
“Mr. Mayor, we wish you well in your retirement and thank you for your service to our party, our state, and to our country,” concluded the Congressman.
“I am very humbled to have received this award from a party who believes in the sanctity of life and that marriage is sanctified by God to be between a man and a woman,” said Mayor Ridley. “Serving the citizens of Bledsoe County for 20 years has been an honor. Thank you for allowing me to be your Mayor.”
The Statesmen’s Dinner is a time-honored Tennessee Republican with this year’s theme being “Our Sacred Honor.” It pays homage to America’s semiquincentennial. Senator John Kennedy was the keynote speaker for the occasion.