Kenneth E. Yager, born January 5, 1947, is a Republican state senator representing Tennessee's 12th Senate District, which includes the counties of Campbell, Clay, Fentress, Macon, Morgan, Overton, Pickett, Roane, and Scott. He resides in Kingston with his wife Malinda and has two adult children. First elected in 2008 after defeating Becky Ruppe and Christopher Fenner, Yager is currently serving his fifth term. Notable achievements include serving as Chairman of the Tennessee Senate Republican Caucus since 2018, previously chairing the Senate State and Local Government Committee, and chairing the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations. He serves on the Commerce and Labor Committee, Finance, Ways and Means Committee, and Fiscal Review Committee, advocating for economic opportunities, education, public safety, and low taxes.

Education and Political Experience

Yager earned a B.A. and M.S. from the University of Tennessee at Martin in 1969 and 1972, respectively, and a J.D. from the University of Memphis in 1977. His political career began as a teacher in Harriman, followed by roles as Roane County Attorney and Roane County Executive for over 20 years before his election to the Tennessee Senate in 2008.