Representative Lowell Russell

Larry Lowell Russell is a Republican member of the Tennessee House of Representatives representing District 21, which encompasses parts of Loudon County and Monroe County. He was born on August 25, 1975, in Maryville, Tennessee, and is the son of Larry Rex Russell and Shirley Geneva Shaw. He has one brother, Cory Alan Russell.

Russell is a retired state trooper who served with the Tennessee Highway Patrol for 14 years before entering politics. He is a Baptist, single, and holds a private pilot certification. He currently resides in the Corntassel Community in Vonore, Tennessee.

In 2012, while working as a trooper, Russell was nearly killed when his cruiser was struck by a truck while stopped on the shoulder of the interstate.

Education

Russell obtained an Associate's degree in Criminal Justice from Roane State Community College. He also attended specialized law enforcement academies, including the Tennessee Highway Patrol Academy, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Academy, and the Basic Police Academy at Cleveland State Community College.

Political Experience

Russell serves as Chairman of the Civil Justice Subcommittee and holds positions on several committees: the Criminal Justice Subcommittee, Ethics Committee, Judiciary Committee, Transportation Committee, and Transportation Subcommittee.

Among his legislative achievements, Russell authored and passed HB0289, which amends Tennessee Code Annotated Titles 39 and 40 to require that a sentence of death be carried out within 30 business days of the conclusion of any appeals or post-conviction relief if the jury unanimously determines that certain circumstances are met.

In 2023, Russell supported a resolution to expel two of three Democratic lawmakers from the legislature for violating decorum rules, a vote that was widely characterized as unprecedented.