Steve Southerland is a Republican member of the Tennessee Senate representing the 9th district, which includes Cocke County, Greene County, Hamblen County, and part of Sevier County. Born on March 8, 1955, he resides in Morristown, Tennessee, with his wife Cheri and two children, Mattea and Mara. He works as a mortgage broker and is involved in community organizations such as the Morristown Area Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, National Rifle Association, and a Baptist church. Notable positions include Senate Deputy Speaker, Republican Caucus Chaplain, Vice-Chair of the Senate Commerce, Labor and Agriculture Committee, and member of the Senate Transportation, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Ethics, and Joint Fiscal Review Committees. He has also served on the Financial Services Standing Committee of the National Conference on State Legislatures. Southerland holds socially conservative views, opposing abortion and civil unions/domestic partnerships.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Attended Walters State Community College.
• Political Experience: Elected to the Tennessee Senate in 2002, serving the 1st district and 9th district ; assumed office January 14, 2003, succeeding Tommy Haun. Re-elected in 2018 and 2022 . Served in the 103rd through 110th General Assemblies.