Theresa Gillespie Isom is a Democratic State Senator representing District 2 in the Mississippi State Senate, which includes parts of DeSoto and Tunica counties. A former healthcare administrator, nurse, and educator, she is the first African American and first female senator from DeSoto County. She won a special election on November 4, 2025, defeating Republican Charlie Hoots 63%-37%, helping Democrats break the Republican supermajority in the Senate for the first time in six years.

Native to Memphis, Tennessee, she has lived in Mississippi since 2005. She is a devoted mother and grandmother, a member of Brown Missionary Baptist Church, and President of her Neighborhood Homeowners Association. Her campaign emphasized Medicaid expansion, rural hospital protection, public school funding, career and technical education, job creation in underserved areas, and affordable healthcare.

Education and Political Experience

Isom built a career in healthcare and education, serving as Chief Nursing Officer, Regional Director of Nursing, and leader in adult education, creating training pathways for working adults. As a registered nurse and public health advocate, she has held positions on local, state, and national health boards, including the Memphis Health Center Board. She launched the Community Health Fair and Church Health Network with Methodist South Hospital in 2003.

This marks her first elected office; she serves as State Senator for the 2026-2027 term.