Senator Theresa Gillespie Isom

Theresa Gillespie Isom is a member of the Democratic Party and currently serves in the Mississippi State Senate, representing District 2. She assumed office on January 6, 2026, and her current term will conclude on January 4, 2028.

Isom won her seat in the Mississippi State Senate during the November 4, 2025 election, succeeding David Parker. Her victory was historic, as she became the first African American and the first woman to represent DeSoto County in the Senate. This milestone also contributed to breaking the Republican supermajority in the chamber, marking her election as a significant moment in Mississippi’s political landscape. District 2, which she represents, includes parts of DeSoto and Tunica counties, areas where she has long been active in community advocacy and healthcare leadership.

Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Isom graduated from Douglass High School before pursuing higher education. She earned an associate degree from Shelby State Community College in 1981, a bachelor’s degree from the College of St. Francis in 1990, and later completed her medical training at the University of Knoxville in 1992. Professionally, she built a career as a registered nurse and healthcare administrator, serving as director of nursing at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology. Her extensive background in healthcare and education has shaped her legislative priorities, particularly in areas of public health, equity, and workforce development.

Isom’s career spans decades of service as a nurse, educator, and community advocate. She has consistently championed access to healthcare, opportunities for working families, and support for seniors and youth. Her campaign emphasized listening to community voices and fighting for families, values that continue to guide her work in the Senate.

Beyond her professional and political life, Isom is deeply rooted in her family and faith. A Baptist by religion, she is a devoted mother to her son, Antonio Terrell Harvey, and grandmother to Nia and Noah. Since moving to Mississippi in 2005, she has remained committed to building stronger communities through both her professional expertise and her public service.

As a legislator, Isom’s focus includes healthcare reform, education, and policies that promote equity and opportunity across Mississippi. Her election represents not only a personal achievement but also a broader step toward diversity and inclusion in the state’s political leadership. With her background in nursing and healthcare administration, she brings a unique perspective to the Senate, ensuring that the needs of families, workers, and vulnerable populations remain central to the legislative agenda.