Senator Richard Briggs Contact information

Richard Briggs is a distinguished member of the Tennessee Senate, representing the 7th district, which encompasses part of Knox County. Born on December 7, 1952, in Knoxville, Tennessee, Briggs is a proud member of the Republican party.

Briggs’ journey into public service began when he was first elected to the Knox County Commission in 2008, representing District 5 in Knox County. His dedication and commitment to his constituents led to his re-election for a second term in 2010. In 2014, he ran and won the election for the Tennessee state senate district 7 in Knox County, a position he has held since then. He was re-elected to a second 4-year term to the senate in 2018.

In addition to his political career, Briggs has an impressive academic and professional background. He attended the University of Kentucky Medical School, receiving his M.D., and then completed a surgical residency and cardiothoracic fellowship at Brooke Army Medical Center. He served in war zones including Desert Storm, Afghanistan, and Iraq as a trauma surgeon. He retired from the army with the rank of colonel.

In the Tennessee Senate, Briggs has served on the Finance Committee, the Transportation Committee, and the Health Committee. He has also served as the Chairman of the Senate Ethnics Committee. In 2020, Senator Briggs assumed duties as the Chairman of the Senate State and Local Government Committee.

Briggs has practiced heart and lung surgery for over 30 years in Knoxville. He has held academic appointments at the University of Texas-San Antonio, the University of Louisville, and the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. He is a past president of the Knoxville Academy of Medicine and served on the Board of Trustees of the Tennessee Medical Association.

On a personal note, Briggs is married to Stephanie and is a Methodist. With his extensive experience in public service, medicine, and the military, Senator Richard Briggs continues to be a dedicated leader and advocate for the people of Tennessee.