for MS State Senate, District 2
GILLESPIE ISOM
THERESA
Mississippi State Senate District 2
Elect
Let's Build a Better Future, Together!
Primary Election - August 5, 2025
About Theresa Gillespie Isom
Theresa Gillespie Isom for Mississippi State Senate, District 2
Fighting for Our Families. Listening to Our Voices.
Theresa Isom has spent her life serving others as a nurse, educator, health care administrator, community advocate, and proud public servant. Her career spans decades of leadership in healthcare and education, where she has consistently championed equity, access, and opportunity for working families, seniors, and youth across our region.
Theresa is a native of Memphis, TN, and has lived in Mississippi since 2005. She is a devoted mother and grandmother to her son, Antonio Terrell Harvey, and his children, Nia and Noah. She is a member of Brown Missionary Baptist Church and currently serves as President of her Neighborhood Homeowners Association.
Theresa Isom brings the experience, compassion, and determination our communities deserve. As your next State Senator, she will continue fighting for equity, opportunity, and a better future for all.
The Issues
Strengthening Public Schools
As a lifelong educator and former Director of Nursing at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology, Theresa has worked to make career and technical education more accessible for young people. She chaired the Tennessee Board of Regents Practical Nursing Coordinators, helping to design the curriculum for nursing students statewide. She's actively supported local schools through programs like Principal for a Day, Career Day speaking engagements, and science fair judging with Memphis-Shelby County Schools. Her commitment ensures students are inspired and equipped to succeed.
Increasing Access to Better Jobs and Higher Wages
Theresa believes every family deserves access to good-paying jobs and the skills to compete in today’s economy. Through her work as Chief Nursing Officer, Regional Director of Nursing, and a leader in adult education, she has created pathways for working adults to receive training, earn credentials, and advance their careers. She’s worked to elevate job-readiness in underserved areas and helped launch long-standing community job-readiness events and fairs.
Maintaining Safe and Healthy Communities
A registered nurse and public health advocate, Theresa has served on numerous health-related boards at the local, state, and national levels. She partnered with Methodist South Hospital to launch the Community Health Fair and Church Health Network in 2003—initiatives that continue to serve families today. She’s served on the Memphis Health Center Board and led health initiatives through civic groups and legislative partnerships, especially in underserved communities.
Valuing the Voice of Constituents
Theresa knows that leadership starts with listening. That’s why she’s hosted voter registration drives, candidate forums, and policy discussions throughout DeSoto County since 2019. Whether through her church’s Political Action Ministry or civic partnerships, she’s created spaces where citizens can be informed, heard, and engaged in shaping the policies that affect their lives. She served as Health Chair on Representative G.A. Hardaway’s Healthcare Committee, helping to bring community voices to the legislative table.
Providing Equity for Parents and Families
Theresa is passionate about supporting parents as partners in education and well-being. As a mentor, youth development leader, and health advocate, she’s worked to ensure families have the support and information they need to thrive. From neighborhood advocacy to legislative engagement, she promotes policies that ensure all parents—regardless of income or zip code—have the tools to raise strong, healthy children.