Esther Helton Haynes

Esther Helton-Haynes is an incumbent Republican member of the Tennessee House of Representatives, representing District 30, having first assumed office in November 2018. She is seeking re-election in the 2026 Republican primary. Throughout her tenure, Helton-Haynes has focused on legislative efforts, notably advocating for the ban of both natural and synthetic forms of kratom due to its potentially lethal effects. She has also been recognized for her strong leadership in supporting Tennessee's construction industry, promoting responsible development, and advancing policies beneficial to the state’s workforce and economy. She was named the 2026 Legislator of the Year by the Associated General Contractors of East Tennessee for her continued advocacy in this sector.