Tennessee Legislator Rep. Shaw Retires
BOLIVAR Tenn. — A long-serving legislator announces his retirement. After more than 25 years of serving the state of Tennessee in District 80, Representative Johnny Shaw is closing out more than two decades of politics. He is also the first African American to take leadership as a state legislator in West Tennessee’s rural district since reconstruction.
Rep. Shaw makes sure to note he’s not just a politician. A proud husband of over 60 years, devoted father, and loving grandfather, Rep. Shaw holds a degree in Theology from at the American Baptist College of Nashville. A pastor, businessman, and lifelong community leader, he’s spent decades dedicated to faith, family, and public service.
Shaw holds the distinct honor of being the oldest currently serving member of the Tennessee Legislature.
“It’s been the honor of my life to serve District 80. You can make people trust you if they know they can. Every call that comes into my office is important to the person that’s making it. Understand that you have to do this job not by what you see, but by what you know,” said Rep. Johnny Shaw, (D) District 80.
Shaw mentions some of his proudest moments: Including funding for the Lone Oaks Farm 4H Club in Hardeman County, the downtown revitalization grant in Bolivar and surrounding areas throughout the region, and funding for education in West Tennessee.
Representative Shaw is one of Tennessee’s longest serving representatives. Throughout his legislative career, Rep. Shaw has championed efforts supporting faith-based and community initiatives, reentry programs like the TAKE ONE Initiative, and economic development to uplift families across West Tennessee. His leadership has earned him statewide and national recognition — including the NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award.
In the 1960s, Rep. Shaw and his wife recorded gospel music as The Shaw Singers, touring across the U.S. and Europe — spreading both music and ministry wherever they went. Because of his love for music, Shaw is still the proud owner of WOJG FM 94.7 operating under Shaw’s Broadcasting LLC in Bolivar.
