Scott Cepicky

Scott Cepicky is an American politician and former athlete currently serving as a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives, representing the 64th district. A member of the Republican Party, Cepicky has been active in state politics since his election in 2018. His background includes a diverse career in athletics, ranching, and sales, which precedes his political endeavors.

Early life and career

Scott Cepicky was born on July 29, 1966, in St. Louis, Missouri. He attended Vianney High School in Kirkwood, where he began to develop his athletic skills. Following high school, he pursued higher education at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he majored in history. During his time at the university, Cepicky participated in both football and baseball, showcasing his athletic versatility.

After completing his studies, Cepicky entered the world of professional sports. He declared for the 1989 NFL Draft but went undrafted. Subsequently, he signed as an undrafted free agent with the Cincinnati Bengals, although he was released during the preseason. He later joined the Minnesota Vikings, where he faced a similar fate, being cut before the regular season began. Transitioning from football, Cepicky was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 23rd round of the 1989 Major League Baseball draft. He played Minor League Baseball for five teams from 1989 to 1994, marking the end of his professional athletic career.

Following his time in sports, Cepicky shifted his focus to ranching, becoming a cattle rancher. In addition to ranching, he worked in the automotive industry as a salesman, further diversifying his professional experience.

Legislative service

Scott Cepicky's entry into politics began with his involvement in local governance in Maury County, Tennessee. He served as chair of the county Republican Party and held a position on the county Board of Commissioners. His political career took a significant step forward when he decided to run for office in 2018, seeking to fill the seat vacated by Sheila Butt, who chose not to seek re-election.

In the Republican primary, Cepicky faced Michael Fulbright, a local realtor, and won with a majority of the votes. He then advanced to the general election, where he competed against local photographer AJ Holmes. Cepicky secured victory in this election, receiving a substantial percentage of the votes cast. His subsequent re-election campaign in 2020 saw him run unopposed in the primary and ultimately win against challenger James Campbell with a significant majority.

As a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives, Cepicky serves on the Insurance & Banking and Education Committees. His legislative actions have included a range of controversial issues, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cepicky opposed initiatives by the Tennessee health department aimed at promoting COVID-19 vaccinations among teenagers, advocating for the department's dissolution if it did not cease its outreach efforts. This stance was part of a broader conservative push against perceived governmental overreach during the pandemic.

In 2020, Cepicky introduced legislation that prohibited transgender boys and men from participating in male sports, reflecting the ongoing national debate surrounding gender identity and sports participation. His legislative focus continued with co-sponsoring a significant bill during a special session in October 2021, which allowed for partisan elections for school boards statewide. While the original proposal aimed for all school board elections to be partisan, it was modified to permit local parties to call for such elections. This legislation was seen as a strategic move to influence the political landscape of school boards in Tennessee, particularly in response to concerns over critical race theory and other educational policies.

In 2023, Cepicky supported a resolution to expel three Democratic lawmakers from the legislature for violating decorum rules, an action that garnered significant attention and was characterized as unprecedented. Following this event, he expressed criticism towards a fellow Republican representative for opposing the expulsion resolution, highlighting the internal dynamics within the party.

Additionally, in February 2023, Cepicky introduced a bill that aimed to require labeling of food products containing vaccines, suggesting that lettuce should be included in such regulations. This bill, designated as HB94, was signed into law in April 2024, further illustrating his engagement with public health issues and legislative initiatives.

Policy focus and district

As a representative of Tennessee's 64th district, Scott Cepicky's policy focus has been shaped by his Republican affiliation and the political landscape of his constituency. His legislative actions reflect a commitment to conservative principles, particularly in the areas of education, public health, and sports policy. Cepicky's opposition to COVID-19 vaccination outreach for teenagers and his support for legislation restricting transgender participation in sports are indicative of his alignment with conservative values that resonate with many constituents in his district.

Cepicky's involvement in the controversial school board election legislation underscores his focus on educational governance and the political dynamics surrounding it. By advocating for partisan elections, he has positioned himself within a broader movement among Republicans to influence educational policy and governance at the local level.

In addition to his legislative work, Cepicky's background as a cattle rancher and his experience in sales provide him with a unique perspective on issues affecting rural communities and the agricultural sector. His personal experiences may inform his approach to policy-making, particularly in areas related to economic development and rural affairs.

Overall, Scott Cepicky's career reflects a blend of athletic achievement, business experience, and political engagement, culminating in his current role as a state legislator. His actions and policy positions continue to shape the political landscape of Tennessee, particularly in his district, as he navigates the complexities of state governance and representation.