Pardoned Cade Cothren plans run for Tennessee House

A former political figure and ex-Speaker of the House aide seeking to reinvent himself after battling legal troubles will run for the Tennessee House of Representatives. 

Cade Cothren — who was charged, convicted and later pardoned by President Donald Trump for federal fraud and bribery convictions — told the Post Tuesday he intends to seek the House District 71 seat held by Republican Rep. Kip Capley (R-Summertown). Previously, Cothren was an aide to House Speaker Glen Casada (R-Franklin). The two were both charged with federal crimes and underwent a trial and sentencing in 2025.