September 21, 2021
By: Dwayne Page
Attorney William T. “Will” Ridley, a Republican, has announced his candidacy in 2022 for the Circuit Court Judge, Part 1 position in the 13th Judicial District. The seat is currently held by Democratic Judge Amy Hollars.
Ridley and his family make their home in Cumberland County. His wife, Tiffany, is a fourth-grade teacher at Stone Elementary School, and they have two daughters, Rylee, age 5, and Madison, age 2.
“As the owner and operator of the Law Office of William T. Ridley, I love helping my clients find success,” Ridley said.
Ridley has represented clients from across the Upper Cumberland in a variety of civil and criminal issues. In addition to his private practice, Ridley also serves as the Crossville City Attorney and the Crossville Tax Attorney.
“My family and I are active members of Cumberland Fellowship Church in Crossville. We love our church and our small group. I enjoy spending time with my family, working to improve our farm in Grassy Cove, and spending time on the lake,” Ridley said.
He has also volunteered to serve as the special judge in Cumberland County General Sessions Court when the judge is unavailable.
Ridley was a founding member of the Young Professionals Alliance, past vice president of the Cumberland County Republican Party, advisory member for Friends of the Trials, and serves pro bono as an administrative hearing officer for the Crossville Housing Authority. Ridley has also served as a special master in Chancery Court and was appointed by Governor Bill Haslam to serve as Special Attorney General handling condemnation cases on state road projects in the city limits of Crossville.
“I want to give back to my community and serve the people I live among,” Ridley said. “Circuit Court Part 1 has been held by a democrat for as long as anyone can remember. I want to give the people of the Upper Cumberland a conservative choice on the ballot in August of 2022.”
Ridley is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University and obtained his law degree from the Nashville School of Law. He worked full time while attending law school at night. Before becoming an attorney, he was a field representative for Congressman Scott DesJarslais and legislative assistant to state Sen. Ken Yager.
“These jobs taught me valuable skills that I use every day — how to listen to people and help solve their problems,” Ridley said.
The 13th Judicial District includes Putnam, Cumberland, Pickett, White, Clay, DeKalb and Overton counties.
“I believe that the courtroom belongs to the people, and the Judge works for the people. If I am elected, I promise to always remember who I work for and treat everyone with respect while making fair and impartial decision,” Ridley said.
Ridley will be on the Republican Primary ballot in the May 3, 2022, election and the Aug. 4, 2022, general election.