CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – “If you want to get something done, you have to do it yourself,” Autumn Simmons recalled her late grandfather telling her. “I never forgot that.” These words of wisdom, and the future of her two daughters, inspired her to pursue a career in politics.
Now, at only 29 years old, Simmons represents District 20 on the Montgomery County Commission and was recently named to the Republican National Committee’s Youth Advisory Council.
Moving to Clarksville
In 2020, in the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Simmons and her family were stationed in Italy and her husband received orders for Fort Campbell. Her goal once they stepped back onto American soil was to adapt to a new sense of normalcy in Clarksville. “The uncertainty of the pandemic added to the challenge, as censorship in Italy limited our access to information about what was happening in the United States.
“My husband and I quickly fell in love with Clarksville and decided to lay our roots here for generations to come,” she said.
In 2021, after participating in numerous town halls and political events, Simmons decided to get involved in politics.
“My initial venture into proposing solutions was a somewhat unconventional one. I approached my former city councilwoman with a concern about protecting bees,” Simmons said. “I feared that the city’s mosquito control measures, if conducted during the daytime when bees are active, could harm them. Knowing that bees retire at night, I suggested that nighttime spraying would be a more bee-friendly approach.”
Simmons said her commitment to health consciousness extends to environmental considerations, as disruptions in the environment can damage personal health.
In standing up for what matters, she draws inspiration from women in the Bible, particularly Deborah, Esther, and the sisters who spoke up for themselves to receive their rightful inheritance.
“The story of Madam C.J. Walker, who emphasized, ‘I got my start by giving myself a start,’ resonated with me, inspiring me to move from merely expressing concerns to actively proposing solutions to local and national issues,” Simmons said. “The values of hard work and merit have been ingrained in me from a young age, leading me to a point where I desired to contribute to change rather than simply seeking it.”
Campaigning while husband was deployed
Being a military spouse and a stay-at-home mother of two girls, Simmons knew that taking the leap into politics would be difficult, particularly since her husband was deployed at the time. She started her campaign by knocking on doors and talking to people while holding a baby in one arm and her other child’s hand in the other.
“I never told anyone that while I was campaigning or knocking on doors,” Simmons told Clarksville Now.
As for the issues, Simmons, a Republican, favors keeping taxes low and bringing higher-paying jobs here, supporting better road infrastructure, and accommodating population growth and development. She also supports full funding of schools to provide quality education and accommodate children with special needs.
In 2022, she won the election in the new District 20 on the County Commission.
RNC Youth Advisory Council
Meanwhile, in November 2022, Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel announced the formation of a new Youth Advisory Council to inform the party’s 2024 vision and beyond.
“These individuals will meet regularly with Chairwoman McDaniel to advise on continuing the success we saw in 2022, such as growing the party with Hispanic, Asian and Black voters,” an RNC press release stated. “In addition, the council will also advise on engaging with suburban women, winning the youth vote, holding Big Tech accountable, supporting law enforcement and delivering for Americans of faith.”
“I look forward to collaborating with those on the council and working with Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel to champion the party through modern and innovative initiatives,” Simmons said. “Last year, I was named a rising star within the political realm. This year, I have earned my seat at the table.”
Iowa Caucus 2024
On Jan. 15, Simmons travelled to Iowa to attend the Iowa Caucus.
“During my visit to Iowa, I attended a conference that united young millennial and Gen Z elected officials and candidates from across the nation, emphasizing the paramount importance of our generations’ active involvement in politics and our collective role in shaping the future.”
Simmons said engaging with other young people who are actively involved in politics from county commissioners to state senators demonstrated that age does not hinder their ability to make sound judgments, effect change and find resolutions.
Before returning from Iowa, she had an opportunity to hear directly from all of the Republican candidates just before the caucuses.
“The atmosphere in Iowa gave me a strong indication that the outcome would align with the vocal support expressed by the majority of individuals I encountered,” Simmons said. “In the end, the results reflected what I had already suspected.”
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