Scott Conger

Scott Conger
Born	2 8, 1983
Birthplace	Jackson, Tennessee, U.S.
Nationality	American
Occupation	Politician, municipal executive
Title	Mayor of Jackson, Tennessee
Known for	35th Mayor of Jackson, Tennessee
Education	Bethel University (MBA)
Spouse(s)	Nikki Conger
Children	2
Website	[scottconger.com Official site]

Scott Conger (born August 2, 1983) is an American politician and municipal executive who has served as the 35th Mayor of Jackson, Tennessee since July 1, 2019. Elected in a non-partisan municipal election at the age of 35, Conger became one of the younger mayors in the city's history. He ran as an independent candidate, succeeding longtime mayor Jerry Gist, who had served in the role for twelve years. Since taking office, Conger has focused on infrastructure improvements, government efficiency, and quality-of-life initiatives for the city of Jackson, which serves as the seat of Madison County in West Tennessee. His tenure has also drawn national attention for his interest in cryptocurrency and its potential applications in municipal governance. Conger has used social media as a primary tool for communicating with constituents on matters ranging from proposed tax policy to public safety and winter weather road management.

Early Life

Scott Conger was born on August 2, 1983, in Jackson, Tennessee. He grew up in the Jackson area, where his family had roots in the local community. His father, Robert Conger, was a member of the Jackson community whose obituary was published in The Jackson Sun.

Conger was raised in Jackson and developed an early interest in civic affairs and local government. According to his personal campaign website, his upbringing in the West Tennessee city shaped his understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing mid-sized Southern communities. He has spoken publicly about his connection to Jackson and his desire to contribute to the city's growth and development.

Jackson, Tennessee, the county seat of Madison County, is a city of approximately 67,000 residents located in the western part of the state. It serves as a regional hub for healthcare, education, and commerce in West Tennessee. Conger's decision to remain in Jackson and pursue a career in public service reflected his commitment to the community in which he was raised.

Education

Scott Conger pursued his higher education at institutions in the Jackson, Tennessee area. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lane College, a historically Black college located in Jackson. He subsequently obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Bethel University, a private university headquartered in McKenzie, Tennessee, with a satellite campus in the Jackson area.

His educational background, combining a liberal arts foundation from Lane College with graduate-level business training from Bethel University, provided Conger with both analytical and administrative skills that he would later apply in his roles in the private sector and in municipal government. The MBA, in particular, informed his approach to city governance, where he has emphasized efficiency, fiscal responsibility, and data-driven decision-making.

Career

Early Career

Prior to entering politics, Conger worked in the private sector in the Jackson area. His professional background included experience in business and management, skills that he drew upon during his subsequent campaign for mayor and in his administration of city government. Details of his specific private-sector roles have been referenced on his campaign website and official city biography, though the specifics of his pre-political career remain less extensively documented in public reporting.

2019 Mayoral Election

In 2019, Conger entered the race to become the next mayor of Jackson, Tennessee. The election was held as a non-partisan municipal contest, as is standard for Jackson city elections. Conger ran as an independent candidate, positioning himself as a fresh voice for the city's future. The seat was open because the incumbent, Jerry Gist, who had served as the 34th Mayor of Jackson since 2007, was not seeking re-election after twelve years in office.

On June 18, 2019, Conger won the mayoral election, becoming the next mayor of Jackson at the age of 35. The Jackson Sun reported on his victory, noting that he would become the city's youngest mayor in recent memory.

Following his election victory, Conger publicly acknowledged the result on social media, expressing gratitude to voters and outlining his intentions for the transition period before taking office.

Inauguration and First Term

Scott Conger was sworn in as the 35th Mayor of Jackson, Tennessee, on July 1, 2019, officially succeeding Jerry Gist. The oath of office ceremony marked the beginning of Conger's administration and a generational transition in the city's leadership.

As mayor, Conger serves as the chief executive of the City of Jackson, overseeing municipal operations, the city budget, and various departments including public works, police, fire, and parks and recreation. The City of Jackson operates under a mayor-council form of government, with the mayor holding executive authority and working alongside the Jackson City Council on legislative matters.

The city's official list of past mayors places Conger in a lineage of leaders dating back to the early days of Jackson's incorporation. He is officially listed as the 35th individual to hold the office.

Cryptocurrency Advocacy

Conger attracted national media attention for his interest in cryptocurrency and its potential role in municipal government. In January 2022, The New York Times profiled Conger as part of a broader article on American mayors who were exploring the integration of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology into city governance. The article highlighted a growing trend among municipal leaders who saw digital currencies as a potential tool for economic development, investment, and innovation in local government.

Conger's advocacy for cryptocurrency placed Jackson, Tennessee—a mid-sized city in West Tennessee—in a national conversation about the future of digital finance and municipal innovation. While the specifics of any cryptocurrency-related policy initiatives undertaken by the Conger administration are not extensively documented in available sources, his inclusion in the Times article reflected the broader interest he generated on the topic.

Infrastructure and City Services

A central focus of Conger's administration has been infrastructure improvement and the enhancement of city services. In his 2026 State of the City address, delivered to both the Jackson Rotary Club and the Jackson Exchange Club in January 2026, Conger highlighted road improvements, quality-of-life additions, and efforts to maximize city government efficiency as key accomplishments and ongoing priorities.

The theme of his 2026 address was "Building the future on a solid foundation," reflecting the administration's emphasis on strengthening the city's core infrastructure as a basis for future growth and development. Conger used the address to highlight milestones achieved during 2025 and to outline his vision for the coming year.

Conger delivered versions of the State of the City address to multiple civic organizations in January 2026. On January 7, 2026, he spoke at First United Methodist Church before the Jackson Rotary Club, and on January 13, 2026, he addressed the Jackson Exchange Club's meeting.

Fiscal Policy and Tax Proposals

In May 2025, Conger proposed a series of tax increases for the city of Jackson. He announced the proposals via social media on May 25, 2025, using the platform to communicate directly with constituents about the rationale for the proposed increases. The proposals generated public discussion and media coverage in the Jackson area.

Conger's use of social media to announce policy proposals reflected a broader pattern in his administration of leveraging digital platforms for direct communication with the public. This approach has been a hallmark of his tenure, with the mayor frequently using Facebook and other platforms to address city issues, respond to criticism, and provide updates on municipal operations.

Public Safety

Public safety has been a recurring issue during Conger's time in office. On May 24, 2025, a shooting at a Jackson park left seven people injured, according to the Jackson Police Department. The incident drew regional media attention, with Action News 5 and other outlets reporting on the event.

In December 2025, Conger released a public statement regarding an incident at the Empire 8 Theatre in Jackson involving a daycare group. The mayor used official channels to address the situation and communicate with the public about the city's response.

Stadium Naming Controversy

In July 2025, Conger addressed public criticism regarding the naming of a new stadium in Jackson. On July 24, 2025, the mayor posted a statement to Facebook aiming to "clear a few things up" about the stadium's name, responding to questions and concerns that had been raised by community members. The controversy and the mayor's public response received coverage from WBBJ TV.

Winter Weather Response

In January 2026, Conger publicly discussed the city's approach to managing road conditions during winter weather events. Addressing a common constituent complaint—"Why isn't my street cleared yet?"—the mayor explained the city's prioritization process for snow and ice removal on city roads. The communication was part of Conger's ongoing practice of using media and social platforms to provide transparency about municipal operations.

Personal Life

Scott Conger resides in Jackson, Tennessee, with his wife, Nikki Conger. The couple has two children. Conger has maintained his family's residence in the Jackson community, consistent with his lifelong ties to the city.

Conger has been active on social media, using platforms such as Facebook and Twitter (now X) to communicate with constituents. His digital presence has been a notable aspect of his public persona, distinguishing his communication style from some of his predecessors in the mayor's office. The City of Jackson also maintains an official Facebook page through which the mayor's office shares news and updates.

Conger identifies as a political independent and was elected in a non-partisan municipal election. He has not publicly affiliated with either the Democratic Party or the Republican Party during his time in office.

Recognition

Conger's profile as mayor of Jackson, Tennessee, received national attention through his inclusion in a January 2022 New York Times article on American mayors exploring cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. The article, which profiled several mayors across the country, highlighted Conger's interest in digital currency as a tool for municipal innovation and economic development. His inclusion in the piece placed Jackson, a city not typically featured in national business coverage, in a broader conversation about the intersection of local government and emerging financial technologies.

At the local level, Conger's annual State of the City addresses have served as opportunities for the mayor to publicly account for the administration's work and outline future priorities. His 2026 address, themed "Building the future on a solid foundation," was covered by both The Jackson Sun and WBBJ TV, reflecting sustained local media interest in his administration's direction.

Conger's election as mayor at the age of 35 was itself noted as significant for the city, with The Jackson Sun highlighting his relative youth in its coverage of the 2019 election results.