WWE Hall of Famer turned two-term mayor will help AFP grow its grassroots movement on key policy issues
Arlington, VA – Today, Americans for Prosperity announced that former Knox County, Tennessee, Mayor Glenn Jacobs has joined its Advisory Council, a group of like-minded leaders who share AFP’s vision of how freedom and opportunity unlock the potential of all people to live lives of meaning and prosperity. The council works alongside AFP’s leadership team to provide strategic guidance on how to build and grow grassroots movements on key issues, helps energize and mobilize the broader AFP community, and serves as ambassadors for AFP’s approach to policy and politics.
Jacobs joins current council members Guy Benson, Mary Katharine Ham, Jeb Hensarling, Jose Oliva, and Jim Stephenson.
“Glenn has been a part of our AFP family for years, and we’re thrilled to be welcoming him to officially join our advisory council,” said Brent Gardner, AFP Chief Government Affairs Officer. “Glenn has shown what it looks like to put limited-government principles into practice, delivering for the people of Knox County by keeping spending in check while attracting new jobs and investment. He understands that real change starts at the local level and with people who are engaged in their communities. His experience and his ability to connect with Americans from every walk of life will be a tremendous asset as we grow our grassroots movement.”
Glenn Jacobs was born in Spain while his family was stationed there with the U.S. Air Force and grew up in Missouri. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Northeast Missouri State University, where he played football and basketball on a full scholarship. After moving to East Tennessee, he built a successful professional wrestling career as WWE Superstar “Kane,” earning numerous titles and induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2021.
“I’ve seen firsthand that the best solutions come from people closest to the problem, not from politicians far removed from it,” said Jacobs. “Americans for Prosperity has built a grassroots network that empowers everyday people to hold government accountable and fight for policies that expand freedom and opportunity. I’m honored to join the Advisory Council and look forward to working with AFP to help more Americans make their voices heard.”
Jacobs was elected mayor of Knox County in 2018 and won a second term through September 1, 2026. As mayor, he has focused on fiscal responsibility, limited government, workforce development, and economic growth, with Knox County adding more than 2,500 jobs and $217 million in capital investment under his leadership. He is the author of Mayor Kane. He and his wife of more than 30 years, Crystal, live in Knox County with their family.
Through broad-based grassroots outreach, Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is driving long-term solutions to the country’s biggest problems. AFP activists engage friends and neighbors on key issues and encourage them to take an active role in building a culture of mutual benefit, where people succeed by helping one another. AFP recruits and unites activists in all 50 states behind a common goal of advancing policies that will help people improve their lives. For more information, visit www.AmericansForProsperity.org
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