In 1939, Jennings was elected to Congress as a Republican, filling the vacancy caused by the death of J. Will Taylor. He took office on December 30, 1939. He won a full term in 1940, and was re-elected four more times. In 1950, Howard Baker Sr. defeated him in his bid for renomination, so he ended his Congressional service on January 3, 1951.[3] After leaving Congress, he resumed the practice of law.
Death
Jennings died in Knoxville on February 27, 1956, and is interred at Highland Memorial Cemetery.[1]