He was a Republican candidate in the 2010 Tennessee gubernatorial election, but dropped out on March 26, 2010 due to "lack of sufficient campaign funds to go forward.
[citation needed] As Commissioner, Gibbons oversaw the agency’s law enforcement, driver licensing, and homeland security responsibilities.
His major priorities include reducing traffic fatalities through the data-driven DUI and seat belt enforcement efforts of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, interdiction of drug trafficking on our interstates, providing driver license services, and providing training and other support to local law enforcement on homeland security matters.
The group has developed a Public Safety Action Plan for Governor Haslam that focuses on holding offenders accountable, prevention and intervention efforts, victim assistance, and homeland security challenges.
[citation needed] Gibbons began his state government career in 1979 as a special policy assistant for former Governor Lamar Alexander and then returned to private law practice in 1981.
He rejoined state government in 1996, after former Governor Don Sundquist named him District Attorney General in order to fill an unexpired term.
[citation needed] From 2009-2014, Gibbons chaired Operation: Safe Community, an initiative to reduce crime in Memphis and Shelby County.