David Byrd (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Byrd
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| Member of the Tennessee House of Representatives from the 71st district |
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| In office January 13, 2015 – January 10, 2023 |
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| Preceded by | Vance Dennis |
| Succeeded by | Kip Capley |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 8, 1957 |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Sherry |
| Children | 4 |
| Residences | Waynesboro, Tennessee |
| Education | Freed–Hardeman University (BS) Tennessee State University (MS) |
David Byrd was born on September 8, 1957. He is an American politician and a retired basketball coach from Tennessee. As a member of the Republican Party, Mr. Byrd served as a state representative. He represented the 71st district in the Tennessee House of Representatives from 2015 to 2023. This district covers parts of Hardin, Lawrence, Lewis, and Wayne Counties in rural Middle Tennessee.
Mr. Byrd's Career
David Byrd spent most of his working life as a school administrator and basketball coach. He worked at Wayne County High School. Before becoming a state representative, he also served his local community. He was a Wayne County Commissioner from 1990 to 1994. A county commissioner helps make decisions for their local county.
Becoming a State Representative
In 2014, Mr. Byrd decided to run for a seat in the Tennessee House of Representatives. He challenged the person who held the seat before him, Vance Dennis. Mr. Byrd won the first election, called the primary election, by a small number of votes. After that, he won the main election without anyone running against him. This was because his district usually votes for Republican candidates. He then started his term as a state representative in 2015.
Experience with COVID-19
In December 2020, Mr. Byrd became very sick with COVID-19. He had to go to the hospital. He spent eight months in the hospital and needed help breathing from a machine called a ventilator for 55 days. He also needed a liver transplant in June 2021 because of the virus. His family was very worried about him during this time.
After he got better, Mr. Byrd shared his experience. He encouraged people to get vaccinated against COVID-19. He said, "COVID is real, and it is very dangerous. It is a disease that wants to kill us. Please consider getting vaccinated."
However, in August 2021, he also joined other Republican lawmakers. They signed a letter to Governor Bill Lee. The letter asked the governor to prevent rules about masks and vaccines.
Mr. Byrd decided not to run for re-election in 2022. This meant he finished his time as a state representative in 2023.
Personal Life
David Byrd lives in Waynesboro with his wife, Sherry. They have four children and five grandchildren.
