Daniel H. Sparks (born 1974) is an American politician and attorney who has served in the Mississippi State Senate from the 5th district since 2020.
Daniel H. Sparks | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Mississippi Senate from the 5th district | |
| Assumed office January 7, 2020 | |
| Preceded by | J. P. Wilemon |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Cleveland, MS, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Alma mater | Northeast Mississippi Community College (BS) University of Mississippi (MTax) University of Mississippi School of Law (JD) |
| Occupation | Attorney, adjunct professor |
Early life and education
editSparks was born in Cleveland and grew up in Belmont as the son of a third-grade teacher and a preacher.[1][2] He attended Belmont High School.[1] Afterwards, he attended Northeast Mississippi College and later graduated from the University of Mississippi with a bachelor's degree in Accountancy. He went on to get a Master of Taxation in 2005 at the University of Mississippi and his Juris Doctor in 2008 at the University of Mississippi School of Law.[3]
Career
editSparks worked in the wholesale grocery business for seven years, which he states is what inspired him to return to the University of Mississippi to continue his education.[2] As an attorney, he founded his own practice, Sparks Law Firm, and became an adjunct professor at the University of Mississippi where he taught business law.[2]
Upon the death of Alan Nunnelee, Sparks ran in the 2015 special election for Mississippi's 1st congressional district, where he got 3.2% of the vote.[4]
In 2019, he ran in the Mississippi State Senate election for the 5th district. He secured 53.0% of the vote in the Republican primary and 72.1% in the general election; he assumed office on January 7, 2020.[4]
For the 2024 session, he chairs the Economic and Workforce Development committee, the vice-chair for Judiciary, Division B committee, and is a member of Business and Financial Institutions, Corrections, Drug Policy, Finance, Government Structure, Ports and Marine Resources, and Universities and Colleges committees.[1]
Political Positions
editSparks voted against a bill to change the Mississippi state flag.[5]
Personal life
editSparks is a member of the National Rifle Association of America (NRA), Police Benevolent Association, Mississippi Bar Association, and the Federalist Society.[1] He resides in Belmont, MS and is a member of the Liberty Church of Christ.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e "Daniel Sparks". Mississippi State Senate. Retrieved October 10, 2020.
- ^ a b c Guajardo, Rod (May 1, 2015). "Sparks applying for job of 1st District congressman". Daily Journal. Archived from the original on 2020-10-16. Retrieved October 10, 2020.
- ^ "The Voter's Self Defense System". Vote Smart. Archived from the original on 2000-03-02. Retrieved October 10, 2020.
- ^ a b "Daniel Sparks (Mississippi) - Ballotpedia". Ballotpedia. Archived from the original on 2015-03-22. Retrieved 2020-10-10.
- ^ Lee, China (June 28, 2020). "Find out how each lawmaker voted on bill to change state flag". WLBT News. Archived from the original on 2020-06-29. Retrieved October 10, 2020.