Daniel Sparks (politician)
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 University of Mississippi |
| Occupation | Attorney, adjunct professor |
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.[1][2]
Early life and education
Sparks 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
Sparks 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] As a Senator, he serves as the Vice-Chair of the Corrections Committee and is a member on the following committees: Business and Financial Institutions; Drug Policy; Economic and Workforce Development; Finance; Forestry; Judiciary, Division B; Universities and Colleges; and Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.[1]
Political Positions
Sparks voted against a bill to change the Mississippi state flag.[5]
Personal life
Sparks is a member of the 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
- ^ a b c d e f "Daniel Sparks". billstatus.ls.state.ms.us. Retrieved 2020-10-10.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b c d Guajardo, Rod. "Sparks applying for job of 1st District congressman". Daily Journal. Retrieved 2020-10-10.
- ^ "The Voter's Self Defense System". Vote Smart. Retrieved 2020-10-10.
- ^ a b "Daniel Sparks (Mississippi)". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 2020-10-10.
- ^ Lee, China. "Find out how each lawmaker voted on bill to change state flag". WLBT News. Retrieved 2020-10-10.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)