Tom Leatherwood, born on August 20, 1956, in Memphis, Tennessee, is an American politician serving in the Tennessee House of Representatives from Tennessee’s 99th house district since 2019. He is a member of the Republican Party.
Background and Education:
- Leatherwood graduated from the University of Memphis with a B.S. in geology in 1979.
- After graduation, he worked in the oil exploration industry.
- He embarked on a fourteen-month backpacking trip through 25 countries around the world.
- Upon returning, he decided to become a teacher and obtained his teaching certificate from Middle Tennessee State University.
- He taught high school in Millington, TN for eight years.
Political History:
- In 1992, Leatherwood challenged popular Republican Senator Leonard Dunavant for the Tennessee Senate in District 32.
- His opposition to a state income tax during former Gov. Ned McWherter’s administration contributed to his victory.
- However, some anti-tax movement leaders were skeptical of his motives, suggesting he may have secretly supported the tax.
Personal Details:
- Leatherwood is married to Melissa and has five daughters.
- His 99th district includes parts of Shelby County, Tennessee, such as the Town of Arlington, City of Lakeland, City of Millington, and unincorporated Northeast Shelby County.
In 2023, Leatherwood supported a resolution to expel three Democratic lawmakers from the legislature for violating decorum rules, an action widely characterized as unprecedented.
