Kirk Haston

Current office and 2026 campaign

Kirk Haston is a Republican member of the Tennessee House of Representatives representing District 72, which includes Henderson, Chester, Decatur, and Perry Counties ¹⁵. He assumed office on November 6, 2018, and his current term is scheduled to end on November 3, 2026 ¹⁹. Haston serves as the Vice-Chair of the House Education Committee and was reappointed by House Speaker Cameron Sexton to chair the House K-12 Subcommittee for the 114th General Assembly in February 2025 ⁴¹⁰.

Haston is seeking re-election to the Tennessee House of Representatives for District 72 in the 2026 cycle ¹. He is listed as a candidate on the ballot for the Republican primary election scheduled for August 6, 2026 ¹⁹.

Background and education

Kirk Haston was born in Lobelville, Tennessee, on March 10, 1979 ³. He attended Perry County High School in Lobelville ³. Haston self-describes as a member of the Church of Christ ⁸.

Haston earned a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management from Indiana University in 2002 ⁸. He later obtained a Master of Arts and Education from Cumberland University in 2012 ⁸.

Career

Kirk Haston was born in Lobelville, Tennessee, on March 10, 1979 ³. He attended Perry County High School in Lobelville before playing college basketball at Indiana University from 1998 to 2001 ³. In the 2001 NBA draft, he was selected as the 16th overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets ³. His professional playing career spanned from 2001 to 2005, including stints with the Charlotte Hornets (2001–2002), the New Orleans Hornets (2002–2003), and the Florida Flame (2004–2005) ³.

Haston earned a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management from Indiana University in 2002 and a Master of Arts in Education from Cumberland University in 2012 ⁸. Following his athletic career, he worked in Perry County Schools for 18 years, serving as the School Health Coordinator ¹⁰. He self-describes as a member of the Church of Christ ⁸.

Office history

Kirk Haston was elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives for District 72 in November 2018 and assumed office on November 6, 2018 ¹⁵. He serves two-year terms with no term limits ². His current term is scheduled to end on November 3, 2026 ¹⁹. Haston represents District 72, which includes Henderson, Chester, Decatur, and Perry Counties ⁴.

During his tenure, Haston has served as Vice-Chair of the House Education Committee ⁴. He also holds the position of Chairman of the K-12 Subcommittee, a role he was reappointed to by House Speaker Cameron Sexton for the 114th General Assembly in February 2025 ¹⁰.

Legislative record and accomplishments

Kirk Haston has served in the Tennessee House of Representatives for District 72 since assuming office on November 6, 2018 ¹. During his tenure, he has held significant leadership roles within the chamber’s committee structure. He serves as the Vice-Chair of the House Education Committee and was reappointed by Speaker Cameron Sexton to chair the House K-12 Subcommittee for the 114th General Assembly ⁴¹⁰. Haston also holds the position of Chairman of the K-12 Subcommittee within the Tennessee House Republican Caucus ⁸.

Haston’s legislative record includes sponsorship and support for several key pieces of legislation. He supported SB 16/HB 1, known as the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act, and SB 364/HB 563, the Business Protection Act ⁷. His voting record also reflects support for SB 1257/HB 1029 (Human Life Protection Act), SB 1297/HB 1151 (Indecent Exposure Law in Single-Sex Restrooms), and SB 1304/HB 836 (Conscience Provision for Child-Placing Agencies) ⁷. Additionally, he backed SB 1373/HB 307 regarding elective religious courses for credit, SB 1499/HB 1274 (School Protection Act), and SB 1736/HB 1689 concerning single-sex student athletics ⁷.

On social and constitutional issues, Haston supported SB 2196/HB 2263, referred to as Governor Lee's Pro-Life Bill, as well as SB 2465/HB 2568 on chemical abortion reversal information ⁷. He also voted in favor of HJR 17, which acknowledges God as the source of liberties ⁷. Haston’s policy focus is heavily influenced by his professional background; he has worked in Perry County Schools for 18 years and currently serves as a School Health Coordinator ¹⁰.

Business interests and wealth source

Kirk Haston’s professional career is rooted in education rather than private business ownership or investment holdings. He has worked for Perry County Schools for 18 years and currently serves as the School Health Coordinator ¹⁰. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management from Indiana University, completed in 2002, and a Master’s in Arts and Education from Cumberland University in 2012 ⁸.

Prior to his career in education, Haston played professional basketball. He was selected in the first round (16th overall) of the 2001 NBA draft by the Charlotte Hornets and played for the Charlotte Hornets (2001–2002), New Orleans Hornets (2002–2003), and Florida Flame (2004–2005) ³.

Public financial disclosure records are tracked for state representatives, but specific details regarding Haston’s personal wealth sources, business ownership stakes, or significant asset sales are not provided in the available biographical summaries ⁶. His self-reported professional identity centers on his long-term role within Perry County Schools and his community involvement with organizations such as the Southwest Human Resource Agency and the Perry County Health Council ¹⁰.

Family

Haston is married to Kasey and has three children: Kenner, Kooper, and Kyler ⁸. He describes himself as a devoted husband and father at home ¹⁰.

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