Kyler L. Gilkey

Current office and 2026 campaign

Kyler Gilkey is a Democratic candidate running for election to the Tennessee House of Representatives to represent District 84 in 2026¹. He appears on the ballot for the Democratic primary scheduled for August 6, 2026¹. As the current date is May 11, 2026, the outcome of this election remains unknown.

Gilkey describes himself as a "community builder" and a "proud Memphian" who opposes Republican leadership in Tennessee². His campaign website outlines priorities focused on economic development and workforce readiness, including expanding job training in logistics, healthcare, and technology, as well as advocating for state investment in small business grants and minority-owned businesses in the Hickory Ridge area³. He also supports increased investment in Memphis airport and transportation infrastructure³.

Gilkey states that he holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Criminal Justice from the University of Memphis⁴. His career experience includes serving as a policy advisor and working as a legislative fellow in the Memphis City Attorney's Office, where he conducted research on city ordinances¹⁴. He completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey for the 2026 election cycle¹.

Background and education

Kyler Gilkey is a native of Memphis, Tennessee ². He earned his high school diploma from The Soulsville Charter School ¹.

Gilkey attended the University of Memphis, where he graduated with dual bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Criminal Justice ⁴.

Career

Kyler Gilkey earned a high school diploma from The Soulsville Charter School ¹. He later graduated from the University of Memphis with dual bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Criminal Justice ⁴.

Gilkey’s professional background includes work as a policy advisor ¹. He also served as a legislative fellow in the Memphis City Attorney's Office, where he conducted extensive research on city ordinances and cost analysis ⁴. Gilkey self-describes as a community builder rather than a career politician ².

Office history

Kyler Gilkey has not previously held elected or appointed public office ¹. He states that he is "not a career politician" and identifies himself as a community builder rather than a political professional ².

Gilkey’s background in public service includes working as a policy advisor ¹. His prior professional experience also encompasses serving as a legislative fellow in the Memphis City Attorney's Office, where he conducted research on city ordinances and costs ⁴.

In 2026, Gilkey is running for election to the Tennessee House of Representatives to represent District 84 as a member of the Democratic Party ¹. He is listed on the ballot for the Democratic primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 ¹. The outcome of this upcoming election is unknown.

Legislative record and accomplishments

Kyler Gilkey has not yet served in the Tennessee House of Representatives; he is currently a candidate seeking election to District 84 in the Democratic primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 ¹. Consequently, there is no legislative record, sponsored bills, or committee assignments to report at this time.

In his campaign platform, Gilkey self-describes as a "community builder" rather than a career politician, emphasizing policy goals over legislative history ². His stated priorities for the district include expanding access to job training and apprenticeship programs in high-demand sectors such as logistics, healthcare, and technology ³. He also advocates for state investment in small business grants and support programs specifically targeting minority-owned businesses in the Hickory Ridge area ³.

Gilkey’s policy positions further include pushing for increased investment in Memphis airport infrastructure and transportation to boost economic development ³. His background includes work as a policy advisor and a legislative fellow in the Memphis City Attorney's Office, where he conducted research on city ordinances ⁴. He holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Criminal Justice from the University of Memphis ⁴.

Sources