{"age":26,"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nKyler Gilkey is a Democratic candidate running for election to the Tennessee House of Representatives to represent District 84 in 2026[1]. He appears on the ballot for the Democratic primary scheduled for August 6, 2026[1]. As the current date is May 11, 2026, the outcome of this election remains unknown.\n\nGilkey describes himself as a \"community builder\" and a \"proud Memphian\" who opposes Republican leadership in Tennessee[2]. 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 area[3]. He also supports increased investment in Memphis airport and transportation infrastructure[3].\n\nGilkey states that he holds dual bachelor\u2019s degrees in Political Science and Criminal Justice from the University of Memphis[4]. 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 ordinances[1][4]. He completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey for the 2026 election cycle[1].\n\n## Background and education\n\nKyler Gilkey is a native of Memphis, Tennessee [2]. He earned his high school diploma from The Soulsville Charter School [1].\n\nGilkey attended the University of Memphis, where he graduated with dual bachelor\u2019s degrees in Political Science and Criminal Justice [4].\n\n## Career\n\nKyler Gilkey earned a high school diploma from The Soulsville Charter School [1]. He later graduated from the University of Memphis with dual bachelor\u2019s degrees in Political Science and Criminal Justice [4].\n\nGilkey\u2019s 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].\n\n## Office history\n\nKyler 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].\n\nGilkey\u2019s 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].\n\nIn 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.\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nKyler 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.\n\nIn 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].\n\nGilkey\u2019s 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\u2019s degrees in Political Science and Criminal Justice from the University of Memphis [4].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Kyler Gilkey - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Kyler_Gilkey)\n[2] [\ud83d\udea8 BIG ANNOUNCEMENT \ud83d\udea8 I'm Kyler Gilkey \u2014 born and ...](https://www.facebook.com/kyler.gilkey/posts/-big-announcement-im-kyler-gilkey-born-and-raised-in-memphis-and-im-running-to-r/4102907269922349/)\n[3] [Our Priorities - Kyler Gilkey](https://www.kylergilkey.com/priorities)\n[4] [Kyler Gilkey | About](https://www.kylergilkey.com/about)","birthdate":"Tue, 07 Sep 1999 00:00:00 GMT","campaigns":[{"contest":"tennessee_house_district_84","county":"shelby","county_count":1,"electiondate":"Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT","pgr":"primary","state":"TN","title":"Tennessee House District 84"}],"cf_filings":[],"firstname":"Kyler","fullname":"Kyler L. Gilkey","lastname":"Gilkey","middlename":"L.","office_history":[{"campaigns":[{"contest":"tennessee_house_district_84","contest_title":"Tennessee House District 84","county":"shelby","county_count":1,"electiondate":"2026-08-06","office_county":null,"office_key":"state_house_84","office_title":null,"party":"D","pgr":"primary","state":"TN"}],"county":null,"cycles":[{"general":null,"party":"D","primary":{"contest":"tennessee_house_district_84","contest_title":"Tennessee House District 84","county":"shelby","county_count":1,"electiondate":"2026-08-06","office_county":null,"office_key":"state_house_84","office_title":null,"party":"D","pgr":"primary","state":"TN"},"term":null,"year":2026}],"office_key":"state_house_84","office_title":"Tennessee House District 84","state":"TN","terms":[]}],"summary":"Kyler Gilkey, a Democrat and Memphis native, is running for Tennessee House District 84 in the 2026 election.","terms":[],"token":"ikjn5QlbjL"}