Representative Tom Leatherwood - Contact Information

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.