Kyler Gilkey

Kyler Gilkey earned a high school diploma from The Soulsville Charter School. Gilkey's career experience includes working as a policy advisor.[1]

Tennessee State House District 93

Kyler Gilkey did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Tennessee State House District 84

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Kyler Gilkey is running to bring fresh leadership, experience, and results-driven solutions to the Tennessee House of Representatives. A graduate of the University of Memphis, Kyler earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Criminal Justice, setting the foundation for a career dedicated to public service. Kyler began his journey in public service as a legislative fellow in the Memphis City Attorney's Office, where he conducted extensive research on city ordinances and cost recovery measures to strengthen local government operations. He went on to serve Congressman Steve Cohen of Memphis in multiple roles, both in Washington, D.C. and in Memphis. Kyler supported key legislative efforts in housing, education, and agriculture, helping draft and introduce bills and resolutions aligned with the Congressman’s agenda. In 2023, Kyler joined the office of Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove, representing California’s 37th District, as her Senior Legislative Assistant. He has worked directly on legislation supporting renters' rights, labor protections, and infrastructure investments preparing Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics. Through his leadership in the federal appropriations process, Kyler helped secure approximately $50 million in funding for projects in both Memphis and Los Angeles, including housing improvements, safer transportation systems, and youth development programs. In 2024, Kyler served as an at large TN delegate for the Democratic National Convention.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Kyler's first key message is one of Economic Development and Workforce Readiness. His plan is to help build a thriving local economy and create opportunities for District 84 residents.

"We have to expand access to job training and apprenticeship programs, especially in high-demand industries like logistics, healthcare, and technology, advocate for state investment in small business grants and minority-owned business support programs, specifically in the Hickory Ridge area and push for increased investment in the Memphis airport and transportation infrastructure to boost trade and job creation."Kyler's second key message is Public safety and creating safer neighborhoods while addressing systemic challenges in the justice system.

"We must work to increase funding for community policing initiatives and violence prevention programs, advocate for justice reforms, including alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent offenses and increased support for reentry programs and enhance resources for community policing, with a focus on protecting vulnerable communities and at risk youth."Kyler's third key message is creating a state that has affordable and accessible healthcare.

"Healthcare is under attack on all sides. I will fight to improve and restore healthcare availability and affordability for Memphis residents. We have to search for ways to expand Medicaid in Tennessee to cover more low-income families and individuals, address healthcare deserts by incentivizing clinics and providers to serve underserved neighborhoods, and focus on maternal and mental health care, particularly for communities of color."

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Kyler Gilkey is running for the Tennessee House of Representatives to fight for strong schools, safe neighborhoods, affordable housing, and economic opportunities that lift up every Tennessean.