Daniel Sparks (politician)

Sparks was born in Cleveland and grew up in Belmont as the son of a third-grade teacher and a preacher.[1][2] He attended Belmont High School.[1] Afterwards, he attended Northeast Mississippi College and later graduated from the University of Mississippi with a bachelor's degree in Accountancy. He went on to get a Master of Taxation in 2005 at the University of Mississippi and his Juris Doctor in 2008 at the University of Mississippi School of Law.[3]

Sparks worked in the wholesale grocery business for seven years, which he states is what inspired him to return to the University of Mississippi to continue his education.[2] As an attorney, he founded his own practice, Sparks Law Firm, and became an adjunct professor at the University of Mississippi where he taught business law.[2]

Upon the death of Alan Nunnelee, Sparks ran in the 2015 special election for Mississippi's 1st congressional district, where he got 3.2% of the vote.[4]

In 2019, he ran in the Mississippi State Senate election for the 5th district. He secured 53.0% of the vote in the Republican primary and 72.1% in the general election; he assumed office on January 7, 2020.[4] As a Senator, he serves as the Vice-Chair of the Corrections Committee and is a member on the following committees: Business and Financial Institutions; Drug Policy; Economic and Workforce Development; Finance; Forestry; Judiciary, Division B; Universities and Colleges; and Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.[1]

Sparks voted against a bill to change the Mississippi state flag.[5]

Sparks is a member of the NRA, Police Benevolent Association, Mississippi Bar Association, and the Federalist Society.[1] He resides in Belmont, MS and is a member of the Liberty Church of Christ.[1]