Gary W. Hicks Jr. is an American politician serving as a Republican member of the Tennessee House of Representatives from the 9th district. He was appointed to the office on December 21, 2015, following the resignation of Michael Harrison. He was sworn in on January 12, 2016.
Early life and education
Gary W. Hicks Jr. was born on October 4, 1977. He graduated from East Tennessee State University with a BS in computer science and from the University of Tennessee with an MBA.
Career and community work
Hicks worked as a network administrator for Rural Health Services. He has also worked as a technology director for Rogersville City Schools. He was a member of the Hawkins County Commission from 2006 to 2015. He has also served as a chair of United Way.
Tennessee House of Representatives (2016–present) Hicks was appointed to the Tennessee House of Representatives on December 21, 2015, and was sworn in on January 12, 2016. Hicks later became chair of the House Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee.
In 2023, Hicks supported a resolution to expel Democratic lawmakers from the legislature for violating decorum rules. The expulsion was widely characterized as unprecedented.
In January 2025, Hicks voted in committee against the Education Freedom Act, which established a major school voucher program and was heavily promoted by Governor Bill Lee. The following year, after the bill went into effect, Hicks voted against another expansion to the program on the House floor.
In 2026, Hicks opposed a bill that would restrict primary election voting to party-affiliated voters. The proposal was eventually voted down in committee.
Personal life Hicks is married to his wife Laura (), with whom he has two daughters. He is a Baptist and attends Shepard's Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Rogersville.
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