Representative Barrett Rich was first elected to serve the citizens of State House District 94, which includes Fayette County, rural Hardeman County and southern Tipton County, in November of 2008.
Born and raised in Somerville, Tennessee, Barrett was first inspired to serve others while in Boy Scouts, where he eventually became an Eagle Scout. He earned a degree in Management from Bethel College and began a law enforcement career as a cadet in the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department. Barrett rose through the ranks to become a Tennessee State Trooper, and after nearly three years as a road trooper, was selected to join the Governor’s Security Detail first for Governor Don Sundquist and later for Governor Phil Bredesen. After 10 years in law enforcement, Barrett embarked on a successful career in the business community.
Prior to running for elected office, Barrett founded the Fayette and Hardeman County Young Republicans which eventually became the largest Young Republican organization in Tennessee. Once elected to the legislature, Barrett was elected by his peers to be the Assistant Republican Floor Leader and Freshman Class President.
Barrett has always believed in the ability of the public to build better and safer communities. In addition to receiving an endorsement from the National Federation of Small Businesses and maintaining a 100% pro-business voting record, he has shown, through his support and sponsorship of legislation, his staunch commitment to conservative principles and ideals, including:
- Keeping taxes low and reducing wasteful spending
- Protecting the right to keep and bear arms so that citizens can ultimately protect themselves
- Promoting pro-life principles
- Supporting a constitutional amendment opposing a state income tax