Kevin Dunlap has announced his candidacy for the Tennessee State House of Representatives. He is seeking the Democratic nomination for the 43rd District in the Aug. 7 state primary election. 
Born and raised in Warren County, Dunlap has been a lifelong resident of Rock Island and the 43rd District except for his years of study at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Dunlap served as student body president of the Warren County High School class of 1996 and served as governor for the Kentucky-Tennessee Key Clubs his senior year.
Upon graduating third in his class of 400 from WCHS, Dunlap was awarded the prestigious Whittle Scholarship and served as president of the Freshman Council at UT. Dunlap graduated from the University of Tennessee Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor of arts honors degree in political science and a minor in business administration. As a Whittle Scholar, Dunlap continued his education studying abroad in London, England working in the House of Commons for British MP Adrian Sanders of Torbay, England.
He graduated with a master of science degree in secondary education from University of Tennessee and has been a history, social studies, and civics teacher in public schools for 14 years.
Along with being a dedicated public school teacher, Dunlap has volunteered numerous hours in his community by serving as a faculty sponsor to the Rotary youth service club (Interact) at the middle school since its charter year in 2003. Dunlap also has coached youth league softball in the Midway community for several years where he also presently serves as vice president of the Midway Community Improvement Club.
Kevin is also a fifth generation farmer in the Rock Island community, growing up learning the value and dignity of hard work on his family’s dairy farm operation. Kevin is a member of the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association and Tennessee Farm Bureau.  
As the first in his family to graduate from college, Dunlap understands the value of strong schools in our communities and the investments we should undertake to provide our young people with the skills and opportunities to achieve successful and productive careers. 
“I have lived the American dream,” said Dunlap. “I was blessed to have great parents and extraordinary public school teachers who challenged and encouraged me to achieve my academic goals. We need new leadership on Capitol Hill that ensures our schools are not testing our students excessively and squashing their creativity, discovery, joy, and love for learning. I have dedicated my professional career to serve as a public school teacher and give back to the community that has helped and given me so much. If entrusted with the honor and privilege to serve as state representative for the citizens of Warren, White and Grundy counties, I will continue my career as a public school teacher and serve as the part-time legislator called for in the Tennessee Constitution.”
Dunlap was Warren County Board of Education Teacher of the Year in 2012, McMinnville Jaycees Outstanding Young Educator in 2010, and Warren County Middle School Teacher of the Year in 2006-07. Education, economic development and high-paying jobs, protecting our environment, affordable and accessible health care, and Tennessee traditions and values are all key areas of Dunlap’s platform. 
“I also am pro-life, support the Tennessee constitution’s position that marriage is between one man and one woman, and I am a proud gun owner and supporter of our 2nd Amendment rights as responsible law abiding citizens,” said Dunlap.
 Visit www.votedunlap.com to find out more of Dunlap’s positions on the issues and find out how to get involved by volunteering and/or contributing to his campaign. A campaign rally and fundraiser are scheduled for this Friday, May 9, at the Warren Middle School cafeteria beginning at 6 p.m.
Kevin is married to Laura Smith Dunlap and has two sons Jackson, 8, and Brooks, 7. The Dunlaps are members of Central Church of Christ where Kevin also serves as deacon and has been active as a Sunday school teacher and in the church’s youth programs.