David Whitaker (politician)


David Jeffrey Whitaker is an American politician and a Democratic member of the Arkansas House of Representatives representing District 85 since January 14, 2013. Whitaker was a candidate for United States House of Representatives for Arkansas's 3rd congressional district in the 2010 election.

Early life

He graduated from Granby High School in Norfolk, Virginia, but spent his early years growing up in Southern Georgia.

Education

Whitaker earned his BA in Geography from University of Mary Washington and his JD from the University of Arkansas School of Law.

Military service

He served in the United States Air Force from 1983 to 1989 reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant. While in the Air Force he served aboard the USNS Observation Island.

Early career

In 1992 he was an editorial research intern with the Book Division of the National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C.

Legal & political career

During law school, he clerked for the Washington County Prosecuting Attorney, and served on the Law School's honor council.
From 1999 to 2000 he served on the Washington County Domestic Violence Task Force. From 2001 to 2009 he served as an Assistant City Attorney for Fayetteville, Arkansas. From 2007 to 2009 he served as the Chairman of the Washington County Democratic Party in Arkansas.
From 2011 to 2013 he was a member of the adjunct faculty at Northwest Arkansas Community College.
In 2013 he was elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives to represent the 85th District defeating Paul Graham.

Personal life

He resides in Fayetteville, Arkansas with his wife, Lisa and their two daughters.

Elections