(MURFREESBORO)  21-year-old Luka Howard of Murfreesboro, announced his intention to run for the 49^th district of the Tennessee State House of Representatives, representing most of Smyrna, parts of LaVergne and Central Rutherford County. The district consists of almost 70,000 residents and is currently held by Mike Sparks (R) of Smyrna.

He is the second vying for the Democratic nomination and is still garnering signatures to qualify for the August 1^st primary.

Luke said, “The GOP has shown time and time again that they care not for Tennesseans or their values, but for special interests and their donors. Actions like voting down IVF protections or attempting to rip away money from Rutherford County Schools are why Tennessee consistency ranks at or near the bottom of most metrics.”

In his press release, Luka Howard noted that his key running issues are:

• Repealing the grocery tax and getting money back into Tennesseans hands.
• Investing in our future by increasing the money given to public schools.
• Increasing the money given to TDOT and improving transportation in the state.
• Legalizing weed in the State (add an additional revenue source for the state by taxes levied and help getting fentanyl off of the streets)

Luka Howard, originally from Michigan, moved to Tennessee at a young age with his family. Having attended Rutherford County public schools throughout Kindergarten through 12^th grade, and now attends Middle Tennessee State University studying Computer Science.

If elected Luka Howard would become the youngest member of Tennessee General Assembly.