TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Kate Prince on Apr 2, 2020

Months after confirming to fellow GOP lawmakers that he would not seek re-election, Rep. David Byrd, R-Waynesboro, has reversed course. The Nashville Post reports Byrd announced his bid for reelection on Tuesday, citing the need for an experienced representative during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2018, Byrd was accused of sexually assaulting three underage women in the 1980s, prompting calls for his resignation and pleas that he not seek reelection. “For District 71 to have a freshman representative during his crucial time could definitely result in our rural counties being overlooked in future key legislation that could help our constituents rebound from this devastating pandemic,” Byrd said in a statement. He has never publicly denied the allegations against him.