Kevin Sparks

Kevin Sparks is an American businessman and politician serving in the Texas Senate for the 31st District since 2023. A Republican, Sparks won the Texas Panhandle and Permian Basin seat unopposed in 2022 [Texas Senate election|2022], where incumbent Republican Kel Seliger announced his retirement.

Early life and education

Sparks was raised in Midland, Texas, and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a business degree. He received the Eagle Scout rank from the Boy Scouts of America in 1978.

Career

Oil

Sparks is president of Discovery Operating, Inc, a family-owned and operated oil and gas company in Midland. He has previously served as a board member of the Natural Gas Producers Association and the Texas [Public Policy Foundation].

Politics

Sparks announced a primary campaign against incumbent Republican Kel Seliger, regarded as a more moderate member of the Republican caucus, in 2022. He was endorsed by former President of [the United States|President] Donald Trump, United States Senator Ted Cruz, as well as Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and quickly became the seat's frontrunner after Seliger announced his retirement. He won the Republican primary in March with over 50% of the vote, avoiding a runoff, and faced no Democratic opponent in the general election in November.

Election history

2022