By Dan X. McGraw
Staff Writer, Denton Record Chronicle

District 63 state Rep. Tan Parker has filed with the Republican Party to seek re-election to his second term in office.

Parker, 36, said that because he works in both the business and political worlds, he has a unique perspective about challenges Texans face and possible solutions to those problems.

“My background gives me insight into the challenges of a working family,” he said. “I know what it takes to pay a mortgage or raise a family or pay medical bills. I encounter those problems as well.”

In 2006, Parker was elected to his first term after defeating Anne Lakusta by 48 votes in a Republican runoff. He ran unopposed in the 2006 general election.

He replaced Marry Denny, who retired.

Since then, Parker, who touted himself as a “true conservative,” said he has worked to lower property taxes, solve illegal immigration and strengthen education.

“I wanted to help find solutions to these problems,” he said. “We have a real chance to improve the lives of residents on both the micro and macro level.”

Parker has garnered attention for his service in the Legislature. He was named freshman legislator of the year by the Young Conservatives of Texas.

His work in the political arena isn’t limited to just one year, though.

Parker co-founded the Denton County Young Republicans in 1991, and he also brought politicians to speak to students while attending Nolan Catholic High School in Fort Worth.

So, naturally, he said, he gravitated to politics at a young age.

“I loved the life,” Parker said. “It was very important to me to realize the blessings that we have in this county and not to take them for granted.”

Parker received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Dallas, and his master’s degree from the London School of Economics in England. He is married with two children. He has lived in the county for the last eight years.

Parker represents Denton County in the Texas House of Representatives with District 64 state Rep. Myra Crownover.

As of Christmas, he does not have a Democratic or Republican opponent. Republican officials do not anticipate anyone challenging his seat, but Democratic officials have said they expect someone to challenge Parker.

Party primaries are held in March, and then the winners are placed on the ballot in the general election in November. The winners take office Jan. 1, 2009.

State representatives are elected to two-year terms.