"Upon the subject of education, not presuming to dictate any plan or system respecting it, I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we as a people can be engaged in." --Abraham Lincoln, March 9, 1832 First Political Announcement

About Toby

Toby Barker (R-Hattiesburg) serves as the District 102 state representative. Barker was elected in November 2007 at the age of 25, replacing retiring Rep. Lee Jarrell Davis.  

Before being elected to the legislature, Toby Barker served as director of the University of Southern Mississippi’s Business Assistance Center. As director, he worked to assist hundreds of small businesses in a variety of different fields.  

Toby launched the Pine Belt’s first business incubator, which houses new and emerging businesses while providing them needed services to grow during the early stages of the company.  

Many around the Pine Belt have lauded his work in economic development. Toby has been named one of HQ Magazine’s Top 20 Business People Under 40. He was also named one of The Burger’s Top 25 Under 35. 

In 2007, he launched his own business, Barker-Garcia Enterprises, which serves as a media and economic consulting firm for businesses and communities. 

Toby is 26 years old and lives in the Parkhaven Neighborhood in Hattiesburg. He is a member of the Hattiesburg-Sunrise Rotary Club, Pi Kappa Phi Alumni Chapter, Pine Belt Innovation Council and Historic Hattiesburg Downtown Association. 

Toby attended The University of Southern Mississippi, earning his B.A. in communications in 2004 and his M.S. in economic development in 2006.  

While an undergraduate, he was actively involved on campus, taking significant roles in the Student Government Association, Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Baptist Student Union and Men of Excellence. He was Student Body Vice-President for two years. Pi Kappa Phi named him Pi Kapp of the Year in 2003-2004 and Brother of Year in 2004-2005. His involvement earned his induction into the Southern Miss Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Greek Hall of Fame in 2005. Toby also engaged in many mission projects, including a 10-week stint in West Africa. He has also served in New England, the Pacific Northwest and New Orleans.  

Toby is a member of First Baptist Church and attends Ekklesia Church in Hattiesburg. He is the youngest of six children. His hero is his grandfather, who served on the European front in World War II. He is a lifelong Mississippian, living in Hattiesburg for seven years.