"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.  

In the "real world," Toby works as a contract worker and account manager at Rare Design, a marketing, design and advertising agency in downtown Hattiesburg.  

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. 

Toby is 27 years old. 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 the son of Rev. Bob and Cindy Barker of Meridian. He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. E.D. (Red) McKinney of Meridian and the late Dr. and Mrs. Bob Barker of Chickasaw, Alabama. 

Toby is married to the former Kate Northrop of Quitman, MS. They live in the Historic Parkhaven Neighborhood with Addie, their English springer spaniel. He 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 eight years.