Shanda Yates

Yates was born on March 29, 1982 in Jackson, Mississippi.[1] She graduated from Hinds Community College in 2001 with an associate's degree and then enrolled at the University of Southern Mississippi, graduating with honors and a bachelor's degree in English.[1][2] She received her Juris Doctor from the Mississippi College School of Law in 2007, where she also served as an editor for the Mississippi College Law Review.[2][3] She was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 2007.[4]

Yates practices as a partner with her husband as an attorney.[3]

In February 2019, Democratic House Minority Leader David Baria asked Yates if she wished to run against Bill Denny in the Mississippi House, a 32-year house incumbent of the 64th district and House Republican Floor Leader.[5][6] She decided to run after initial reluctance, and over the months that followed, Yates and her campaign knocked on around 10,000 doors.[5] Her campaign received assistance from national organizations like California-based Sister District, an organization that targets GOP-held seats.[5] She proceeded through the Democratic Primary unopposed and, in the general election, won against Denny by 168 votes, a 51%–49% margin.[6][7] She assumed office on January 7, 2020.[7]

As of 2021, she serves on the following committees: Compilation, Revision and Publication; Corrections; Insurance; Judiciary B; Judiciary En Banc; and Transportation.[1] Since 2020, she has served as Deputy Chair for the Mississippi House Democrat caucus leadership.[8]

In January 2022, she left the Democratic Party and became an Independent.[9]

Yate's top priorities when running for election were increasing school funding and addressing infrastructure problems.[10]

In 2020, Yates voted yes on the bill to change the Mississippi State Flag.[11]

Yates is married to Yancy Burns, and they have one child.[1][10] She and her husband are Methodist.[1]