David Kustoff is a Republican congressman representing Tennessee’s 8th congressional district since 2017. He has deep roots in West Tennessee, having been born and raised in Shelby County1.Career Path to Congress
- Graduated from the University of Memphis with a law degree in 1992
- Opened a law firm in Memphis in 1992
- Served as Chairman of the Shelby County GOP from 1995 to 1999
- Appointed U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee in 2006
- Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2016
- Re-elected in 2018, 2020, and 2022
Sponsored Legislation
- Kustoff has sponsored several bills in the 118th Congress, including:H.R.8540: A bill to enhance the employer-provided child care credit
- H.R.8179: Winter Oilseed Study Act of 2024
Stances on Social Issues
- Voted against H.R.1, the “Politician Protection Act,” citing concerns about election security and voter fraud3
- Supported the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, stating he will “always remain committed to advocating for strong pro-life policies”
- Objected to the certification of the 2020 election results, citing “numerous sworn affidavits with election irregularities”
Stances on Economic Issues
- Serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means, which has jurisdiction over taxes, healthcare, trade, and family support programs
- Voted against the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024, which averted a government shutdown
- Supported the Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023, which proposed significant cuts to domestic spending
Stances on National Defense
Controversial Statements or Actions
- Kustoff received criticism for claiming he had an A+ rating from the NRA during his 2002 congressional campaign when the NRA had never rated him.
- He refused to hold President Trump accountable for the January 6 insurrection, stating that impeachment “would only further divide us as Americans”
- Kustoff voted against creating an independent commission to investigate the January 6 attack
Throughout his career, David Kustoff has consistently aligned himself with conservative Republican positions. His background as a U.S. Attorney and his focus on issues such as election integrity and pro-life policies have shaped his political career. As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, he plays a role in shaping economic policies. However, his objection to the 2020 election results and his stance on the January 6 investigation have been sources of controversy. Kustoff continues to represent Tennessee’s 8th district, focusing on issues important to his constituents while maintaining a conservative voting record in Congress.