James Cord Byrd was born on April 19, 1971, in Jacksonville, Florida. He is a fifth-generation Floridian and native of the Jacksonville Beaches, currently residing in Neptune Beach with his wife and children. Byrd is a Republican attorney and politician who identifies as a Constitutionalist, advocating for individual liberty, economic freedom, and limited government.

Throughout his career, Byrd has served his community through diverse roles, including teaching at-risk youth at a public middle school, practicing law, supporting veteran programs, and helping legal immigrants become citizens.

Education

Byrd attended the United States Air Force Academy for one year before pursuing higher education. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and government from the University of North Florida and later obtained his Juris Doctor from St. Thomas University School of Law in 1997.

Political Experience

Byrd served three terms in the Florida House of Representatives, representing Nassau County and part of Duval County from 2016 until his appointment as Florida's 37th Secretary of State. In May 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis selected him to succeed Laurel Lee in this position.

As Secretary of State, Byrd holds multiple responsibilities, including serving as State Protocol Officer, Florida's Chief Elections Officer, and Florida's Chief Arts and Culture Officer. He has also chaired the Florida Cybersecurity Advisory Council and currently serves as Chair of the America250FL Commission, which oversees Florida's celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. In this role, he has emphasized Florida's election safeguards and expressed confidence in the integrity and security of the state's election system.