David Parker

David Parker was born on September 9, 1969, in Memphis, Tennessee. He is an American optometrist and politician who served as a Republican member of the Mississippi State Senate representing District 2, which includes parts of DeSoto County. Parker is married to the former Ashleigh Beckett and has four children: Allie, Jack, Luke, and Jude. He is of the Methodist faith.

Education

Parker attended Greenbrook Elementary and Southaven High School in Southaven, Mississippi. He graduated from Christian Brothers University on the pre-optometry track and earned his degree from the Southern College of Optometry with honors .

Political Experience

Parker served in the Mississippi State Senate from 2013 until 2026, when he opted not to seek re-election. During his tenure, he held significant committee positions, including Chair of the Senate Accountability, Efficiency, and Transparency Committee and Vice Chair of the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee. He also served on the Appropriations, Drug Policy, Economic and Workforce Development, Education, Elections, Government Structure, and Judiciary committees.

Beyond his political role, Parker has built a successful career as an optometrist, operating his own practice. He holds memberships in the American Optometric Association, the Mississippi Optometric Association, and the American Board of Optometry Diplomats.