Michael Hale is a Republican member of the Tennessee House of Representatives, representing District 40 . Born and raised in DeKalb County, Tennessee, he grew up on a family farm in the communities of Gassaway and Liberty, working in hay hauling and tobacco fields. He owns and operates DeKalb Funeral Chapel, which he opened in 1999 after mortuary college, and has served as a pastor in DeKalb and Warren Counties. Hale is active in his community as Chair of the Smithville Housing Authority Board, President of the DeKalb County High School Basketball Booster Club, and a member of organizations including the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association, National Rifle Association, National Federation of Independent Businesses, and Smith-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce. Elected in 2022, he defeated seven-term incumbent Terri Lynn Weaver in the Republican primary and Democrat Tom Cook in the general election. Notable positions include Chairman of the TennCare Subcommittee; he also serves on the Banking & Consumer Affairs Subcommittee, Commerce Committee, Finance, Ways, and Means Committee, and Insurance Committee.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from DeKalb County High School in Smithville, Tennessee; earned an associate degree from John A. Gupton College .
• Political Experience: Announced candidacy for Tennessee House District 40 in April 2022; won Republican primary and general election in 2022 to become state representative. Serves as a conservative leader emphasizing faith, family, and freedom.