Richard Lee White is a Republican state representative for Kentucky House District 99, which includes Elliott, Morgan, and Rowan counties. He resides in Morehead, KY, and is a Baptist. A lumberman and entrepreneur, White won a special election on February 25, 2020, to succeed Democratic incumbent Rocky Adkins, assuming office on March 3, 2020. Notable achievements include founding Richard White Wood Products in 1976, creating jobs in Eastern Kentucky, and receiving the U.S. Small Business Exporter of the Year award twice. He was appointed by President Ronald Reagan as moderator for the White House Conference of Small Businesses and Advisory Committee on Lumber and Wood Products for trade policy with the U.S. Department of Commerce. White identifies as a pro-life Christian and conservative, serving on caucuses such as Mountain Caucus, Kentucky Sportsmen’s Caucus, Kentucky-Israel Caucus, and Pro-Life Caucus. He chairs the House Natural Resources & Energy Committee and serves on Small Business & Information Technology and Tourism & Outdoor Recreation committees.

Education and Political Experience

Education: Attended Santa Monica College ; Certification from National Hardwood Lumber Inspection School .

Political Experience:
- Kentucky House of Representatives, District 99 , 2020–present.
- Candidate for Kentucky Senate District 27 .
- Former Rowan County Chair, George W. Bush Presidential Campaign.
- Former Central Committee Member and Rowan County Co-Chairman, Kentucky Republican Party.
- Former Member, Education Committee and Joint Committee on Education.
- Business roles informing politics: Founder/President, Richard White Wood Products ; former owner/developer of Cliffview Resorts, Cave Run Marina, and Hickory Point Golf Course; member of Forest Industry Production Development Advisory Committee , Bluegrass International Trade Association, and National Hardwood Lumber Association; former board member, Kentucky Forest Industry Association and Kentucky District Export Council.