Shanda Yates

Shanda M. Yates (born March 29, 1982) is an American politician, representing the 64th district in the Mississippi House of Representatives since 2020. She is an Independent.

Early life and education Yates was born on March 29, 1982, in Jackson, Mississippi. She graduated from Hinds Community College in 2001 with an associate degree and then enrolled at the University of Southern Mississippi, graduating with honors and a bachelor's degree in English. She received her Juris Doctor from the Mississippi College School of Law in 2007, where she also served as an editor for the Mississippi College Law Review. She was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 2007.

Career Yates practices as a partner with her husband as an attorney. She decided to run after initial reluctance, and over the months that followed, Yates and her campaign knocked on around 10,000 doors. She assumed office on January 7, 2020.

In January 2022, she left the Democratic Party and became an Independent.

Political positions Yate's top priorities when running for election were increasing school funding and addressing infrastructure problems.

Personal life Yates is married to Yancy Burns, and they have one child. She and her husband are Methodist.