26 Facts About Craig Fitzhugh

Craig Fitzhugh was a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives, representing the 82nd District, which encompasses all of Crockett, Haywood and Lauderdale counties.

Craig Fitzhugh is a member of the Democratic Party and served as the House Minority Leader until January 2019.

Craig Fitzhugh graduated from Ripley High School in 1968, where he played varsity baseball, football, and basketball.

Craig Fitzhugh graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1972 with a bachelor's degree in Banking and Finance.

Craig Fitzhugh served four years active duty in the Air Force as a captain in the Judge's Advocate General Corp.

In 1980, Craig Fitzhugh returned to practice law in Ripley where he worked until joining the Bank of Ripley in 1992.

Craig Fitzhugh currently serves as the Bank of Ripley's CEO.

Craig Fitzhugh has been married to Pam Chism for 45 years.

Craig Fitzhugh is active in the Tennessee Banker's Association, where he previously served as chairman of the statewide organization.

Craig Fitzhugh remains active in the legal community where he was formerly a member of the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility.

Recently, Craig Fitzhugh was inducted as a Fellow of the Tennessee Bar Foundation.

An Eagle Scout, Craig Fitzhugh has been an assistant scoutmaster since 1981.

Craig Fitzhugh was awarded the Silver Beaver Award and is a Brotherhood Order of the Arrow member and has completed Woodbadge training.

Craig Fitzhugh is a 30+year Life Sponsor of Ducks Unlimited and a former District and Zone Chairman.

Craig Fitzhugh was a fourth generation member of First Baptist Church in Ripley, where he served as a Deacon.

Craig Fitzhugh was a municipal judge for the City of Gates, Tennessee, from 1990 to 1992.

Craig Fitzhugh was first elected to the Tennessee House in 1994, taking office in 1995.

Craig Fitzhugh served in that position until 2019, representing the 82nd District.

Craig Fitzhugh was elected by the Democratic caucus to serve as House Minority Leader in December 2010 and prior to that served as the chairman of the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee.

Craig Fitzhugh declined to run for Governor of Tennessee in the 2014 gubernatorial election.

Craig Fitzhugh ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2018, losing to former Nashville mayor Karl Dean in the primary on August 2,2018.

On June 4,2007, Craig Fitzhugh voted in favor for SB 2326 which increased the Cigarette Tax from 20 cents to 60 cents per pack.

Craig Fitzhugh sponsored and passed the largest tax reduction in the State's history in the reduction of the sales tax on food.

Craig Fitzhugh was instrumental in passage of the Complete College Act, led the fight for expansion of Medicaid and the rejection of vouchers for Tennessee schools.

Craig Fitzhugh served as a Judge Advocate General in the United States Air Force from 1976 to 1980 and achieved the rank of captain.

Craig Fitzhugh served in the United States Air Force Reserve from 1980 to 1988 and achieved the rank of major.