Biography of Congressman Kenny Marchant Texas 24th Congressional District

Congressman Kenny Marchant was sworn in on January 4, 2005, as the new Representative for the 24th District of Texas. Marchant and his wife, Donna, reside in Coppell, Texas. They have raised their four children (three sons and one daughter) in District 24 and are the proud grandparents of a new granddaughter (who also lives in the district). Marchant is a graduate of R.L. Turner High School in Carrollton, Texas, and holds both a Bachelors and an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma. Marchant is a local businessman and investor. He is also active in funding educational scholarships, assisting local charities, and aiding local churches through the Marchant Family Foundation.

Upon his induction into the U.S. House, Marchant was appointed to three committees for the 109th Session of Congress. He currently serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure, Education and Workforce, and Government Reform Committees.

Prior to his election to the United States House of Representatives, Marchant served nine terms as a Texas State Representative. During this time he served as Chairman of the Texas House Committee on Financial Institutions, Chairman of the House State Affairs Committee, and Chairman of the Texas House Republican Caucus.

During his three term tenure as Chairman of the Committee on Financial Institutions (under Texas Governor George W. Bush), Marchant directed and sponsored comprehensive reforms to reshape the face of the Texas State financial regulatory environment. His reforms included an overhaul of the Texas Banking Code, branch banking for interstate banks, and successful passage of legislation authorizing home equity borrowing.

As Chairman of the Texas House Republican Caucus, Marchant lead his party in the 2002 elections to a majority in the Texas House for the first time since Reconstruction. As Republican House Caucus Chairman and Vice-Chairman, he served under Texas’ three modern Republican governors: Bill Clements, George W. Bush, and Rick Perry.

Marchant’s community and legislative leadership in the Texas House earned him numerous distinctions including, “Top Ten Legislator” by Texas Monthly magazine, and Harte Hankes Communications, “Citizen of the Year” by Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce, and “Legislator of the Year” by the Texas Municipal League.

Representative Marchant began his career in public service in 1980 upon being elected to the Carrollton City Council. He served on the Council until May of 1984, at which time he was elected Mayor of Carrollton. Marchant held the position of Mayor until 1987, when he was elected to the Texas State Legislature.

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