Kyler Gilkey is a native of Memphis TN, where he graduated from the University of Memphis in 2020 with a double bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Criminal Justice. He went on to work as a fellow in the Memphis City Attorney’s office doing legislative research on city ordinances and the cost recovery effects on companies like Metro Alarm – an independent company in control of the city’s residential and commercial alarm systems.
Before and after his work with the City Attorney, Kyler worked for Congressman Steve Cohen of Memphis, TN. During two nonconsecutive internships, he gained valuable insight and experience into the inner workings of a congressional office both in Washington DC, and in the district. He gained invaluable experience in the legislative process and basic administrative duties setting him up for his first full-time position with Congressman Cohen as a Staff Assistant in his Washington DC office.
During his tenure as Staff Assistant, Kyler was placed in charge of the Congressman’s internship program where he hired, managed, and set pay for 7 consecutive intern classes. Kyler is proud to have helped dozens of his interns secure full-time employment on Capitol Hill. He was also responsible for the Congressman’s Housing, Education, and Agriculture legislative portfolios. He worked closely with the Legislative Director to write, get co-sponsors and endorsements for, and introduce multiple bills and resolutions to support the Congressman’s legislative agenda in those three areas.
Since March of 2023, Kyler has worked for Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager Dove representing California’s 37th Congressional District as her Legislative Assistant. He holds a portfolio including Housing and Financial Services, Health, Transportation and Infrastructure, Education, Small business, and Labor. He is also responsible for the Congresswoman’s work on the Congressional Foster Youth Caucus and the Congressional Renters Caucus. Kyler has worked to introduce multiple bills and resolutions on behalf of the Congresswoman. He is most proud of a resolution he wrote honoring the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop, which was signed by Senator Chuck Schumer, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and almost 40 additional members of Congress. In addition to his official work, Kyler also served as the Secretary for the Congressional Black Associates for two years, a Congressional staff association dedicated to the political, social, and economic advancement and mentorship of Black staffers on Capitol Hill. Kyler is passionate about uplifting the Black community in politics and creating a space for young politically minded individuals to thrive and become senior staff members and leaders.
