Assemblyman Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale) is a retired California Highway Patrol Sergeant and former special education teacher who has represented the High Desert and Antelope Valley region in the State Assembly since 2014 [1,2]. A lifelong public servant shaped by nearly three decades in law enforcement and a career in education, Lackey has earned recognition as Legislator of the Year from the California Police Chiefs Association, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and Easter Seals for his steadfast commitment to public safety, combating impaired driving, and advocating for individuals with developmental disabilities [1,3,5]. With a 69% CFC Biblical Values Scorecard rating, Lackey has demonstrated alignment with the California Family Council's worldview framework on several core priorities including limited government (Chapter 11) and family-centered policy (Chapter 3).
Thomas W. Lackey was born on March 12, 1959, and grew up in the small town of Boron, California, in Kern County, where his father was a dentist [1,2]. As a young man, Lackey earned the rank of Eagle Scout and was active in student government at Boron High School, from which he graduated in 1977 [1,2]. After completing a two-year mission for his church, he earned an associate degree from Ricks College (now BYU-Idaho) in 1982 and a bachelor's degree in special education from Utah State University in 1984 [1,2,4]. These formative experiences -- scouting, faith-based service, and education -- laid the foundation for a career defined by dedication to community and family.
Lackey began his professional career as an elementary special education teacher, working with children with developmental disabilities [2,3]. In 1985, he transitioned to law enforcement when he was hired as an officer with the California Highway Patrol. Over the next 28 years, Lackey served the communities of Los Angeles, El Cajon, Baldwin Park, and the Antelope Valley, eventually retiring at the rank of Sergeant in 2014 [1,2,3]. During his CHP tenure, he also served on the Antelope Valley Crime Task Force, gaining firsthand experience with the public safety challenges facing his region [2,4].
Before seeking state office, Lackey served in local government, first as a Trustee on the Palmdale Elementary School Board and then as a member of the Palmdale City Council, to which he was elected in 2005 [1,2,4]. While on the City Council, he served as a city appointee to the California Contract Cities Association, the Antelope Valley Transit Authority Board, and the Antelope Valley Human Relations Task Force [2]. In 2014, Lackey won election to the California State Assembly representing the 36th District in one of the most expensive Assembly races that cycle, defeating his opponent with 60 percent of the vote in a contest that saw combined spending of $2.2 million [1,2].
His 78.4% Biblical Values Scorecard rating across 104 scored floor votes demonstrates strong alignment with CFC's worldview framework, reflecting consistent support for the sanctity of human life, parental authority in education, and religious liberty protections.
In the Assembly, Lackey has built a legislative record firmly rooted in public safety, child protection, and fiscal responsibility -- priorities that align closely with the values of California families. He co-authored the landmark Medical Marijuana Safety and Regulation Act (AB 266) in 2015, demonstrating a willingness to work across party lines on pragmatic solutions [2,5]. His AB 1406, signed into law by Governor Newsom, requires peace officers to holster tasers on the opposite side of their firearm, a commonsense measure to prevent accidental fatal shootings that received unanimous bipartisan support [3,5].
