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Samuel B Nelson
Office history
Samuel Nelson is a Democratic candidate running for Shelby County Commissioner District 10 in Tennessee [3]. He appears on the ballot for the Democratic primary scheduled for May 5, 2026 [3]. The general election for this office is set for August 6, 2026 [3]. Nelson is one of five candidates in the Democratic primary, alongside John Bradley, Rebecca Edwards, Lashanta Rudd, and Brandon Washington [3]. Another candidate, Gregory Holmes, withdrew from the race [3].
Nelson identifies himself as Samuel B. Nelson and states he was born and raised in the Bethel Grove and Orange Mound neighborhoods [3]. He describes his professional background as a minister, small business owner, and community leader [3]. According to his campaign website, he has built multiple successful businesses that created jobs and launched community programs [3].
Nelsonโs stated reasons for running include a desire to ensure District 10 has safe communities where youth have opportunities and families feel secure, as well as promoting economic growth that supports small businesses and creates good-paying jobs [3]. He also emphasizes the need for clean, vibrant neighborhoods [3]. His campaign materials characterize his approach as focusing on action rather than politics or empty promises [3]. Nelson has not completed Ballotpediaโs Candidate Connection survey [3].
It is important to distinguish this candidate from other individuals named Samuel Nelson. One such individual was an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court who served from 1845 to 1872 and died in 1873 [2]. That historical figure received his undergraduate degree from Middlebury College in 1813 and was nominated by President John Tyler [2]. The current candidate for Shelby County Commissioner is a contemporary political figure in Tennessee, not the 19th-century jurist.
Sources
- [1] Samuel Nelson - Ballotpedia
- [2] Samuel Nelson (U.S. Supreme Court)
- [3] Samuel Nelson (Tennessee)
- [4] Tennessee elections, 2026 - Ballotpedia
- [5] Tennessee gubernatorial election, 2026 - Ballotpedia
- [6] United States Senate election in Tennessee, 2026 - Ballotpedia
- [7] Candidate Lists | Tennessee Secretary of State
- [8] 2026 Election United States Senate - Tennessee - FEC.gov
- [9] 2026 Election United States House - Tennessee - District 05 - FEC.gov
- [10] 2026 United States House of Representatives elections in Tennessee - Wikipedia
- [11] Tennessee Senate Race 2026 | Republican Candidates
Public filings
Candidates and officeholders are required by law to file campaign finance reports and statements of economic interest. The sites below don't support direct links to an individual record โ search by last name on each.
Tennessee โ Shelby County campaign finance (Shelby County Commissioner, Dist. 10)
- Nelson, Samuel - CFD - Pre-Primary 2026 โ filed 04/29/26
- Nelson, Samuel B. - CFD - 1st Quarter 2026 โ filed 04/10/26
- Nelson, Samuel B., Appointment of Treasurer 2026 (New).pdf โ filed 02/05/26
- Nelson, Samuel B., CFD Year-End 2025 - Revision โ filed 01/31/26
- Nelson, Samuel - CFD Year-End 2025 โ filed 01/31/26
- Nelson, Samuel B., Appointment of Treasurer 2026.pdf โ filed 08/22/25
Tennessee โ campaign finance (search)
- State offices (Governor, US Senate, US Rep, TN Senate, TN House, State Executive Committee) โ Tennessee Registry of Election Finance. Click Search for Candidates and PACs, enter last name “Nelson”, and submit.
Tennessee โ statement of interest
- Required for state and local officials and candidates โ Tennessee Ethics Commission Conflict of Interest Search. Enter last name “Nelson”and, if needed, select the applicable position.