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Will Richardson
Office history
Career and Professional Life
Will Richardson is a lifelong Memphian who has worked as an entrepreneur and business owner in Shelby County, Tennessee (About Will - Will Richarson). He founded and operates multiple businesses, including a home healthcare company that provides services to the elderly and disabled across the county (Meet Will Richardson for State Representative District 86 - Memphis Urban League; About Will - Will Richarson). Per his campaign site, he has spent decades mentoring youth and coaching sports, as well as organizing community aid efforts such as water deliveries during crises (About Will - Will Richarson). He is also a founding leader of Men of Impact, an initiative focused on mentoring young men and fostering fatherhood (About Will - Will Richarson).
Military Service and Personal Life
Richardson is a decorated veteran of the United States Marine Corps (Meet Will Richardson for State Representative District 86 - Memphis Urban League; About Will - Will Richarson). He was raised by a single mother in North Memphis, where he learned values of hard work and perseverance (About Will - Will Richarson). He identifies as a husband, father, and grandfather (Meet Will Richardson for State Representative District 86 - Memphis Urban League; About Will - Will Richarson).
Public Service and Political History
Richardson has sought elected office in Tennessee at both the state and county levels. In 2019, he ran for Shelby County Board of Commissioners District 8 (Ballotpedia.org/Will Richardson). He later ran for Tennessee House of Representatives District 86, finishing fourth in the special Democratic primary held on January 24, 2023, with 8.1% of the vote (Ballotpedia.org/Will Richardson). He is currently running for Shelby County Board of Commissioners District 8, appearing on the ballot for the Democratic primary scheduled for May 5, 2026 (Ballotpedia.org/Will Richardson).
Campaign Themes and Platform
His campaign platform, titled "The Will to Lead," focuses on three core areas: public safety, education, and economic empowerment (About Will - Will Richarson). Regarding public safety, he advocates for community-based policing, conflict resolution education for youth, and replacing the aging county jail with a modern facility (About Will - Will Richarson). On education, he supports early childhood programs, improved literacy, and the return of vocational and trade programs (About Will - Will Richarson; The Will to Lead). Economically, he emphasizes revitalizing downtown Memphis, supporting minority-owned businesses, and holding corporations accountable for job creation (About Will - Will Richarson). He also champions government transparency and open meetings (The Will to Lead; Just My Memphis).
Endorsements
Richardson received an endorsement from ChangeTN during the 2023 election cycle (Ballotpedia.org/Will Richardson). He also secured support from the Memphis Urban League for his bid
Statement of interest (Tennessee Ethics Commission)
No statement of interest filing found as of 2026-04-25. Search the Tennessee Ethics Commission Statement of Interest Search.
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 — search by last name on each.
Tennessee — Shelby County campaign finance (Shelby County Commissioner, Dist. 8)
- Richardson, Will - CFD Year-End 2025 — filed 02/02/26
- Richardson, Will - Appointment of Treasurer 2026.pdf — filed 07/08/25
Tennessee — campaign finance (search)
- State offices (Governor, US Senate, US Rep, TN Senate, TN House, State Executive Committee) — Tennessee Registry of Election Finance. Click Search for Candidates and PACs, enter last name “Richardson”, and submit.
Tennessee — statement of interest
- Required for state and local officials and candidates — Tennessee Ethics Commission Conflict of Interest Search. Enter last name “Richardson”and, if needed, select the applicable position.