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Jim Newsom
Office history
Current office and 2026 campaign
Jim Newsom serves as Chancellor of Part 2 of the Chancery Court for the Thirtieth Judicial District in Tennessee, which covers Shelby County 2. Governor Bill Lee appointed him to the position in July 2024 as special judge during the disability status of Chancellor Jim Kyle 3.
He is a candidate in the 2026 election for the unexpired term as Chancellor of Part 2 1. As of May 2026, he remains on the ballot, with the contest still pending.
Background and education
Newsom grew up in Memphis. He earned his bachelor's degree from Rhodes College in 1976 and his Juris Doctor from Vanderbilt Law School in 1979 45.
Legal career
Newsom practiced at the Memphis firm Hanover, Walsh, Jalenak & Blair, PLLC from 1979 to 2004, becoming a member of the firm in 1985 5. He then joined the successor firm Harris Shelton Hanover Walsh, PLLC in 2005 and remained there until his appointment to the Chancery bench in 2015 5.
From November 2010 through January 2015 he also served as Special Master of the Chancery Court for the 30th Judicial District 5.
After leaving Chancery Part III in 2016, then-Tennessee Attorney General Herbert Slatery named him Special Counsel for the Memphis office of the Attorney General 6.
Office history
Governor Bill Haslam appointed Newsom as Chancellor of Part III of the Chancery Court for the Thirtieth Judicial District in September 2015 5. He served in that role through 2016 2.
In July 2024, Governor Bill Lee appointed him to Chancellor of Part 2 of the same court, the office he currently holds 237.
Community involvement
Newsom is an elder and trustee at Riveroaks Reformed Presbyterian Church and a member of the Downtown Memphis Kiwanis Club. He is an Eagle Scout through the Boy Scouts of America 5.
Sources
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 — 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 “Newsom”, and submit.
- County and municipal offices (County Mayor, Commissioner, Sheriff, School Board, court clerks, municipal alderman, etc.) — most major TN counties use the EasyVote portal. Select the relevant county and search by candidate name (“Newsom”).
Tennessee — statement of interest
- Required for state and local officials and candidates — Tennessee Ethics Commission Conflict of Interest Search. Enter last name “Newsom”and, if needed, select the applicable position.