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T. L. Harris
Office history
Current office and 2026 campaign
T. L. Harris is the Democratic nominee for the Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board of Education, District 6, on the August 6, 2026 county general-election ballot 12. He won the District 6 Democratic primary on May 5, 2026 by a margin of fewer than 200 votes and faces independent candidate Frederick Tappan in the general election 12.
Background
Harris has lived in the Whitehaven neighborhood of Memphis for more than 30 years 1.
Career
Harris formerly worked as a Memphis police officer 1. He later led five community centers for the "Memphis Gun Down" summer youth-violence-prevention program across neighborhoods including Frayser and Raleigh over three years, focused on programming and security to reduce youth crime 1. Harris says he currently works as chief financial officer of a business he identifies as Wallhaven Family Healthcare; Chalkbeat reported it was unable to locate an online presence or records for that business 1.
Legislative record and accomplishments
Harris's stated priorities include installing cameras in MSCS classrooms for security and to identify instructional "blind spots," strengthening early literacy instruction, and expanding tutoring for struggling readers 1. On classroom cameras he said, "Why wouldn't you have a camera in the classroom if you want to really know what's going on?" 1
Documented disputes and controversies
According to Chalkbeat, "In 2006, Harris pleaded guilty to a felony drug charge while employed as a police officer," a conviction documented in federal court records; he has since had his civil rights restored, making him eligible to run for office 1.
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)
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State offices (Governor, TN Senate, TN House, State Executive Committee, statewide judiciary) —
Tennessee Registry of Election Finance.
Click Search for Candidates and PACs, enter last name “Harris”, and submit.
US House, US Senate, and Presidential candidates file with the FEC — see the federal section below. - 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 (“Harris”).
Tennessee — statement of interest
- Required for state and local officials and candidates — Tennessee Ethics Commission Conflict of Interest Search. Enter last name “Harris”and, if needed, select the applicable position.