{"campaigns":[{"candidatename":"Michalyn Easter-Thomas","chatgptsummary":"Michalyn Easter-Thomas was elected to the Memphis City Council District 7 seat in November 2019. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History with minors in Political Science and Peace Studies from Christian Brothers University, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Columbia University, and an Education Specialist degree in Principalship from Arkansas State University. She is currently a Doctoral student at Vanderbilt University. Easter-Thomas founded the Our Grass Our Roots Nonprofit Organization, which focuses on community transformation in North Memphis. She serves on boards and leadership teams for various organizations and non-profits in the Memphis area. She is the Chair for the Personnel and Government Affairs committee and the Vice Chair of the Housing and Community Development committee.","notes":"https://www.michalynformemphis.com/meet-michalyn","party":"","person":{"biography":"Michalyn Easter-Thomas was elected to the Memphis City Council District 7 seat in November 2019.\n\nMichalyn C.S. Easter-Thomas is a native North Memphian. She is the daughter of Cassondra Love-White and the late William Michael Easter (2014). After matriculating through the Memphis City School system, Michalyn took her educational quest to a new level at Christian Brothers University, graduating Cum Laude with her Bachelor of Arts Degree in History with minors in Political Science and Peace Studies in May of 2013. Yet, this proved to be a mere stepping stone for Michalyn, as she took her educational pursuit to the next level as she received her Master of Arts in Teaching from the Columbia University of New York. Michalyn took a step further and received her Education Specialist degree in Principalship from Arkansas State University. Councilwoman Easter-Thomas is currently a Doctoral student at Vanderbilt University.\n\nAside from public education, Councilwoman Easter-Thomas discovered another calling on her life: to partner with residents in the transformation of the North Memphis community. With this in mind, she founded Our Grass Our Roots Nonprofit Organization(OGOR), a grassroots movement centered around the North Memphis community, informing the community of resources, resisting gentrification and advancing the community and individuals of the community.\n\nHer commitment to community is evident through her service with other organizations. She serves on boards and leadership teams for various organizations and non-profits in the Memphis area.\n\nIn her private time, Michalyn enjoys visiting Memphis museums and parks with her younger sibling. Michalyn has been joined in happy and holy matrimony to Darren L. Thomas II since September 2017.\n\nMichalyn serves as the Chair for Personnel and Government Affairs committee. She also serves as the Vice Chair of Housing and Community Development committee.","firstname":"Michalyn","lastname":"Easter-Thomas","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"asdf7"},"token":"michalyn_easter_thomas"},{"candidatename":"Dee Reed","chatgptsummary":"Unfortunately, without access to the provided Facebook profile, it is not possible to evaluate Dee Reed's education, work history, or suitability for the elected position of Memphis City Council District 7.","notes":"https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094758940109","party":"","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nDee Reed ran as a candidate for Memphis City Council District 7 in the October 5, 2023 municipal election, one of seven candidates in the field alongside incumbent Michalyn Easter-Thomas [1].\n\n## Career\nReed works in the accounting department at Wesley Living and has interned in city government, specifically in the parks division. She has also worked in the city's summer camp programs [1].\n\n## Sources\n\n- [1] [Council District 7 race crowded with Easter-Thomas challengers \u2013 Daily Memphian](https://dailymemphian.com/article/38362/memphis-city-council-district-7-race-crowded) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-20","firstname":"Dee","lastname":"Reed","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"4vOekfcgLR"},"token":"dee_reed"},{"candidatename":"Austin Rowe","chatgptsummary":"Based on the information provided, Austin Rowe is a fourth-generation Memphian who has a background in Political Science from the University of Memphis. He has played a significant role in founding organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community and has been involved in various committees focused on governmental affairs, diversity and inclusion, and urban planning. Rowe is also the Principal Broker and owner of ROWE-REALTORS\u00ae, leveraging his expertise in real estate to contribute to the development of Memphis. Overall, his deep connections within the community and commitment to creating positive change make him a respected leader in the city.","notes":"https://www.facebook.com/roweformemphis\nhttps://www.roweformemphis.com/","party":"","person":{"biography":"[https://www.roweformemphis.com/](https://www.roweformemphis.com/)\n\nAustin Rowe is a prominent figure in the Memphis community, known for his diverse range of accomplishments and contributions. As a fourth-generation Memphian, he has deep roots in the city and has dedicated himself to making a positive impact on its social and economic fabric.\n\nAustin began his educational journey in the Shelby County Schools system, which provided him with a solid foundation for his future endeavors. He pursued his passion for Political Science at the University of Memphis, where he honed his critical thinking skills and developed a deep understanding of the political landscape.\n\nDriven by a commitment to champion inclusivity and economic growth, Austin embarked on a journey to create opportunities for the LGBTQ+ community. He played a pivotal role in founding the MidSouth LGBT Chamber of Commerce, an organization aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and economic empowerment for LGBTQ+ individuals and businesses in the region. Austin also served as a founding board director of the National LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance. Through this organization, he continues to work to advocate for the rights and interests of LGBTQ+ individuals within the real estate industry.\n\nIn addition to his professional achievements, Austin has consistently demonstrated his dedication to the Memphis community through his volunteer work and philanthropy. He has generously given his time and resources to support various causes, contributing to the betterment of the city he calls home.\n\nAs the Principal Broker and owner of ROWE-REALTORS\u00ae, Austin leverages his expertise in real estate to provide top-notch services to clients while also actively engaging in various committees focused on governmental affairs, diversity and inclusion, and urban planning. Through his involvement in these committees, Austin actively contributes to shaping the future of Memphis and ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities are heard and represented.\n\nWith a strong affinity for Memphis, Austin has resided in the area for over a three decades. His intimate knowledge of the city and his deep connections within the community make him a valuable asset in both real estate and community development initiatives.\n\nAustin Rowe exemplifies a commitment to creating positive change in Memphis. Through his advocacy, entrepreneurial endeavors, volunteer work, and dedication to community development, he has established himself as a respected leader and influential figure within the city's landscape.","firstname":"Austin","lastname":"Rowe","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"7KKbe41uBg"},"token":"austin_rowe"},{"candidatename":"Jarrett \"JP\" Parks","chatgptsummary":"Based on the limited information provided, Jarrett \"JP\" Parks is a candidate for the elected position of Memphis City Council District 7. He currently works at the Shelby County Sheriff's Office and studied at Memphis State University. He attended Hillcrest High School in Memphis, Tennessee and is a resident of Memphis. Without further details on his work experience or specific qualifications, it is difficult to assess his suitability for the job as mayor of a large city.","notes":"https://www.facebook.com/parks4district7","party":"","person":{"biography":"https://www.facebook.com/parks4district7\n\nWorks at Shelby County Sheriff's Office\n\nStudied at Memphis State University\n\nWent to Hillcrest High School (Memphis, Tennessee)\n\nLives in Memphis, Tennessee\n\nFrom Memphis, Tennessee","firstname":"Jarrett","lastname":"Parks","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"HFLUSblvsT"},"token":"jarrett_jp_parks"},{"candidatename":"Larry Springfield","chatgptsummary":"Larry Springfield is a candidate running for the elected position of Memphis City Council District 7. The information available on his Facebook page and Ballotpedia profile is limited, providing no substantive information about his education or work history. Without this information, it is difficult to evaluate his suitability for the job as mayor of a large city.","notes":"https://ballotpedia.org/Larry_Springfield\n","party":"","person":{"biography":"[https://www.facebook.com/LarryforDistrict7/](https://www.facebook.com/LarryforDistrict7/)\n\n[https://www.facebook.com/larry.springfield/](https://www.facebook.com/larry.springfield/)\n\n[https://ballotpedia.org/Larry_Springfield](https://ballotpedia.org/Larry_Springfield)\n\n\n**Education**\n\nNorthside High School\n\nVirginia Union University\n\n\n","firstname":"Larry","lastname":"Springfield","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"8xPEX2qxj3"},"token":"larry_springfield"},{"candidatename":"Edward Douglas","chatgptsummary":"Based on the limited information provided, Edward Douglas studied Business Economics at the University of Memphis and currently resides in Memphis, Tennessee. No further details are available regarding his work history or previous offices held. Without additional information, it is difficult to assess his suitability for the elected position of Memphis City Council District 7.","notes":"https://www.facebook.com/edward.douglas.73","party":"","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nEdward Douglas ran for Memphis City Council District 7 in the October 5, 2023 Memphis municipal election, one of seven candidates in the field alongside incumbent Michalyn Easter-Thomas [1].\n\n## Career\nDouglas is the operations manager and student coach for the University of Memphis men's basketball team, according to his LinkedIn page, and recently graduated with a degree in business economics [1]. He sought an appointment \u2014 which he did not receive \u2014 to one of three open Memphis City Council seats in 2018, when three sitting council members won county government offices [1].\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Council District 7 race crowded with Easter-Thomas challengers \u2013 Daily Memphian](https://dailymemphian.com/article/38362/memphis-city-council-district-7-race-crowded) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-20","firstname":"Edward","lastname":"Douglas","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"qPBT868fAa"},"token":"edward_douglas"},{"candidatename":"Jimmy Hassan","chatgptsummary":"Unfortunately, without being able to access the provided link, it is not possible to evaluate Jimmy Hassan's education, work history, or suitability for the position of Memphis City Council District 7.","notes":"https://www.facebook.com/hassannfor7/","party":"","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nJimmy Hassann ran for Memphis City Council District 7 in both 2019 and 2023. In 2023, he forced incumbent Michalyn Easter-Thomas into a runoff election, which Easter-Thomas ultimately won.\n\n## Career\n\nHassann has owned Fashion Corner Men's Store in the Hollywood-Chelsea area of North Memphis for approximately 26 years. He has been an organizer of the African American Peoples Convention, through which he has worked to support African American candidates in Memphis city leadership races.\n\n## Sources\n\n- [1] [Candidate Profile: Jimmy Hassann \u2013 Tri-State Defender](https://tri-statedefender.com/candidate-profile-jimmy-hassann-candidate-for-city-council-district-7/12/30/)\n- [2] [Council District 7 Race \u2013 Daily Memphian](https://dailymemphian.com/article/38362/memphis-city-council-district-7-race-crowded)","firstname":"Jimmy","lastname":"Hassann","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"khgk0YUqJ6"},"token":"jimmy_hassan"}],"choices":null,"description":"","district":"7","districtgroup":"memphis_city_council","districtgroupname":"Memphis City Council","districtname":"District 7","job_type":"city_council","o.office":"city_council_district_7","office":"city_council_district_7","officedescription":"A city council member (alderman in some towns) serves on the municipality's legislative body, approving the city budget, setting the tax rate, and passing ordinances and resolutions. Members represent a district or the city at large.","officequalities":"- Policy judgment on Memphis-specific matters \u2014 budget, ordinances, MPD oversight, land-use, code enforcement, infrastructure \u2014 within the Memphis Charter and Tennessee municipal law.\n- Budget literacy: the 13-member Council approves the annual city budget and sets the city property-tax rate.\n- Legislative process: drafting, amending, and voting on ordinances and resolutions; committee work that precedes full-council action.\n- Constituent relations in a single-member district of roughly 90,000 residents \u2014 case-work, neighborhood issues, council-district services.\n- Memphis-specific issue depth: MLGW, MATA, EDGE incentives, blight, and the city's relationship with Shelby County government.","officeterm":4,"officetitle":"Memphis City Council District 7","partisan":0,"pgr":"general","quantity":1,"referendum":"","source":null,"title":"Memphis City Council District 7"}