{"campaigns":[{"candidatename":"Floyd Bonner","chatgptsummary":"Floyd Bonner Jr. is the current Shelby County Sheriff and has been in office since 2018. He has a long history in law enforcement, starting his career with the Shelby County Sheriff's Office in 1980 and working his way up through the ranks. Bonner has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Memphis and has attended the Police Leadership Graduate Program at the University of Louisville. He has extensive experience in leadership and development within law enforcement and jail operations. Bonner is involved in various professional organizations and sits on the Board of Directors at the Family Safety Center. He is married with two sons and three grandchildren. Overall, based on the information provided, Bonner appears to have a strong background in law enforcement and leadership, making him a suitable candidate for the position of Memphis Mayor.","notes":"https://electfloydbonner.com/","party":"","person":{"biography":"Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr. was sworn into office as the 47th sheriff of Shelby County in 2018. He was re-elected as Sheriff on August 4, 2022.\n\nFloyd Bonner, Jr. is a lifelong resident of Memphis and Shelby County. As a second-generation law enforcement officer, Floyd Bonner followed the career path of his father who retired from the Memphis Police Department and the Shelby County Sheriff\u2019s Office. He grew up understanding the importance of serving the community as this was engrained in him by his parents.\n\n\n\nAs a proud graduate of Hillcrest High School, Floyd Bonner prepared for a career in law enforcement. He successfully earned an Associate degree in Psychology from Jackson State Community College in Tennessee. Later, he completed his academic studies at the University of Memphis earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice. While handling the job as the Chief Deputy, he attended the Police Leadership Graduate Program (Southern Police Institute) at the University of Louisville where he was recognized as a Dean\u2019s Scholar.\n\nFloyd Bonner\u2019s law enforcement career began with the Shelby County Sheriff\u2019s Office in 1980 as a Deputy Sheriff in the Jail Division. He served in the Uniformed Patrol Division and Narcotics Division where he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and later as Lieutenant. In 2001, he was promoted to Captain where he served as the Commander of Patrol Services, the Narcotics Bureau and Internal Affairs. In 2008, he was promoted to the rank of Inspector and served as the Commander of Patrol Support Services which includes Traffic Investigations, Motors, DUI, Reserves, Emergency Services and Volunteer Services. In 2010, he was appointed by Sheriff Bill Oldham to Assistant Chief Deputy where he commanded both the Patrol and the Patrol Support Service Bureau. He transferred to the Civil Process/Levy Squad and Court Services Division consisting of 41 courts within Shelby County in 2012. In August 2015, Sheriff Oldham appointed Floyd Bonner to Chief Deputy, second in command over all law enforcement and jail operations. Floyd Bonner has worked and commanded in every supervisory rank position within the Shelby County Sheriff\u2019s Office.\n\nThroughout his career, he has proven to have extensive experience in leadership and development within law enforcement and jail operations. Sheriff Bonner is a member of the Tennessee Sheriff\u2019s Association, the International Chiefs of Police, and the Memphis Metropolitan Areas of Chiefs of Police. He sits on the Board of Directors at the Family Safety Center as well as the Coordinated Response to Elder Abuse team (CREA). Sheriff Bonner is on the Legislative Committee and the SAVIN Committee with the Tennessee Sheriff\u2019s Association. Floyd Bonner, Jr. and his wife, Audrey, have been married for 40 years. They have two sons, Trey and Elliot. He has always enjoyed spending time with family and he coached youth football when his sons were growing up. He now enjoys spending time with his three grandchildren.","firstname":"Floyd","lastname":"Bonner","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"4gkQvryba1"},"token":"floyd_bonner"},{"candidatename":"Michelle McKissack","chatgptsummary":"Michelle McKissack is a candidate running for mayor of Memphis. She has a strong background in journalism, having worked as a news anchor and reporter for 20 years. She also has experience in education, having served as a School Board Commissioner for District 1 and Chairwoman of the Board. McKissack has a bachelor's and master's degree in journalism from Northwestern University. She is actively involved in the Memphis community, serving on several boards and holding positions at the state and national level in education organizations. Overall, based on the information provided, McKissack appears to have relevant experience and a passion for her city, making her a suitable candidate for the position of mayor.","notes":"https://michelleformemphis.com/","party":"","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nMichelle Robinson McKissack of the Shelby County School Board of Education, and has served on the Board since 2018. McKissack is an Emmy Award-winning journalist with a passion for helping children and supporting public education. Michelle is the former editor of Memphis Parent magazine where she provided parents with guidance through articles and the tools to promote healthy families. But many local TV news viewers recall her as, \u201cMichelle Robinson, the news lady.\u201d She worked for years in Memphis as a news anchor and reporter at ABC 24, News Channel 3, and even began her broadcast career as an intern at Action News 5. Michelle has also worked as a reporter in Washington, D. C., and Chicago, covering events such as the historic 2008 Democratic National Convention nominating Barack Obama who became the first African American U.S. president.\n\nBorn and raised in Memphis, Michelle attended Campus School, then White Station Middle/High School, graduating in 1987. She received bachelor and master\u2019s degrees in journalism from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.\n\nMichelle married her college sweetheart, John P. McKissack, and they have four children. Her only daughter and youngest child, Bliss, is in the second grade at Downtown Elementary where all of her children attended their neighborhood school. Her sons, Peter and Everett are in 10th and 11th grades, respectively, at White Station High School. Her eldest son, John, attends Yale University after graduating from White Station.\n\nMichelle has enthusiastically served in roles as a room parent, PTA president, and serving on the leadership councils at her children\u2019s schools. She is especially proud of two programs she helped establish at Downtown Elementary, the annual Turkey Trot hosted at AutoZone Park and the Heart 4 Art fundraiser, which have both raised thousands of dollars for art programs and technology improvements at the school. Michelle has also worked to design the school of the 21st century with the XQ Project, and served as a founding board member of Crosstown High School, which opened in August 2018. Over a three-year period to create Crosstown, she helped to develop the curriculum and hire school leaders. Michelle has also served in education at the state level being appointed to several advisory councils including the inaugural Tennessee Board of Education Parent Advisory Council representing Shelby County Schools in 2016-2017. Michelle has been a constant voice for educators, students and their parents and will continue to do so in her role as a member of the Shelby County School Board.\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n- **2026** \u2014 [School Board (SS-8005)](https://conflict.app.tn.gov/conflict/view_form_8005.htm?name=ROBINSON MCKISSACK&id=80168&f=194966&v=1) \u2014 filed as a Shelby County official/candidate\n- **2025** \u2014 [School Board (SS-8005)](https://conflict.app.tn.gov/conflict/view_form_8005.htm?name=ROBINSON MCKISSACK&id=80168&f=189135&v=1) \u2014 filed as a Shelby County official/candidate\n- **2024** \u2014 [School Board (SS-8005)](https://conflict.app.tn.gov/conflict/view_form_8005.htm?name=ROBINSON MCKISSACK&id=80168&f=177242&v=1) \u2014 filed as a Shelby County official/candidate\n\n*Source: [Tennessee Ethics Commission Statement of Interest Search](https://conflict.app.tn.gov/conflict/search.htm). Scraped 2026-04-25.*\n","firstname":"Michelle","lastname":"McKissack","middlename":"Robinson","suffix":null,"token":"hhjfaz0E17"},"token":"michelle_mckissack"},{"candidatename":"Derek Winn","chatgptsummary":"There is no substantive information available about Derek Winn's education, work history, or previous offices held on his Twitter profile. Therefore, it is difficult to evaluate his suitability for the position of Memphis Mayor based on this limited information.","notes":"https://twitter.com/DTWinn_89","party":"","person":{"biography":"[https://twitter.com/DTWinn_89](https://twitter.com/DTWinn_89)\n\n[https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-winn-20b0a5232/details/experience/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-winn-20b0a5232/details/experience/)\n\n[https://wreg.com/news/local/memphis-is-a-dangerous-place-man-with-rifle-on-street-tells-police/](https://wreg.com/news/local/memphis-is-a-dangerous-place-man-with-rifle-on-street-tells-police/)\n\n### Employment ###\n\nBakery Assistant - Hive | Bagel & Deli \u00b7 Part-time (Jun 2023 - Present)\n\nCustomer Experience Specialist - Nutrafol \u00b7 Seasonal (Nov 2022 - Feb 2023)\n\nCX/QA Support Specialist Primary.Health \u00b7 Full-time (Jan 2021 - Jan 2022)\n\n","firstname":"Derek","lastname":"Winn","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"puX6kbuXl9"},"token":"derek_winn"},{"candidatename":"Van Turner","chatgptsummary":"Van Turner is a highly educated and accomplished candidate for the position of Memphis Mayor. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa and magna cum laude from Morehouse College and went on to graduate from the University of Tennessee Law School, where he served as the president of the Black Law Students Association. He has experience working as a law clerk in the United States District Court and currently works as a Partner at Turner Feild, PLLC, specializing in civil litigation, constitutional law, and business litigation. Turner has also been actively involved in various legal organizations and community groups, including serving as President of the Memphis Branch of the NAACP. He has a strong track record of public service, having been elected as a Shelby County Commissioner in 2014 and re-elected in 2018. Additionally, he has been involved in removing Confederate statues from public spaces in Memphis. Overall, Turner's education, legal experience, and community involvement make him a suitable candidate for the position of Memphis Mayor.","notes":"https://www.vanformemphis.com/","party":"","person":{"biography":"[https://www.vanformemphis.com/](https://www.vanformemphis.com/)\n\nVan Turner is a product of the best of Memphis. He is a native of Whitehaven, Memphis and now raises his three children with his junior high sweetheart, Tammie, in the Binghampton neighborhood. Van is a Phi Beta Kappa and magna cum laude graduate of Morehouse College and a graduate of the University of Tennessee Law school where he served as the president of the Black Law Students Association. Van clerked for the Hon. Samuel Hardy Mays, Jr. in United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee. Currently, he is a Partner at Turner Feild, PLLC where he practices civil litigation, constitutional law, and business litigation. He also heads the non-profit that removed the Confederate statues of Nathan B. Forrest and Jefferson Davis from Health Sciences and Memphis Parks.\n\nHe was elected as a Shelby County Commissioner in 2014 and re-elected without opposition in 2018. Van currently serves as President of the Memphis Branch of the NAACP. Van has served on the board of several legal organizations, including the Tennessee Bar Association, the Mississippi Bar Association, and the Memphis Bar Association. Additionally, he has been an active member of the Economic Club of Memphis, the Rotary Club of Memphis, and the Leo Bearman, Sr. American Inns of Court.\n\nFAMILY  \n\nTAMMIE TURNER (Wife)\n\nMALIK, MASAI & MALIA (Children)\n\n EDUCATION   \n\nWHITEHAVEN HIGH SCHOOL\n\nMOREHOUSE COLLEGE\n\nUNIVERSITY OF TN COLLEGE Of LAW","firstname":"Van","lastname":"Turner","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"p7FkMxEjNv"},"token":"van_turner"},{"candidatename":"Kendra C. Calico","chatgptsummary":"Based on the information provided, Kendra C. Calico is currently serving as the President of The World Hunger Trust Fund- Global Christian Trust Fund since April 2020. She has a degree in Psychology from Trevecca Nazarene University, which she obtained in 2020. There is no negative information or previous offices held mentioned in the profile. However, without further information about her work experience or specific qualifications for the position of Memphis Mayor, it is difficult to assess her suitability for the job.","notes":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendra-calico-5a02611a8/","party":"","person":{"biography":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendra-calico-5a02611a8/\n\n\nPresident\nThe World Hunger Trust Fund- Global Christian Trust FundThe World Hunger Trust Fund- Global Christian Trust Fund\nApr 2020 - Present\n\nTrevecca Nazarene University\n Psychology\n2019 - 2020","firstname":"Kendra","lastname":"Calico","middlename":"C.","suffix":null,"token":"cctzmudrCJ"},"token":"kendra_c_calico"},{"candidatename":"Karen Camper","chatgptsummary":"Karen Camper is a candidate for the elected position of Memphis Mayor. She has been a representative for District 87 in Memphis since 2008 and has a background in the U.S. Army, where she served as a Chief Warrant Officer in Intelligence. Camper is also a small business owner and has been elected as the Leader of the Tennessee House Democratic Caucus, making her the first African-American woman or man to hold this position. The information provided does not contain any negative information or allegations of fraud or dishonesty.","notes":"https://www.ready4camper.com/\nhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karen_Camper","party":"","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nKaren Camper is a Democratic member of the Tennessee House of Representatives representing District 87, having assumed office in March 2008 [1][4]. Her current term concludes on November 3, 2026 [1]. Camper serves as the Minority Leader of the Tennessee House of Representatives, a position she first assumed in January 2019 [4]. She is also the chairman of the Shelby County legislative delegation [10].\n\nCamper is seeking re-election to the Tennessee House of Representatives for District 87 [1]. She is scheduled to appear on the ballot in the Democratic primary election on August 6, 2026 [1].\n\n## Background and education\n\nKaren Camper was born on January 15, 1958, in Memphis, Tennessee [3][18]. Her family relocated to Chicago, Illinois, shortly after her birth, where she resided for the first ten years of her life before returning to the Memphis area as a teenager [18]. She attended Southside High School in Memphis [6][18].\n\nCamper\u2019s higher education includes attendance at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and the State University of New York at Albany, where she earned an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree [1][3][4][6][18]. She is also a graduate of the Emerging Leaders Program and the Center for the Advancement of Leadership Skills [3].\n\n## Career\n\nKaren Camper spent 21 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer after serving in Intelligence [3][6][11]. Her military service earned her several decorations, including a Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, an Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, an Army Achievement Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal [6]. She is also a charter member of Women in Military Service for America [6].\n\nPrior to her legislative career, Camper operated Key II Entertainment as a business owner [3]. She has also worked as a substitute teacher in the Memphis City School system [3].\n\n## Office history\n\nKaren Camper was first elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives in a special election held on March 31, 2008, succeeding Gary Rowe[4]. She represents District 87, which covers parts of Memphis in Shelby County[1][2]. Members of the Tennessee House serve two-year terms and are not subject to term limits[2]. Camper assumed office on that date and has been re-elected in subsequent general elections to continue representing the district[1][16].\n\nIn 2018, Camper was elected as the Minority Leader of the Tennessee House of Representatives, succeeding Craig Fitzhugh[4]. She became the first African American to serve as a party leader on Tennessee\u2019s Capitol Hill[13]. As Minority Leader, she oversees the Democratic caucus and serves as the chief spokesperson for the minority party in the chamber[4][11]. Her tenure in this leadership role began in January 2019[4].\n\nIn November 2022, Camper announced her candidacy for Mayor of Memphis, launching a bid to succeed the incumbent mayor[7][14]. She campaigned as the sitting State House Minority Leader and District 87 Representative[14]. The sources do not provide information on the outcome of this mayoral race.\n\nIn addition to her legislative service, Camper has held leadership roles within her delegation. In 2025, she was elected chairman of the Shelby County state legislative delegation, succeeding Sen. Reginald Tate[10]. In this capacity, she represents the interests of Memphis-area legislators in Nashville[10].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nKaren Camper has served in the Tennessee House of Representatives since assuming office on March 31, 2008 [1][4]. She represents District 87, which covers parts of Memphis and Shelby County [2]. During her tenure, she became the first African American to serve as a party leader on Tennessee\u2019s Capitol Hill when she began serving as state House minority leader in 2018 [4][11]. Camper succeeded Craig Fitzhugh in this leadership role [4].\n\nAs Minority Leader, Camper has taken prominent positions on key legislative issues. In 2020, she criticized House Speaker Cameron Sexton\u2019s plans to reduce the autonomy of Shelby County\u2019s Health Department during the COVID-19 pandemic [8]. She also protested Republican redistricting efforts that aimed to redraw the state\u2019s congressional map, which would have removed Tennessee\u2019s only Democratic voice in Washington, D.C. [12]. In January 2025, Camper expressed dissatisfaction with a special legislative session called by Governor Bill Lee, arguing that combining school voucher debates with Hurricane Helene disaster relief required a more comprehensive review [9].\n\nCamper has been recognized for her advocacy on behalf of educators and public schools. The Professional Educators of Tennessee maintains a profile for her, noting her engagement with the organization\u2019s legislative priorities [17]. In 2024, she hosted a \"State to the Streets\" event in Memphis to help residents access state resources, including those related to justice and government services [5].\n\nIn addition to her leadership role, Camper serves as chairman of the Shelby County legislative delegation, a position she was elected to by her colleagues within the delegation [10]. She is also a member of the Tennessee Legislative Black Caucus and the Shelby County Delegation [3]. Her committee assignments are not detailed in the provided sources. While she sponsored legislation during her time in office, specific bill numbers for bills she sponsored are not included in the available records [16].\n\n## Documented disputes and controversies\n\nIn April 2020, House Minority Leader Karen Camper publicly criticized House Speaker Cameron Sexton\u2019s proposal to eliminate the independence of Shelby County\u2019s Health Department during the COVID-19 pandemic [8].\n\nIn November 2022, Camper announced her candidacy for Mayor of Memphis, launching her campaign from the front porch of her grandmother\u2019s home in the Longview Heights neighborhood [7][15]. She stated that she sought the office to address local issues such as street maintenance and public safety [7]. Her bid placed her against other candidates including Shelby County Sheriff Jim Strickland, former Judge Joe Brown, and Downtown Memphis Commission President Paul Young [14][15].\n\nIn 2022, Camper joined U.S. Representative Steve Cohen in protesting Republican redistricting plans at the Tennessee State Capitol, actions that effectively removed the state\u2019s sole Democratic voice from the U.S. House of Representatives [12].\n\nIn January 2025, Camper expressed dissatisfaction with Governor Bill Lee\u2019s call for a special legislative session, arguing that combining discussions on the Education Freedom Act (school vouchers) and immigration policy with Hurricane Helene disaster relief was inappropriate [9].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nCamper has identified herself as a small business owner [6]. In 2007, she co-founded the Humble Hearts Foundation, Inc., serving as its executive director, and was a co-owner and chief financial officer of Key II Entertainment [19]. The Tennessee General Assembly\u2019s official member profile lists her occupation as \"Business Owner\" [3].\n\nSpecific details regarding her family wealth source, ownership stakes in other entities, sales of businesses, or significant financial-disclosure facts are not provided in the available sources.\n\n## Family\n\nKaren Camper is divorced and has one child, Bruce Jr.[3] She is also a small business owner[6].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Karen Camper - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Karen_Camper)\n[2] [Tennessee House of Representatives District 87 - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Tennessee_House_of_Representatives_District_87)\n[3] [Rep. Karen D. Camper - Tennessee General Assembly](https://www.capitol.tn.gov/house/archives/108ga/members/h87.html)\n[4] [Karen Camper - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karen_Camper)\n[5] [Shelby Co | State to the Streets w/ Rep. Karen Camper - Justice For All TN](https://justiceforalltn.org/event/shelby-co-state-to-the-streets-w-rep-karen-camper/)\n[6] [Karen Camper -Higher Heights for America PAC](https://www.higherheightsforamericapac.org/candidate/karen-camper/)\n[7] [TN House Minority Leader Karen Camper announces run for Memphis mayor](https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/politics/tennessee-house-minority-leader-represntative-karen-camper-memphis-mayoral-race/522-800464ba-77b4-4994-bb20-1a8373be225d)\n[8] [Camper blasts House Speaker\u2019s move to cut health department autonomy - Memphis Local, Sports, Business & Food News | Daily Memphian](https://dailymemphian.com/section/metro/article/17251/karen-camper-cameron-sexton-shelby-county-health-department)\n[9] [Shelby County delegation bracing for special legislative session on school vouchers, immigration, and Helene Disaster Relief](https://www.actionnews5.com/2025/01/16/shelby-county-delegation-bracing-special-legislative-session-school-vouchers-immigration-helene-disaster-relief/)\n[10] [Shelby legislative delegation elects Rep. Karen Camper as its new chairman](https://archive.commercialappeal.com/news/government/state/shelby-legislative-delegation-elects-rep-karen-camper-as-its-new-chairman-ep-875950058-324491831.html)\n[11] [Tennessee House Minority Leader Karen Camper to run for Memphis mayor | Chattanooga Times Free Press](https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2022/nov/11/tennessee-house-minority-leader-karen-camper-tfp/)\n[12] [Steve Cohen, Karen Camper protest redistricting at Tennessee Capitol - Memphis Local, Sports, Business & Food News | Daily Memphian](https://dailymemphian.com/article/62621)\n[13] [TN House Democratic Leader, Memphian Karen Camper, Is Ready To Get Down To Business | localmemphis.com](https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/local/tn-house-democratic-leader-memphian-karen-camper-is-ready-to-get-down-to-business/522-76df1458-a159-4d33-8120-846b59ac0b70)\n[14] [House Minority Leader Karen Camper to run for Memphis mayor | AP News](https://apnews.com/3b0fd04810502f20b69aff96ef60b96b)\n[15] [Rep. Camper Returns to Her Roots and Launches Mayoral Bid - The Tennessee Tribune](https://tntribune.com/rep-camper-returns-to-her-roots-and-launches-mayoral-bid/)\n[16] [State Representative Karen Camper | BillTrack50](https://www.billtrack50.com/legislatordetail/4819)\n[17] [TN Legislators - Rep. Karen Camper](https://www.proedtn.org/page/TNlegCamper)\n[18] [Karen Camper \u2014 Grokipedia](https://grokipedia.com/page/Karen_Camper)\n[19] [Karen Camper](https://www.actionnews5.com/story/6845428/karen-camper/)","firstname":"Karen","lastname":"Camper","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"ApZtC7XiZ1"},"token":"karen_camper"},{"candidatename":"James Harvey","chatgptsummary":"Based on the information provided, there is no substantive information available about James Harvey's education, work history, or suitability for the position of Memphis Mayor. The provided links lead to a Flickr profile and a Facebook profile, which do not provide any relevant information about the candidate's qualifications or experience. Without any information on education, work history, or previous offices held, it is difficult to evaluate James Harvey's capabilities for the elected position.","notes":"https://twitter.com/HarveyforMayor\nhttp://www.votejamesharvey.com/","party":"","person":{"biography":"[https://www.flickr.com/people/59810985@N03/](https://www.flickr.com/people/59810985@N03/)\n\n[https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069260377661](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069260377661)\n\n[https://ballotpedia.org/James_Harvey_(Tennessee)](https://ballotpedia.org/James_Harvey_(Tennessee))\n\n[https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-harvey-a1886413b/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-harvey-a1886413b/)\n\n[https://www.harvey4mayor.com/](https://www.harvey4mayor.com/)\n\n\n\n### Employment ###\nShelby County Commissioner (Sep 2006 - Aug 2014)\n\nFedEx Human Resources - recruiter - currently manager - (2016 - present)\n\n### Education ###\nUniversity of Phoenix (2007-2009) BSBM\n","firstname":"James","lastname":"Harvey","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"Ese2GmGFYv"},"token":"james_harvey"},{"candidatename":"Willie Herenton","chatgptsummary":"Willie Herenton is a former American politician who served as the mayor of Memphis, Tennessee from 1991 to 2009. He was the first African American to hold this position in the city. Herenton has a background in education, having worked as a teacher and principal before entering politics. However, there is no information provided about his academic qualifications or the rigor of his degree. While he held the position of mayor for a significant period of time, there is no information available regarding his accomplishments or suitability for the job.","notes":"https://www.facebook.com/wwherenton/\nhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W._W._Herenton\n","party":"","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nWillie Wilbert Herenton served as Memphis Mayor from 1991 to 2009. He returned to run for the office in 2023, finishing third with approximately 22% of the vote behind winner Paul Young and Floyd Bonner.\n\n## Background and education\n\nBorn in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1940, Herenton was raised by his mother and grandmother. An accomplished amateur boxer, he won the Tri-State Boxing Championship four times and held the Kentucky Golden Gloves title before attending LeMoyne College in Memphis for his undergraduate degree. He later earned a doctorate from Southern Illinois University and completed a national fellowship preparing minorities for urban school leadership.\n\n## Career\n\nHerenton became a teacher at 21 and by 28 was named principal of the Memphis elementary school he had attended as a child \u2014 the youngest principal in Memphis history at that time. In 1979, he became the first African American superintendent of Memphis City Schools, a position he held until 1991. That year, he defeated nine-term incumbent Mayor Richard Hackett by just 142 votes \u2014 the closest mayoral election in Memphis history \u2014 becoming the first African American elected mayor of Memphis. He won reelection four more times, serving until he abruptly resigned mid-way through his fifth term in 2009. During his nearly 18 years as mayor, Memphis secured its first major professional sports franchise (the Memphis Grizzlies) and saw significant downtown development.\n\n## Sources\n\n- [1] [W. W. Herenton \u2013 Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W._W._Herenton)\n- [2] [Willie W. Herenton \u2013 BlackPast.org](https://blackpast.org/african-american-history/herenton-willie-w-1941/)\n- [3] [Willie W. Herenton \u2013 Horatio Alger Association](https://horatioalger.org/members/detail/willie-w-herenton/)","firstname":"Willie","lastname":"Herenton","middlename":"Wilbert","suffix":null,"token":"3nOYoRQykF"},"token":"willie_herenton"},{"candidatename":"Reggie Hall","chatgptsummary":"Based on the information provided on Reggie Hall's website, there is no substantive information about his education or work history. The website primarily focuses on his personal experiences growing up in Memphis and his desire to represent the city as mayor. Without any information about his qualifications or relevant experience, it is difficult to evaluate his suitability for the job as mayor of a large city.","notes":"https://www.reggiehallformayor.com/","party":"","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nReggie Hall is a candidate for Tennessee House District 87 in the 2026 election.[1] He has participated in campaign activities focused on community engagement, including attending a Memphis mayoral \"Meet and Greet\" hosted by the non-partisan group Up The Vote 901 in Orange Mound.[1] During this event, Hall spoke alongside other candidates about his platform, addressing topics such as affordable housing, public safety, and fighting blight.[1]\n\n## Sources\n[1] ['Willing to come to communities' | Third Memphis mayoral 'Meet and Greet' held in Orange Mound by Up The Vote 901](https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/local/third-memphis-mayoral-meet-greet-orange-mound-up-the-vote-901-mayor-candidates-paul-young-michelle-mckissack-jw-gibson-reggie-hall-karen-camper-race/522-f3d8b6b9-c6b3-49ac-b7db-b636793c7924)","firstname":"Reggie","lastname":"Hall","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"xD5RxyU3I6"},"token":"reggie_hall"},{"candidatename":"Justina Ragland","chatgptsummary":"The provided LinkedIn profile for Justina Ragland does not contain any information about her education or work history. Therefore, it is not possible to evaluate her suitability for the position of Memphis Mayor based on this limited information.","notes":"","party":"","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nJustina Ragland ran as a nonpartisan candidate for Mayor of Memphis, Tennessee in the October 5, 2023 general election, one of 17 candidates in the race. She received 53 votes (0.06%); Paul Young won the election [1].\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [2023 Memphis mayoral election \u2013 Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Memphis_mayoral_election) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-20\n","firstname":"Justina","lastname":"Ragland","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"3k6QP59obJ"},"token":"justina_ragland"},{"candidatename":"Brandon A. Price","chatgptsummary":"Based on the information provided, Brandon A. Price is a candidate running for the position of Memphis Mayor. However, there is limited substantive information available about his education and work history on the provided sources. The candidate's website does not provide any details about his qualifications or experience, making it difficult to evaluate his suitability for the job as mayor of a large city.","notes":"https://brandonprice4mayor.com/\nhttps://ballotpedia.org/Brandon_Price","party":"","person":{"biography":"[https://ballotpedia.org/Brandon_Price](https://ballotpedia.org/Brandon_Price)\n\n[https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092734520294](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092734520294)\n\n[https://brandonprice4mayor.com/](https://brandonprice4mayor.com/)\n\n[https://justmymemphis.com/view-post/2020](https://justmymemphis.com/view-post/2020)\n\nBrandy Price, also known as Brandon Price, is a transgender black woman running for Mayor of Memphis, Tennessee. She is passionate about the rights of the people and has ambitious plans for the city. Price aims to raise the minimum wage to $27.50 and believes that reparations should be given to every minority group that has suffered, not just those affected by slavery but also those who have been redlined or suffered from pollution and lead poisoning.\n\nPrice has proposed a \"land-back initiative\" that would give city land directly to \"native and indigenous\" Memphians.\n\n### Personal Statement ###\n\nAs the candidate for the next mayor of the city of Memphis, TN, Ms. Brandon Price continues to build on her strong record as a steadfast community organizer & leader who is fiercely committed to making Memphis the best city in the Tennessee and nation to live and work.\n\nMs. Brandon Price was Executive Director of the church Path of the Holy Hands, a member of Black Lives Matter Memphis.\n","firstname":"Brandon","lastname":"Price","middlename":"A.","suffix":null,"token":"Wq6kFk5hW9"},"token":"brandon_a_price"},{"candidatename":"Joe Brown","chatgptsummary":"Joe Brown is a candidate for the elected position of Memphis Mayor. He has a BA in Political Science and a Juris Doctor from UCLA. Brown has worked as an attorney for Legal Services Corporation, the Equal Opportunity Commission, and as the director of the Shelby County Public Defender's office. He was also a state Criminal Court judge from 1990 to 2013 and gained recognition through his reality TV court show, Judge Joe Brown. The information provided suggests that Brown has a strong educational background and extensive experience in the legal field, which could make him a suitable candidate for the position of mayor.","notes":"https://jjb2023.com/","party":"","person":{"biography":"**Judge Joe Brown**\n\nhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Brown_(judge)\n\nhttps://twitter.com/JudgeJoeBrownTV\n\nhttps://www.thejudgejoebrownshow.com/\n\n**Education**\n* Dorsey High School (Los Angeles)\n* UCLA - BA in Political Science\n* UCLA Law School Juris Doctor\n\n**Work**\n* After law school, Joe Brown moved to Memphis to work as an attorney for Legal Services Corporation\n* Equal Opportunity Commission\n* Shelby County Public Defender's office director\n* Elected state Criminal Court judge in 1990\n* 1998-2013 reality TV court show Judge Joe Brown\n\n\n","firstname":"Joseph","lastname":"Brown","middlename":"Blakeney","suffix":"Jr","token":"AIZLNH7rqH"},"token":"joe_brown"},{"candidatename":"Carnita Atwater","chatgptsummary":"Unfortunately, the provided information does not contain any substantive information about Carnita Atwater's education, work history, or previous offices held. The Facebook page provided does not provide any relevant information about the candidate's suitability for the position of Memphis Mayor. Therefore, it is not possible to evaluate the candidate objectively based on the information available.","notes":"https://ballotpedia.org/Carnita_Atwater\nhttps://www.facebook.com/Carnita4Governor/","party":"","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nCarnita Atwater has not held elected or appointed public office [1]. She is a Democratic candidate for Governor of Tennessee, scheduled to appear on the Democratic primary ballot on August 6, 2026; the general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026 [1][10]. On her campaign site, Atwater says she is running \"to change our state's political culture\" under the message \"Make Tennessee Whole Again,\" and states, \"I can be the next governor who can bring Tennesseans back together\" [10][11]. This is Atwater's second run for governor: she previously sought the Democratic nomination in 2022 [3][4], and also ran for Mayor of Memphis in 2023 [5].\n\n## Background and education\n\nAtwater was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi [1]. She has described starting her first business, a lawn-care service, at age 12 in Clarksdale [7]. She graduated from Frayser High School in Memphis and earned a bachelor's degree in community health education and nursing from Murray State University in 1996 [1]. Ballotpedia additionally credits her with a 1998 graduate degree in gerontology, public health administration, and psychology from Austin Peay State University and a 2003 doctorate in public health administration and education from the University of Bristol [1]. She holds a doctorate and is commonly referred to as \"Dr. Carnita Atwater\" in media coverage and public records [1][7].\n\n## Career\n\nPer a campaign profile, Atwater has held titles including dean of medical studies, dean of student affairs, academic dean, medical director, adjunct professor, nursing home administrator, hospital administrator, nurse, and teacher [2]. Beginning in 2003, she began acquiring property in the New Chicago neighborhood of North Memphis [7]. She founded and operates the New Chicago Community Development Corporation (NCCDC) there.\n\n## Office history\n\nAtwater has not held elected or appointed public office [1]. In the August 4, 2022 Tennessee Democratic gubernatorial primary, she finished third behind Jason Martin and J.B. Smiley Jr. Election-night returns reported by the Daily Memphian showed Martin with 96,505 votes (40.82%), Smiley with 36.96%, and Atwater with 22.22%, while votes were still being counted [3]; the final certified count was Martin 101,552 votes (39.39%), Smiley 100,062 votes (38.81%), and Atwater 56,227 votes (21.81%), out of 257,841 votes cast [4]. Martin went on to lose the general election to incumbent Republican Governor Bill Lee. The day after the 2022 primary, Atwater announced via Facebook Live that she planned to run for U.S. president, saying she wanted to be \"the first African-American woman from the state of Tennessee to run for president\" [9]. In 2023, Atwater was one of 17 candidates on the ballot for Mayor of Memphis; she did not win the October 5, 2023 general election, which was won by Paul Young [5][6]. Atwater is a candidate in the 2026 Democratic gubernatorial primary, scheduled for August 6, 2026; that primary has not yet occurred and no results are available [1][10].\n\n## Documented disputes and controversies\n\nIn December 2020, as executive director of the NCCDC, Atwater and roughly six other plaintiffs filed a $10 billion class-action lawsuit in Shelby County Chancery Court, Division 13, later amended to $20 billion, against a group of government officials and entities \u2014 including Governor Bill Lee, then-Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, former Memphis Mayor Mark Luttrell, then-Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland, and the Economic Development Growth Engine (EDGE) board \u2014 alleging \"genocide due to noninvestment in the New Chicago neighborhood\" and \"continued generations of neglect\" [8].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nAtwater owns and operates the New Chicago Community Development Corporation, housed in a two-story building in the New Chicago neighborhood of Memphis that also contains the Kukutana African-American History and Culture Museum, a collection of African-American historical artifacts she has assembled over roughly 30 years. The NCCDC rents its event space for $600 and hosts free community meals [7].\n\n## Sources\n\n1. [Carnita Atwater - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Carnita_Atwater)\n2. [Carnita Atwater's Historic Run: A Vision for Tennessee's Future - JR Robinson](https://www.justmymemphis.com/view-post/3061)\n3. [Martin beats Smiley, Atwater in Democratic primary for governor - Daily Memphian](https://dailymemphian.com/article/30138/tennessee-democratic-gubernatorial-race-general-assembly-congress-jason-martin-carnita-atwater-jb-smiley) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-06\n4. [2022 Tennessee gubernatorial election - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Tennessee_gubernatorial_election) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-06\n5. [Here's who else is running to be Memphis' next mayor - Daily Memphian](https://dailymemphian.com/article/37656/memphis-mayor-2023-election-joe-brown-carnita-atwater)\n6. [2023 Memphis mayoral election - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Memphis_mayoral_election) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-06\n7. [Carnita Atwater's Hidden History - Memphis Flyer](https://www.memphisflyer.com/carnita-atwaters-hidden-history)\n8. [Officials from \"New Chicago\" Neighborhood file $20B Lawsuit - Tennessee Tribune](https://tntribune.com/new-chicago-cdc-files-20b-lawsuit/) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-06\n9. [Dr. Carnita Atwater Plans White House Run After Failed Governor's Race - Tennessee Tribune](https://tntribune.com/atwater-plans-white-house-run-after-failed-governors-race/)\n10. [Atwater for Governor 2026](https://www.atwater4governor.com/) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-06\n11. [Carnita Atwater for Tennessee governor 2026 - Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/carnita.atwater/posts/i-can-be-the-next-governor-who-can-bring-tennesseans-back-together-make-tennesse/10233220165995236/)","firstname":"Carnita","lastname":"Atwater","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"yC0CVBFylQ"},"token":"carnita_atwater"},{"candidatename":"Paul A. Young","chatgptsummary":"Based on the information provided, Paul A. Young has a background in economic and community development, currently serving as the President and CEO of the Downtown Memphis Commission. He has a passion for building a Memphis that works for all residents and has experience in bridging divides through public and private partnerships. Young emphasizes the importance of strategic investments in public safety, infrastructure, and the potential of the city's people. There is no negative information or allegations of fraud or dishonesty mentioned.","notes":"https://www.youngformemphis.com/","party":"","person":{"biography":"[https://www.youngformemphis.com/](https://www.youngformemphis.com/)\n\n[https://www.reddit.com/r/memphis/comments/16yyhbl/im_paul_young_candidate_for_mayor_of_memphis_ama/](https://www.reddit.com/r/memphis/comments/16yyhbl/im_paul_young_candidate_for_mayor_of_memphis_ama/)\n\n\n### Personal Statement ###\n\nPaul Young spent the last decade improving the quality of life in Memphis by advancing housing security and fostering healthy neighborhoods where families can thrive.\nPaul currently leads major economic and community development efforts as President and CEO of the Downtown Memphis Commission. Memphis has grown under Paul\u2019s leadership and our economy is stronger, but moving the city forward requires strategic investments in public safety, infrastructure, and the potential of our greatest asset \u2013 our people.\n\n\nA Memphis that works for everyone\nGrowing up in the Oakhaven neighborhood, Paul learned at an early age that there were two Memphises \u2013 one ripe with opportunity and prosperity, and another lacking resources and safe neighborhoods.\nDetermined to bridge this divide, Paul pursued a career focused on building a Memphis that works for every resident. Leading the Downtown Memphis Commission and the City of Memphis Division of Housing and Community Development, Paul applied a holistic approach to unifying the city through public and private partnerships and targeted investments in our future.\n\n\nA legacy of servant leadership\nPaul developed a passion for service through the selfless example of his parents Bishop William and Pastor Dianne Young.\nThey witnessed firsthand the challenges facing our city through their ministry at Memphis Healing Center. Their courage and willingness to stand in the trenches and confront those challenges shaped Paul\u2019s approach toward servant leadership. Building a better Memphis requires a mayor who is accessible and responsive to your needs, and Paul is committed to standing in the gap and shouldering the burdens of others.\n\nA vision for Memphis\nPaul and his wife Dr. Jamila Smith-Young were born and raised in Memphis, and today they are proud to raise their two kids here.\nPaul is running for mayor to build a Memphis that every child can one day be proud of and feel welcomed. By investing in the potential of our residents and embracing the city\u2019s rich culture, Memphis can be a top destination for tourists, growing families, creatives, and aspiring entrepreneurs. We have what it takes to elevate Memphis to the next level, and with your support we will.","firstname":"Paul","lastname":"Young","middlename":"A.","suffix":null,"token":"jLZlcIpgzN"},"token":"paul_a_young"},{"candidatename":"Tekeva \"Keva\" Shaw","chatgptsummary":"Based on the information provided, Tekeva \"Keva\" Shaw is a candidate for the elected position of Memphis Mayor. However, there is no substantive information available regarding her education, work history, or previous offices held. The candidate's social media profiles do not provide any relevant information about her suitability for the job as mayor of a large city. Therefore, it is difficult to evaluate her objectively based on the limited information provided.","notes":"https://www.facebook.com/tekeva.shaw","party":"","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nTekeva \"Keva\" Shaw ran for Mayor of Memphis, Tennessee in the October 5, 2023 general election. She was one of 17 candidates in the race, which was won by Paul Young.\n\n## Career\n\nShaw is a realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Taliesyn Realty. She describes herself as a \"life coach with a twist\" and community advocate.\n\n## Sources\n\n- [1] [Memphis Election Guide: Meet the candidates for mayor and city council \u2013 WREG](https://wreg.com/news/your-local-election-headquarters/memphis-mayoral-debate-2023/memphis-mayor-candidates-who-are-they/)","firstname":"Tekeva","lastname":"Shaw","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"zGhwEvWRsz"},"token":"tekeva_keva_shaw"},{"candidatename":"Jennings Bernard","chatgptsummary":"Jennings Bernard is a candidate for the elected position of Memphis Mayor. He has a Bachelor's degree, Master of Divinity, and Doctor of Divinity from the Arkansas Institute of Biblical Studies. He has also studied Civil Litigation, Real Estate Law, and Business Organization Law at The School of Paralegal Studies. Bernard has worked at the Shelby County Sheriff's Office and is currently the CEO of Bernard Enterprise and CEO of National Probation of America Inc. There is no negative information available about Bernard.","notes":"https://ballotpedia.org/Jennings_Bernard\nhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jennings-bernard-01435447/\n","party":"","person":{"biography":"https://ballotpedia.org/Jennings_Bernard\n\nhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jennings-bernard-01435447/\n\nhttps://www.facebook.com/sonnybernard\n\n\nWorked at Shelby County Sheriff's Office\n\nStudied at Ashworth University\n\nStudied Civil Litigation, Real Estate Law, Business Organization Law at The School of Paralegal Studies\n\nWent to Douglass High School Memphis\n\nLives in Memphis, Tennessee\n\nFrom Memphis, Tennessee\n\nMarried\n\nCEO at Bernard Enterprise\n\nCEO NATIONAL PROBATION OF AMERICA INC.\nJun 1998 - Present \u00b7 25 yrs 3 mos\n\nArkansas Institute of Biblical Studies\nBachelor's degree,Master of Divinity,Doctor Divinity\n\n\nProfessional Career Development Institute\nParalegal Studies, Civil Litigation, Real Estate LawParalegal Studies, Civil Litigation, Real Estate Law\n1996 - 1998\n\n","firstname":"Jennings","lastname":"Bernard","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"LuCp1RkQgY"},"token":"jennings_bernard"}],"choices":null,"description":"","district":null,"districtgroup":null,"districtgroupname":null,"districtname":null,"job_type":"city_mayor","o.office":null,"office":"123","officedescription":"A city or town mayor is the municipality's chief executive, responsible for administering city departments, proposing the city budget, and representing the city. In some Tennessee cities the mayor is a strong executive; in others the role is more ceremonial alongside a city manager.","officequalities":"- Executive leadership of a city government \u2014 police, fire, public works, parks, and administration.\n- Ability to negotiate and defend an annual budget before the city council.\n- Intergovernmental capacity: with the county, the State of Tennessee, federal partners, and neighboring municipalities.\n- Working familiarity with the city charter, Tennessee municipal law, and open-meetings rules.\n- Crisis-management and public-communication capacity.","officeterm":4,"officetitle":"City Mayor","partisan":0,"pgr":"general","quantity":1,"referendum":"","source":null,"title":"Memphis Mayor"}