{"campaigns":[{"candidatename":"Sonya N. Murphy","chatgptsummary":"Murphy\u2019s bankruptcy practice involved providing property valuations to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, offering direct experience with valuation methods relevant to statutory duties under Tennessee Code Annotated Title 67, Chapter 5. Her Juris Doctorate and legal publication work demonstrate a foundation for understanding complex appraisal methodologies and the appeals process before the Board of Equalization. As a licensed attorney, she possesses the analytical framework necessary for independent valuation separate from collection or spending functions.","notes":"","party":"D","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nSonya N. Murphy is a candidate for Assessor of Property in Shelby County, Tennessee ([sonyamurphylaw.com](https://sonyamurphylaw.com/)). She is listed among the candidates for this office in the Memphis Public Libraries' \"Meet the Candidates\" resource for the May 5, 2026 election ([memphislibrary.org](https://www.memphislibrary.org/informed-voter/meet-the-candidates-2025-05-05/)). Her campaign website describes her as running to utilize her legal and valuation experience for the role ([sonyamurphylaw.com](https://sonyamurphylaw.com/)).\n\n## Background and education\nMurphy holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and a Juris Doctorate from CSL Law School ([sonyamurphylaw.com](https://sonyamurphylaw.com/)). During her time in law school, she received \"Pro Bono\" Honors and the Leadership Excellence Award ([sonyamurphylaw.com](https://sonyamurphylaw.com/)). She has authored a legal publication on TWEN (The West Education Network) regarding notable \"Women in the Law\" and co-authored the coursebook *White Collar Crime Cases, Materials, and Problems* (Third Edition) ([sonyamurphylaw.com](https://sonyamurphylaw.com/)).\n\n## Career\nSonya N. Murphy is a licensed attorney in Tennessee who resides in Memphis ([sonyamurphylaw.com](https://sonyamurphylaw.com/)). Her legal practice has included work as a bankruptcy law attorney, where she provided property valuations to the United States Bankruptcy Court on behalf of petitioners ([sonyamurphylaw.com](https://sonyamurphylaw.com/)). She states that this experience gave her an understanding of methods used for property valuation and assessments ([sonyamurphylaw.com](https://sonyamurphylaw.com/)). Additionally, she provides continuing legal education course instruction with the National Business Institute ([sonyamurphylaw.com](https://sonyamurphylaw.com/)).\n\nMurphy is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. ([sonyamurphylaw.com](https://sonyamurphylaw.com/)). She identifies as an international beauty queen who engages in various philanthropic platforms, including childhood literacy, anti-bullying initiatives, homeless ministry, women's empowerment, and family financial education services ([sonyamurphylaw.com](https://sonyamurphylaw.com/)). She serves on the board of directors for an organization providing legal advisement ([sonyamurphylaw.com](https://sonyamurphylaw.com/)). Murphy attends Lindenwood Christian Church in Midtown, Memphis ([sonyamurphylaw.com](https://sonyamurphylaw.com/)).\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n- **2026** \u2014 [Property Assessor (SS-8005)](https://conflict.app.tn.gov/conflict/view_form_8005.htm?name=MURPHY&id=103895&f=201059&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":"Sonya","lastname":"Murphy","middlename":"N.","suffix":null,"token":"QnYtrQ6fL5"},"token":"sonya_n_murphy"},{"candidatename":"Michael O. Harris","chatgptsummary":"As President and CEO of the Memphis Metropolitan Land Bank Authority, the candidate manages real property assets, offering direct experience relevant to statutory valuation duties under Tennessee Code Annotated Title 67. Leadership roles at ProGeny Place and the Rotary Club demonstrate public-facing communication skills necessary for explaining assessment methodologies. Military service and civic board memberships suggest capacity for managing professional staff and maintaining independence from political spending pressures.","notes":"","party":"D","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n- President and CEO of the Memphis Metropolitan Land Bank Authority (MMLBA) since July 2022. ([JustMyMemphis](https://justmymemphis.com/view-post/3745))\n\n- Candidate in the Democratic primary for Shelby County Assessor of Property. ([JustMyMemphis](https://justmymemphis.com/view-post/3745))\n- Campaign social media: Facebook and Instagram @michael_o_harris. ([JustMyMemphis](https://justmymemphis.com/view-post/3745))\n- [campaign site on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/mikeoharris38116/#)\n- [campaign site on Instagram (set to private)](https://www.instagram.com/michael_o_harris)\n\n## Background and education\n- Alumnus of Bishop Byrne. ([JustMyMemphis](https://justmymemphis.com/view-post/3745))\n- Alumnus of the University of Memphis. ([JustMyMemphis](https://justmymemphis.com/view-post/3745))\n\n## Career\n- Serves on the board of ProGeny Place. ([JustMyMemphis](https://justmymemphis.com/view-post/3745))\n- Former old-school PTO president. ([JustMyMemphis](https://justmymemphis.com/view-post/3745))\n- Launched a community advisory board led by the deaf community for Deaf Connect. ([JustMyMemphis](https://justmymemphis.com/view-post/3745))\n- Created a mentoring program for sixth-grade boys at Haven Middle School and established the \"Safe Haven Locker\" to provide hygiene products for students. ([JustMyMemphis](https://justmymemphis.com/view-post/3745))\n\n- U.S. Navy veteran. ([JustMyMemphis](https://justmymemphis.com/view-post/3745))\n\n\n\n---\n*Compiled from publicly available web sources on 2026-04-18.*\n\n## Office history\n- Vice President of the 100 Black Men of Memphis. ([JustMyMemphis](https://justmymemphis.com/view-post/3745))\n- Former President of the Rotary Club of Whitehaven Memphis-South. ([JustMyMemphis](https://justmymemphis.com/view-post/3745))\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n- **2026** \u2014 [Property Assessor (SS-8005)](https://conflict.app.tn.gov/conflict/view_form_8005.htm?name=HARRIS&id=103878&f=198521&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\n## Family\n- Describes himself as a \"Girl Dad\" with two daughters. ([JustMyMemphis](https://justmymemphis.com/view-post/3745))\n","firstname":"Michael","lastname":"Harris","middlename":"O.","suffix":null,"token":"TdvZ8igu5R"},"token":"michael_o_harris"},{"candidatename":"Javier Bailey","chatgptsummary":"Bailey serves as Chief Administrative Officer for the Shelby County Assessor\u2019s office, providing direct management experience over professional staff and operations. His twenty-year trial law practice supports statutory compliance and appeals process knowledge. He holds a real estate broker license and developer background, offering practical mass-appraisal context. Peer recognition as Deputy Assessor of the Year underscores industry standing. However, his biography lacks specific details on statutory valuation methodologies under Title 67 Chapter 5, independence from collection functions, or public-facing communication strategies.","notes":"","party":"D","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nAccording to Ballotpedia, Bailey\u2019s campaign has received endorsements from former Congressman Harold Ford, City Councilmember Pearl Walker, and City Councilmember Yolanda Co ([Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Javier_Bailey).\n\n## Background and education\nJavier Bailey graduated from Memphis Catholic High School before earning a bachelor\u2019s degree from the University of Tennessee Knoxville in 1985 ([Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Javier_Bailey)). He subsequently obtained his law degree from the University of Memphis School of Law in 1989 ([Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Javier_Bailey)). His campaign website confirms he is a graduate of both the University of Memphis and the University of Tennessee ([baileyassessor2026.com](https://baileyassessor2026.com/)).\n\n## Career\nBailey has described himself as a \"life long public servant\" with experience in property tax assessments and law ([Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Javier_Bailey)). Per his campaign site, he is an ordained Elder in the Church of God in Christ, a licensed Principal Real Estate Broker, a real estate developer, and a certificated aviation pilot ([baileyassessor2026.com](https://baileyassessor2026.com/). He has served as a consultant and advisor on real estate and property tax issues to corporations and individuals across the nation ([baileyassessor2026.com](https://baileyassessor2026.com/)).\n\nProfessionally, Bailey practiced law as a trial lawyer for over 20 years ([Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Javier_Bailey)). He currently serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for the Shelby County Assessor of Property\u2019s office ([baileyassessor2026.com](https://baileyassessor2026.com/). Additionally, he has served as Chief Deputy Assessor and Chief Administrative Officer for eight years ([Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Javier_Bailey)).\n\nBailey is a member of the Democratic Party and is running for Shelby County Assessor of Property in Tennessee ([Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Javier_Bailey)). He is on the ballot for the Democratic primary on May 5, 2026, with a general election scheduled for August 6, 2026 ([Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Javier_Bailey)).\n\nIn his campaign materials, Bailey highlights recognition from peers in the field. He states that he was selected by Assessors across the state of Tennessee as \"Deputy Assessor of The Year\" in 2019 and 2022 ([baileyassessor2026.com](https://baileyassessor2026.com/). He further claims to have been chosen as Chief Deputy Assessor by 95 Assessors in 2019, 2022, and 2025 ([Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Javier_Bailey)). Bailey emphasizes his long-term involvement in party politics, stating he has served as a leader in the Democratic Party for over 30 years ([Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Javier_Bailey).\n\nBailey is married with four children and five grandchildren ([baileyassessor2026.com](https://baileyassessor2026.com/). His campaign themes focus on experience, stating that \"experience matters\" and that he values people over property ([Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Javier_Bailey). He positions himself as a public servant rather than a politician, arguing that homeowners should not be entrusted to inexperienced candidates ([Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Javier_Bailey).\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\nNo statement of interest filing found as of 2026-04-25. Search the [Tennessee Ethics Commission Statement of Interest Search](https://conflict.app.tn.gov/conflict/search.htm).\n","firstname":"Javier","lastname":"Bailey","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"ECqsfGKAz6"},"token":"javier_bailey"},{"candidatename":"Daryl Lewis","chatgptsummary":"Thirty years as a real estate broker and architectural engineering degree provide technical grounding for mass-appraisal methods and statutory valuation duties under Tennessee Code Title 67 Chapter 5. The candidate pledges to retire his license, addressing independence from collection interests. His platform emphasizes transparency and neighborhood engagement, mapping to public-facing communication needs by bridging complex valuations with citizen understanding. He cites PILOT accountability, reflecting a focus on uniformity and schedule adherence for the tax base.","notes":"","party":"D","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n- Candidate for Shelby County Assessor of Property in the Democratic primary. ([JustMyMemphis](https://www.justmymemphis.com/view-post/3773))\n\n- Promises to fix \"fictitious\" property values and restore transparency to the Assessor\u2019s office. ([JustMyMemphis](https://www.justmymemphis.com/view-post/3773))\n- Cites a 36% reported increase in property values alongside a $43 million shortfall in the county's budget as evidence that current numbers do not add up. ([JustMyMemphis](https://www.justmymemphis.com/view-post/3773))\n- Views the position as non-partisan and technical, demanding a \"North Star\" of integrity. ([JustMyMemphis](https://www.justmymemphis.com/view-post/3773))\n- Pledges to put his real estate license into retirement if elected to remove conflicts of interest. ([JustMyMemphis](https://www.justmymemphis.com/view-post/3773))\n- Platform pillars include Integrity, Transparency with Accountability, and Modernization with true community engagement. ([JustMyMemphis](https://www.justmymemphis.com/view-post/3773))\n- Focuses on \"closing the loop\" on PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) programs and holding companies accountable for tax breaks received. ([JustMyMemphis](https://www.justmymemphis.com/view-post/3773))\n- Wants to bridge the gap between complex property valuations and average citizens by bringing programs directly to neighborhoods. ([JustMyMemphis](https://www.justmymemphis.com/view-post/3773))\n- [Campaign site on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/daryl.lewis.14/)\n\n## Career\n- Real estate broker with 30 years of experience. ([JustMyMemphis](https://www.justmymemphis.com/view-post/3773))\n- Certified project manager. ([JustMyMemphis](https://www.justmymemphis.com/view-post/3773))\n- Holds a degree in architectural engineering technology. ([JustMyMemphis](https://www.justmymemphis.com/view-post/3773))\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n- **2026** \u2014 [Property Assessor (SS-8005)](https://conflict.app.tn.gov/conflict/view_form_8005.htm?name=LEWIS&id=77684&f=199096&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\n## Family\n- Native Memphian with deep roots spanning from French Fort to Whitehaven and Boxtown to Bartlett. ([JustMyMemphis](https://www.justmymemphis.com/view-post/3773))\n- Describes his politics as: \"If it\u2019s fair for me and unfair for you, then it\u2019s unfair.\" ([JustMyMemphis](https://www.justmymemphis.com/view-post/3773))\n","firstname":"Daryl","lastname":"Lewis","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"XLqCEbcrfv"},"token":"daryl_lewis"},{"candidatename":"Thomas B. Lannan","chatgptsummary":"Not enough public information found to evaluate.","notes":"","party":"R","person":{"biography":"Thomas Lannan is a Republican candidate running for Shelby County Assessor of Property in Tennessee [1]. He is listed on the ballot for the Republican primary scheduled for May 5, 2026 [1]. The general election for this office is set for August 6, 2026 [4].\n\nProfessionally, Lannan serves as a Recruiting Director and Broker in the Memphis market with Ashford Advisors [11]. Prior to this role, he worked as an advertising executive for over 40 years, during which time he won one of three national Clio Awards [11].\n\nLannan has extensive board experience in community organizations. He is a Past President of the American Marketing Association, where his focus included Economic Empowerment [11]. He also served as a Past Board Member for Junior Achievement, Sales & Marketing Executives, and Big Brothers Big Sisters [11]. Additionally, he volunteers with SCORE mentors [11].\n\nHis civic engagement includes membership in the Collierville Rotary Club, the Germantown Chamber of Commerce, and the Collierville Chamber of Commerce [11]. He resides in the Memphis area with his wife, Katherine, and they have two adult children named Patrick and Lauren [11].\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Thomas Lannan - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Thomas_Lannan)\n- [2] [Sonya Murphy - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Sonya_Murphy)\n- [3] [Daryl Lewis - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Daryl_Lewis)\n- [4] [Municipal elections in Shelby County, Tennessee (2026) - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Municipal_elections_in_Shelby_County,_Tennessee_(2026))\n- [5] [Candidate Lists | Tennessee Secretary of State](https://sos.tn.gov/elections/2026-candidate-lists)\n- [7] [District Shelby with Endorsements - bluevoterguide.org](https://bluevoterguide.org/district/TN/Shelby/42269/)\n- [8] [Candidate Directory - List View - Tennessee Voter Guide](https://tnvoterguide.org/candidate-directory-list-view-2/)\n- [11] [extras sections - Shelby Literacy Center](https://shelbyliteracy.com/extras-sections)","firstname":"Thomas","lastname":"Lannan","middlename":"B.","suffix":null,"token":"dZwkrxSntU"},"token":"thomas_b_lannan"}],"choices":null,"description":"","district":"shelby","districtgroup":"county","districtgroupname":"County","districtname":null,"job_type":"assessor","o.office":"assessor_of_property","office":"assessor_of_property","officedescription":"The Shelby County Assessor of Property locates, identifies, classifies, and appraises all real and personal property in the county for tax purposes. The office runs the state-mandated quadrennial reappraisal (next cycle: 2029), appraises personal property annually, and maintains approximately 353,000 real-estate parcels. The Assessor **does not** set the tax rate, send tax bills, or collect taxes \u2014 those duties belong to the County Commission (rate), the Trustee (collection), and the Clerk (registration-linked functions).","officequalities":"- **Personnel management at scale.** Leading and retaining a department of ~150\u2013200 appraisers, GIS analysts, and customer-service staff responsible for ~353,000 parcels and a multi-million-dollar budget.\n- **Real-estate appraisal and property-law expertise.** Familiarity with mass-appraisal methods, comparable-sales analysis, the four-year reappraisal cycle, and Tennessee assessment law (TN Code Title 67 Ch. 5), including exemption rules and the Board of Equalization appeals process.\n- **Technology and systems oversight.** Ability to evaluate, procure, and administer Computer-Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) software, GIS platforms, and the data infrastructure modern assessment depends on.\n- **Integrity and impartiality.** A demonstrated record of even-handed decision-making. Property valuation directly affects every taxpayer's bill, so the office's perceived fairness \u2014 under pressure from large taxpayers, political allies, and the public alike \u2014 is as important as the technical result.\n- **Public communication.** Explaining assessment methodology clearly to homeowners receiving increase notices, to journalists, and to the public bodies (County Commission, Board of Equalization, State Board of Equalization) the office reports to.","officeterm":4,"officetitle":"Assessor of Property","partisan":1,"pgr":"primary","quantity":1,"referendum":"","source":null,"title":"Assessor of Property"}