{"campaigns":[{"candidatename":"Rod Blount","chatgptsummary":"Blount\u2019s accounting degree and finance certifications support budget literacy for county fiscal matters. His business ownership experience informs policy judgment on economic issues. Appointments to the Center City Commission Revenue Finance Corporation provide legislative process exposure. Community activism suggests constituent relations capacity, though specific casework volume is unlisted. Bio does not indicate direct experience with Shelby County Charter law, intergovernmental coordination, or completion of UT CTAS continuing education requirements.","notes":"","party":"D","person":{"biography":"## Background and education\nBlount attended Mitchell High School, graduating in 1978 ([electrodblount.com](https://electrodblount.com/about_us.php)). He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting from Tennessee State University ([electrodblount.com](https://electrodblount.com/about_us.php)). Additionally, he attended Dartmouth College\u2019s Amos Tuck School of Business Administration for continuing education and obtained a Master's Degree in technology from Strayer University in 2023 ([electrodblount.com](https://electrodblount.com/about_us.php)).\n\n## Career\nRod Blount is a Democratic politician and business professional running for Shelby County Board of Commissioners District 9 in Tennessee ([Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Rod_Blount)). He brings accounting and auditing experience to his political career, which he highlighted during interviews with the county commission committee ahead of the 2026 election ([Action News 5](https://www.actionnews5.com/2026/03/05/10-candidates-vie-shelby-county-commission-district-9-seat/)).\n\nAccording to his campaign website, Blount has over 30 years of experience as a business owner ([electrodblount.com](https://electrodblount.com/about_us.php)). His professional history includes founding the Diversity Business Trade Association and serving as a charter member of a credit union ([electrodblount.com](https://electrodblount.com/about_us.php)). He has worked in technology, insurance, and procurement compliance, holding certifications as a Medicare & Medicaid Professional and a Certified Finance Professional ([electrodblount.com](https://electrodblount.com/about_us.php)).\n\nBlount\u2019s political career includes appointments by former Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton to the Center City Commission Revenue Finance Corporation ([electrodblount.com](https://electrodblount.com/about_us.php)). He was also nominated by former U.S. Congressman Harold Ford Sr. for a presidential appointment and served as a Delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business, appointed by President Bill Clinton ([electrodblount.com](https://electrodblount.com/about_us.php)).\n\n## Office history\nBlount has sought elected office at both the state and local levels in Shelby County. In the 2022 Democratic primary for Shelby County Assessor of Property, he received 16.3% of the vote against incumbent Melvin Burgess ([Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Rod_Blount)). He later ran in the special Democratic primary for Tennessee House of Representatives District 86 on January 24, 2023, where he received 4.4% of the vote (103 votes) before losing to Justin Pearson ([Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Rod_Blount)).\n\nIn March 2026, Blount appeared before a Shelby County Commission committee for the District 9 seat, which had become vacant following the resignation of Edmund Ford Jr. ([Action News 5](https://www.actionnews5.com/2026/03/05/10-candidates-vie-shelby-county-commission-district-9-seat/)). He is currently a candidate in the Democratic primary for Shelby County Board of Commissioners District 9, scheduled for May 5, 2026 ([Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Rod_Blount)).\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\n## Family\nBlount identifies as a community activist and business activist ([electrodblount.com](https://electrodblount.com/about_us.php)). He is an ordained deacon and an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. ([electrodblount.com](https://electrodblount.com/about_us.php)). Per his campaign site, he is the father of three sons and the son of the late Rev. Walter and Mittie Blount ([electrodblount.com](https://electrodblount.com/about_us.php)). He also describes himself as an amateur coach for basketball and baseball ([electrodblount.com](https://electrodblount.com/about_us.php)).\n","firstname":"Rod","lastname":"Blount","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"YZs1qxPMnq"},"token":"rod_blount"},{"candidatename":"Jonathan Lewis","chatgptsummary":"Appointed to District 9 in March 2026, the candidate serves on the commission approving budgets and setting tax rates. As a former appraiser in the Assessor\u2019s Office, he possesses direct experience with land use valuation. He is running in the May 2026 primary after interviewing among ten applicants for the vacant seat. His family background includes public service involvement. The biography does not indicate specific policy judgment on intergovernmental matters, legislative drafting experience, constituent case-work history, or completion of UT CTAS continuing education requirements.","notes":"","party":"D","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n- Appointed to the Shelby County Board of Commissioners, District 9 in March 2026 to fill the vacancy left by Edmund Ford Jr.'s resignation; term ends in August 2026. ([Action News 5](https://www.actionnews5.com/2026/03/05/10-candidates-vie-shelby-county-commission-district-9-seat/))\n\n- Candidate in the Democratic primary on May 5, 2026. ([Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Jonathan_Lewis_(Tennessee)))\n- One of ten candidates who applied to be appointed to the seat before the primary; interviews were held on March 4, 2026. ([Action News 5](https://www.actionnews5.com/2026/03/05/10-candidates-vie-shelby-county-commission-district-9-seat/))\n- Campaign website: [electjonathanlewis@gmail.com](mailto:electjonathanlewis@gmail.com). ([Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Jonathan_Lewis_(Tennessee)))\n\n## Background and education\n- Information not available in sources.\n\n## Office history\n- No prior elected office listed; served as an appraiser in the Shelby County Assessor\u2019s Office. ([Action News 5](https://www.actionnews5.com/2026/03/05/10-candidates-vie-shelby-county-commission-district-9-seat/))\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\n## Family\n- States he comes from a family involved with public service. ([Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Jonathan_Lewis_(Tennessee)))\n","firstname":"Jonathan","lastname":"Lewis","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"k2LYnrouh8"},"token":"jonathan_lewis"},{"candidatename":"Ricky Dixon","chatgptsummary":"Dixon\u2019s background as a retired Memphis Police sergeant and U.S. Army Reserve Major reflects disciplined leadership in public safety, aligning with his stated priority for that sector. He previously sought state Senate and House seats, plus city council, indicating legislative experience though not specific to county budgeting or tax policy. His focus on pre-K education and service delivery suggests constituent engagement, yet the bio lacks detail on handling individual casework for District 9\u2019s residents. No evidence addresses his familiarity with Shelby County Charter law, intergovernmental relations, or bond authorization processes.","notes":"","party":"D","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n- Democratic candidate for **Shelby County Commissioner, District 9**, in the May 5, 2026 primary. No incumbent in the race; the Republican primary for the seat was canceled. ([Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Ricky_Dixon), [SCEC Final Candidate List](https://electionsshelbytn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Final-Candidate-List-May-5-2026-Election.pdf))\n- 2026 stated top priorities: public safety, pre-K education, and delivery of public services. ([Commercial Appeal via AOL](https://www.aol.com/articles/meet-candidates-shelby-county-commission-093128537.html))\n\n- *\"I'm running for this office because I'm not satisfied with our current direction.\"* ([Commercial Appeal via AOL](https://www.aol.com/articles/meet-candidates-shelby-county-commission-093128537.html))\n- *\"I have been a leader in the Army Reserve, retiring at the rank of Major. Priority was always accomplishing the mission assigned.\"* ([same](https://www.aol.com/articles/meet-candidates-shelby-county-commission-093128537.html))\n- *\"Most voters I have interacted with are concerned with public safety, blight, and taxes.\"* Notes he would support a tax increase \"only in dire circumstances.\" ([same](https://www.aol.com/articles/meet-candidates-shelby-county-commission-093128537.html))\n\n---\n\n*Compiled from publicly available web sources on 2026-04-18. This is a different person from NFL executive Rickey Dixon; and distinct from fellow 2026 Shelby candidate Ricky J. Pollard. Education, family, and specific MPD/Army Reserve tenure dates were not located in public sources.*\n\n## Career\n- **Retired Memphis Police Department sergeant.** ([Daily Memphian, 2023](https://dailymemphian.com/article/38369/memphis-city-council-district-3))\n- **Retired U.S. Army Reserve officer, rank of Major.** ([Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Ricky_Dixon), [Commercial Appeal via AOL](https://www.aol.com/articles/meet-candidates-shelby-county-commission-093128537.html))\n\n## Office history\n- **2014**: Democratic primary, Tennessee State Senate District 29. Received ~28% of the vote; Lee Harris won. ([WREG, Aug 2014](https://wreg.com/2014/08/07/ford-name-cant-save-ophelia/))\n- **2018**: Democratic primary, Tennessee House of Representatives District 85 \u2014 lost to Jesse Chism. ([Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Ricky_Dixon))\n- **2023**: Memphis City Council District 3 (general election) \u2014 finished behind winners Pearl Walker and James Kirkwood. ([Daily Memphian](https://dailymemphian.com/article/38369/memphis-city-council-district-3))\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n- **2026** \u2014 [County Commission (SS-8005)](https://conflict.app.tn.gov/conflict/view_form_8005.htm?name=DIXON&id=18835&f=198157&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":"Ricky","lastname":"Dixon","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"spYSX28x4V"},"token":"ricky_dixon"},{"candidatename":"Kharl-Ray Massey","chatgptsummary":"The candidate seeks the Shelby County Commissioner District 9 seat in the May 2026 Democratic primary. This contest features a field of seven contenders, including Sam D. Echols IV and Karen Streeter. The biography confirms candidacy through listings by the Greater Memphis Chamber and Tri-State Defender. It does not detail policy judgment on countywide matters such as budget or land use. No evidence is provided regarding budget literacy or experience with legislative processes like drafting ordinances. The text lacks information on constituent relations for the district\u2019s 70,000 residents.","notes":"","party":"D","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n- Candidate for Shelby County Commissioner, District 9 in the Democratic primary on May 5, 2026. ([Greater Memphis Chamber](https://memphischamber.com/blog/general/meet-the-candidates-county-commission-district-9/))\n\n- One of seven candidates in the Democratic primary field for District 9, alongside Sam D. Echols, IV, Karen Streeter, Jonathan Smith, Ricky Dixon, and others. ([Greater Memphis Chamber](https://memphischamber.com/blog/general/meet-the-candidates-county-commission-district-9/))\n- Listed as a candidate in the Democratic primary for District 9 by the Tri-State Defender. ([Tri-State Defender](https://tri-statedefender.com/ten-applicants-seek-appointment-to-replace-edmund-ford-jr-on-shelby-county-commission/02/26/))\n\n## Background and education\n- No educational background is mentioned in the provided sources.\n\n## Office history\n- No prior elected office is mentioned in the provided sources.\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n- **2026** \u2014 [County Commission (SS-8005)](https://conflict.app.tn.gov/conflict/view_form_8005.htm?name=MASSEY&id=103888&f=199792&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- No family information is mentioned in the provided sources.\n\n\n\n---\n*Compiled from publicly available web sources on 2026-04-18.*\n","firstname":"Kharl-Ray","lastname":"Massey","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"81Fpodi5ZY"},"token":"kharl_ray_massey"},{"candidatename":"Sam D. Echols, IV","chatgptsummary":"The candidate\u2019s twenty years in corporate management and seventeen years as an entrepreneur provide a business-oriented perspective on budget literacy and economic development. His partnership in a Whitehaven tax office and hosting of financial literacy workshops demonstrate direct engagement with constituent financial issues. Service on the advisory board of A Better Whitehaven and membership in the Westwood Neighborhood Association indicate established community relations within District 9.","notes":"","party":"D","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n- None listed; running for Shelby County Commission District 9 in the Democratic primary on May 5, 2026. ([Greater Memphis Chamber](https://memphischamber.com/blog/general/meet-the-candidates-county-commission-district-9/))\n\n- Candidate in the Democratic primary for Shelby County Commission District 9. ([Greater Memphis Chamber](https://memphischamber.com/blog/general/meet-the-candidates-county-commission-district-9/))\n- Describes himself as having spent 20 years in corporate management and 17 years as an entrepreneur. ([JustMyMemphis](https://www.justmymemphis.com/view-post/3786))\n- Platform focuses on restoration, redevelopment, and economic development for Westwood, Whitehaven, and Southwest Memphis. ([JustMyMemphis](https://www.justmymemphis.com/view-post/3786))\n- Partner in a Whitehaven tax office with Brandon Pryor, hosting workshops on financial literacy and tax preparation. ([JustMyMemphis](https://www.justmymemphis.com/view-post/3786))\n- Serves on the advisory board of A Better Whitehaven and is a member of the Westwood Neighborhood Association. ([JustMyMemphis](https://www.justmymemphis.com/view-post/3786))\n\n## Background and education\n- No educational background listed in sources.\n\n## Office history\n- No prior elected office listed in sources.\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\n## Family\n- Uncle Stevie Moore of the Stop the Killing Foundation is cited as a primary mentor. ([JustMyMemphis](https://www.justmymemphis.com/view-post/3786))\n\n---\n*Compiled from publicly available web sources on 2026-04-18.*\n","firstname":"Sam","lastname":"Echols","middlename":"D.","suffix":"IV","token":"zdRNF3X26i"},"token":"sam_d_echols_iv"},{"candidatename":"Karen Streeter","chatgptsummary":"Streeter served on the Shelby County Democratic Party Executive Committee as District 9 Representative, providing direct experience in local party governance and community representation for the district. Her thirty-plus years as a national consultant with the Success for All Foundation and leadership roles at Cambridge College demonstrate extensive policy judgment regarding educational services and organizational management. Holding a PhD from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, she possesses advanced academic training relevant to complex legislative analysis.","notes":"","party":"D","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n- None listed; running for County Commissioner District 9. ([AOL](https://www.aol.com/articles/meet-candidates-shelby-county-commission-093128537.html))\n\n- Democratic candidate in the primary on May 5, 2026. ([Greater Memphis Chamber](https://memphischamber.com/blog/general/meet-the-candidates-county-commission-district-9/))\n- Campaign site: [streeter4district9.com](https://www.streeter4district9.com/)\n\n## Background and education\n- Completed doctoral studies in School Psychology at George Washington University, contributing research to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. ([Campaign site](https://www.streeter4district9.com/))\n- PhD from University of Tennessee, Knoxville. ([Campaign site](https://www.streeter4district9.com/))\n\n## Career\n- Shelby County Democratic Party, Executive Committee, District 9 Representative. ([Campaign site](https://www.streeter4district9.com/))\n- Founder of Streeter & Do Associates, serving schools in Whitehaven and Southwest Memphis. ([Campaign site](https://www.streeter4district9.com/))\n- National consultant with the Success for All Foundation, with 30+ years of experience in public, private, and charter school settings. ([Campaign site](https://www.streeter4district9.com/))\n- Served in higher education leadership roles, including Professor, Academic Dean, and Chancellor (Regional Director) at Cambridge College. ([Campaign site](https://www.streeter4district9.com/))\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\n## Family\n- Dedicated member of Christ Missionary Baptist Church. ([Campaign site](https://www.streeter4district9.com/))\n- Proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. ([Campaign site](https://www.streeter4district9.com/))\n\n---\n*Compiled from publicly available web sources on 2026-04-18.*\n","firstname":"Karen","lastname":"Streeter","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"H6pDOXrf71"},"token":"karen_streeter"}],"choices":null,"description":"","district":"9","districtgroup":"county_commission","districtgroupname":"County Commission","districtname":"District 9","job_type":"county_commissioner","o.office":"county_commission_district_9","office":"county_commission_district_9","officedescription":"Shelby County Commissioners are the 13 members of the county's legislative body. Each represents a single-member district, and together they pass resolutions and ordinances, approve the annual county budget, set the property-tax rate, and set countywide policy. They attend regular Monday commission meetings and Wednesday committee meetings and must complete at least seven hours of continuing education each year through the UT County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS).\n\n**Salary:** $34,900/year ([Action News 5, Dec 2021](https://www.actionnews5.com/2021/12/21/pay-raises-approved-elected-officials-shelby-county/)).","officequalities":"- Policy judgment on countywide matters \u2014 budget, taxes, land use, services, intergovernmental \u2014 within Tennessee county-government law and the Shelby County Charter.\n- Budget literacy: the 13-member commission approves the county budget, sets the property-tax rate, and authorizes bond issues that span decades.\n- Legislative process: drafting, amending, and voting on resolutions and ordinances; chairing or sitting on committees that pre-screen items.\n- Constituent relations in a single-member district of roughly 70,000 residents \u2014 case-work and community issues flow through the commissioner's office.\n- Willingness to complete the state-required seven hours of annual continuing education through UT CTAS.","officeterm":4,"officetitle":"County Commissioner District 9","partisan":1,"pgr":"primary","quantity":1,"referendum":"","source":null,"title":"County Commissioner District 9"}