{"campaigns":[{"candidatename":"Michael Whaley","chatgptsummary":"Whaley\u2019s tenure as a Shelby County Commissioner since 2018 demonstrates direct experience with local government operations and public accountability. His role involves overseeing district resources, providing some evidence of financial stewardship relevant to the Trustee\u2019s custodial duties. As Executive Director of Memphis College Prep, he managed an organization\u2019s operational structure, suggesting administrative competence for a large office. However, the biography lacks specific details regarding his hands-on experience with Tennessee property-tax law, tax-relief program administration, or investment management strategies for county funds.","notes":"","party":"D","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nCommissioner Whaley was elected to the Shelby County Board of Commissioners in August 2018, and re-elected to a second term in August of 2022.  Commissioner Whaley represents District 13 in East Memphis and Cordova.\n\nA native of Dallas, Texas, Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Public Policy from Southern Methodist University.\n\nHe serves as the Tennessee Director of Leadership for Educational Equity (LEE) where he works with current and former teachers to build their civic engagement and leadership. Commissioner Whaley was also the Founder and Executive Director of Memphis College Prep, a kindergarten through fifth-grade public elementary school. He is active in several local communities and civil boards, including Shelby Farms Park, the Downtown Memphis Commission, and Let\u2019s Innovate Through Education (LITE).\n\nA member of 2006 Teach for America corps in Memphis, Michael taught elementary school with Memphis City Schools before being selected for the Building Excellent Schools Fellowship, nationally recognized for its rigorous, year-long training program in school leadership.\n\nCommissioner Whaley is a seasoned traveler, having been to all the continents at least twice, except Antarctica. He is currently studying to be a sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers. He is the proud owner of Harper, a Labrador retriever.\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=WHALEY&id=77683&f=195444&v=1) \u2014 filed as a Shelby County official/candidate\n- **2026** \u2014 [County Commission (SS-8005 (Amended))](https://conflict.app.tn.gov/conflict/view_form_8005.htm?name=WHALEY&id=77683&f=195444&v=2) \u2014 filed as a Shelby County official/candidate\n- **2026** \u2014 [County Trustee (SS-8005)](https://conflict.app.tn.gov/conflict/view_form_8005.htm?name=WHALEY&id=77683&f=198679&v=1) \u2014 filed as a Shelby County official/candidate\n- **2025** \u2014 [County Commission (SS-8005)](https://conflict.app.tn.gov/conflict/view_form_8005.htm?name=WHALEY&id=77683&f=185930&v=1) \u2014 filed as a Shelby County official/candidate\n- **2024** \u2014 [County Commission (SS-8005)](https://conflict.app.tn.gov/conflict/view_form_8005.htm?name=WHALEY&id=77683&f=177351&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":"Michael","lastname":"Whaley","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"d4hQ6v9c5B"},"token":"michael_whaley"},{"candidatename":"Joseph Lee, III","chatgptsummary":"Lee served as Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for the Shelby County Trustee and held City of Memphis Treasurer and Finance Director roles, providing direct experience with county financial operations and tax revenue handling. His B.B.A. in Accounting supports investment competence, while his tenure at MLGW suggests operational scale management. Military service indicates discipline relevant to monthly settlement reporting. Bio does not indicate specific knowledge of Tennessee property-tax law, senior/disabled relief programs, or the Memphis dual collection structure.","notes":"","party":"D","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n- Candidate in the Democratic primary for Shelby County Trustee on May 5, 2026. ([Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Joseph_Lee_(Tennessee)))\n\n## Background and education\n- B.B.A. in Accounting, Christian Brothers University. ([Shelby County Trustee Staff Directory](https://www.shelbycountytrustee.com/directory.aspx?EID=15))\n- M.S. in Operations Management, University of Arkansas. ([Shelby County Trustee Staff Directory](https://www.shelbycountytrustee.com/directory.aspx?EID=15))\n\n## Career\n- U.S. Navy, 9 years. ([Shelby County Trustee Staff Directory](https://www.shelbycountytrustee.com/directory.aspx?EID=15))\n\n## Office history\n- Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Shelby County Trustee, appointed in 2019. ([Shelby County Trustee Staff Directory](https://www.shelbycountytrustee.com/directory.aspx?EID=15))\n- City of Memphis Treasurer. ([Shelby County Trustee Staff Directory](https://www.shelbycountytrustee.com/directory.aspx?EID=15))\n- City of Memphis Finance Director. ([Shelby County Trustee Staff Directory](https://www.shelbycountytrustee.com/directory.aspx?EID=15))\n- President/CEO of MLGW. ([Shelby County Trustee Staff Directory](https://www.shelbycountytrustee.com/directory.aspx?EID=15))\n- Lost the Democratic primary for Shelby County Trustee on May 1, 2018, receiving 41.2% of the vote (17,608 votes) to Regina Newman's 46.3%. ([Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Joseph_Lee_(Tennessee)))\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n- **2026** \u2014 [County Trustee (SS-8005)](https://conflict.app.tn.gov/conflict/view_form_8005.htm?name=LEE&id=77162&f=199607&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":"Joseph","lastname":"Lee","middlename":null,"suffix":"III","token":"b5LT43wv9o"},"token":"joseph_lee_iii"},{"candidatename":"Alexander Perkins","chatgptsummary":"Regina Morrison Newman currently serves as Shelby County Trustee, a role defined by the county charter as the official banker, tax collector, and investment officer. In this capacity, she manages property tax revenue collection and distribution for the jurisdiction. The biography confirms her active tenure in the position but provides no details regarding her prior professional experience or educational background. It does not specify her working knowledge of Tennessee property-tax law, including relief programs for seniors or veterans, nor does it address her competence in investment and cash management under state constraints.","notes":"","party":"D","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n- Alexander Perkins is a candidate in the Democratic primary for Shelby County Trustee. He does not hold prior elected office. ([Greater Memphis Chamber](https://memphischamber.com/blog/general/meet-the-candidates-shelby-county-trustee/))\n\n- Perkins is a candidate in the Democratic primary; early voting ran April 15 \u2013 April 30 and Election Day is May 5, 2026. ([Greater Memphis Chamber](https://memphischamber.com/blog/general/meet-the-candidates-shelby-county-trustee/))\n- The Greater Memphis Chamber invited candidates in this race to a video series on their experience, priorities, and vision. ([Greater Memphis Chamber](https://memphischamber.com/blog/general/meet-the-candidates-shelby-county-trustee/))\n- [Campaign Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/electalexanderperkins/)\n- [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-perkins-472a56251/)\n\n## Background and education\n- University of Memphis Law School\n\n## Office history\n- No prior office history found in available sources.\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n- **2026** \u2014 [County Trustee (SS-8005)](https://conflict.app.tn.gov/conflict/view_form_8005.htm?name=PERKINS&id=103899&f=199375&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 details in available sources.\n","firstname":"Alexander","lastname":"Perkins","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"otXKDs7iVR"},"token":"alexander_perkins"},{"candidatename":"Marion Latroy A-Williams","chatgptsummary":"Williams describes himself as a businessman and newspaper publisher, citing Library of Congress records listing him as editor of the Mid-South Express circa 1981. His platform includes property-tax relief for seniors and veterans, yet he lacks documented experience in financial trustworthiness, investment competence, or Tennessee property-tax law administration. Bio does not indicate prior public service, education, statutory training, or cash-management background.","notes":"","party":"D","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\n- Democratic candidate for **Shelby County Trustee** in the May 5, 2026 primary. ([Shelby County Election Commission Final Candidate List](https://electionsshelbytn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Final-Candidate-List-May-5-2026-Election.pdf), [Memphis Public Libraries 2026 voter guide](https://www.memphislibrary.org/informed-voter/meet-the-candidates-2025-05-05/))\n- Also filed for the 2026 Democratic primary for **U.S. House TN-9** (challenging incumbent Steve Cohen). ([Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/M._LaTroy_Williams))\n- Campaign site: [mlatroya-williams.com](https://mlatroya-williams.com/). Candidate profile: [justmymemphis.com/mlatroyawilliams](https://justmymemphis.com/mlatroyawilliams).\n\nFilings and press have used \"Marion Latroy A-Williams,\" \"M. LaTroy Williams,\" \"M. LaTroy Alexandria-Williams,\" and \"Marion Latroy Alexandria-Williams Jr.\" \u2014 all refer to the same person. ([Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Marion_Latroy_Alexandria-Williams_Jr.))\n\n## Office history\n\nLong record of campaigns (all unsuccessful):\n\n- **2008**: Independent for Shelby County Trustee. ([Memphis Flyer](https://www.memphisflyer.com/the-mystery-man-of-the-trustees-race))\n- **2015**: Memphis Mayor. ([Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/M._LaTroy_Williams))\n- **2016, 2018, 2024, 2026**: Democratic primary, U.S. House TN-9 (challenging Steve Cohen). ([Memphis Flyer](https://www.memphisflyer.com/candidate-m-latroy-williams-case-came-alive-again-briefly/))\n- **2020**: Democratic primary, Tennessee State Senate District 30 \u2014 lost to Sara Kyle.\n- **2022**: Democratic primary, Tennessee State Senate District 33 \u2014 lost to London Lamar. ([Memphis Flyer](https://www.memphisflyer.com/election-2022-kind-of-blue/))\n- **2023**: General election for Memphis City Council Super District 8, Position 2 \u2014 lost to Janika White.\n\n## Career\n\n- Self-described businessman, newspaper publisher, and community advocate.\n- Library of Congress records list \"M. Latroy A. Williams\" as editor of the **Mid-South Express**, a Memphis weekly newspaper, circa 1981. ([Library of Congress catalog](https://www.loc.gov/item/sn98069864/))\n- Describes himself on LinkedIn as *\"Businessman / Author & Newspaper/Magazine Publishers at International Communication & Associate's.\"* ([LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/m-latroy-alexandria-williams-98b264166/))\n\n## Documented disputes and controversies\n\n- \"Trickle-up\" economic theory. Proposes Mud Island as an international trade hub (claiming ~80,000 jobs) and President Island as a green-jobs hub. Education reform; criminal-justice reform; property-tax relief for seniors and veterans. ([campaign site](https://mlatroya-williams.com/the-promise/))\n- **2008**: Campaign fliers carried fake endorsements and a misspelled version of former official Minerva Johnican's name; a now-defunct company of his, First Supreme Trust Company Inc., owed ~$67,000 in back taxes to the Trustee's office he was seeking to lead. ([Memphis Flyer](https://www.memphisflyer.com/the-mystery-man-of-the-trustees-race))\n- **2010**: The Shelby County Democratic Party sought a legal injunction against him over sample-ballot activities. ([Memphis Flyer](https://www.memphisflyer.com/wtf-latroy-you-got-some-more-splainin-to-do/))\n- **2014**: Signage suggested President Obama had endorsed congressional candidate Ricky Wilkins; Rep. Steve Cohen called it deceptive. Also the subject of **FEC Matter Under Review 6861**. ([FEC MUR 6861 (PDF)](https://www.fec.gov/files/legal/murs/6861/18044437027.pdf))\n- **2018**: The TN Democratic Party declared him ineligible for the TN-9 primary; Chancellor Walter Evans ruled in his favor twice; suit *Williams v. Goins et al.* was eventually withdrawn. ([Memphis Flyer](https://www.memphisflyer.com/candidate-m-latroy-williams-case-came-alive-again-briefly/))\n- **2019**: Commercial Appeal reported on bogus-ballot and election-deception allegations. ([Commercial Appeal](https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/2019/11/15/memphis-bogus-ballot-and-election-deception-case/4168788002/))\n- Operates an entity he calls \"The National Democratic Party U.S.A.\" \u2014 not affiliated with the DNC, the Tennessee Democratic Party, or the Shelby County Democratic Party.\n\n## Family\n\nShelby County's 2026 candidate filings list **Marinda A-Williams** (Democratic primary for County School Board District 6) at the same filing address, 3693 Hermitage Drive. She appears on Ballotpedia under \"Marinda Alexandria-Williams.\" Relationship not stated in public coverage \u2014 inferred from shared address and hyphenated surname.\n\n*Merged on 2026-04-18 from two duplicate person records (HRXole8Q95 and 15nTBbipZX). Several biographical claims on the candidate's own site (civil-rights march at age 15, Carter-era committee appearance, Mud Island job projection) are self-reported and not independently corroborated. Memphis Flyer characterized him in past reporting as \"but a perennial candidate.\"*\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\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":"Marion","lastname":"Williams","middlename":"LaTroy","suffix":null,"token":"15nTBbipZX"},"token":"marion_latroy_a_williams"}],"choices":null,"description":"","district":"shelby","districtgroup":"county","districtgroupname":"County","districtname":null,"job_type":"trustee","o.office":"county_trustee","office":"county_trustee","officedescription":"The Shelby County Trustee serves as the county's banker and as its billing-and-collection agent for property taxes. The Trustee bills and collects property taxes for the county and for smaller municipalities that contract for the service (Arlington, Lakeland, Millington), settles collections by the tenth of each month, invests county funds, and administers tax-relief programs for senior, disabled, and veteran property owners. Duties are set by the Tennessee Constitution and state law; the office is limited to two consecutive four-year terms.","officequalities":"- Financial trustworthiness: the Trustee is the county's banker and custodian of tax revenue, handling several hundred million dollars of property-tax collections annually for Shelby County.\n- Working knowledge of Tennessee property-tax law, including tax-relief programs for seniors, disabled residents, and veterans, plus the city/county dual collection structure for Memphis-area taxpayers.\n- Investment and cash-management competence for county funds under state-law constraints.\n- Monthly settlement and reporting discipline (collections settle by the 10th of each month).\n- Accessible customer service for taxpayers paying bills, disputing assessments, or seeking relief; ability to administer a large, partly-online operation.","officeterm":4,"officetitle":"County Trustee","partisan":1,"pgr":"primary","quantity":1,"referendum":"","source":null,"title":"County Trustee"}