Corey Strong, chairman of the Shelby County Democratic Party, said Thursday’s election should make every Democrat in the county proud.
“You cannot be afraid to be a Democrat,” Strong said amid a strong showing by Democrats across the board.
“This is our county…We took it back and we’re not afraid anymore.”
State Sen. Lee Harris claimed a strong win in the county mayor’s race, turning back the challenge of County Trustee David Lenoir by a margin that even Lee said was a surprise.
Shelby County Chief Deputy Floyd Bonner easily outdistanced his Republican opponent, Dale Lane.
Democrat Wanda Halbert also beat out Republican Donna Creson for the Shelby County Clerk position.
“I said during the campaign that I could not have been more proud of the group I was running with,” Strong said. “It’s clear the voters see it the same way I do.”
When the Election Commission showed 86,002 voters opted to vote early this year, an increase of 45,667 voters over May figures when the primary election was held, Strong said three main reasons drove people to the polls in higher numbers this year.
Strong said the changes made regarding the early voting sites and hours by a predominantly Republican Shelby County Election Commission angered some Democrats and spurred them to action. He said there is also a general dissatisfaction with the way the largely GOP controlled government is operating on all levels.
“We also have a highly qualified slate of Democratic candidates for voters to consider this year,’’ Strong said before the election.
Harris and his wife voted early Thursday morning at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church.
“It is local government that directly impacts lives every day. Our county government is responsible for schools, healthcare, and incarceration,” Harris said. “It matters who leads. Now, it’s time for the voters to decide.”
About 12 hours later, he declared victory at The Columns at One Commerce Square (40 S. Main.”
In 2014, Harris was elected to the State Senate, becoming the youngest senator in the state of Tennessee. He also became the first African American Leader in the Tennessee State Senate when democratic senators selected him as Senate Minority Leader.
Prior to the 2014 election, Harris served on the Memphis City Council. He is also a tenured full professor of law at the University of Memphis Law School. Harris is married to professor Alena Allen. They have three children, Lee Allen Harris (12), Claudia Harris (9), and newborn baby boy Lou Harris.